Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands. In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be: On a leash no longer than 6 feet Under control at all times Kept out of wildlife areas and water These rules are in place to protect: Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals) Fragile ecosystems Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here) If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

Everglades Area School News

Community,News,School
New Student Exhibit at the Museum of the Everglades
Everglades City School students fill the Museum of the Everglades this summer with art, stories, and photos exploring what the American Dream means to them.
June 21, 2026Community, News, School
Community,News,School
Drawn Together Art Contest Open to Local Students in May
Collier County students in grades K through 12 are invited to celebrate America's 250th anniversary through original artwork and a short essay this May.
May 3, 2026Community, News, School
Community,News,School
Collier County Summer Camp 2026 Registration Opens March 2
Collier County Summer Camp 2026 registration opens March 2 with day camps, sports, sailing, and adaptive programs across county parks.
February 23, 2026Community, News, School
Community,News,School
Everglades City Shows Big Gator Spirit
Blue and white took over Everglades City as homes, businesses, and cars showed big Gator pride during the school’s Homecoming Spirit Competition.
February 5, 2026Community, News, School
School
Final Early Dismissal Day for the 2024-2025 School Year
Collier County Public Schools will observe an early dismissal day on Friday, May 30, which is the last day of school for students.
May 28, 2025School
School
April EVG Update
Our fifth through ninth grade students participated in a Marine lab science field trip that was an amazing hands on experience.
April 28, 2025School
School
Thank you to the Florida Stone Crabbers Association from Everglades City School
The Everglades City School students, teachers and I would like to publicly thank the Florida Stone Crabbers Association.
April 26, 2025School
School
EVG School Updates
Everglades City School’s spring Scholastic book fair was a huge success!
March 25, 2025School

More School News

Local Events

Paint Along at HavAnna Café
Published On: January 1, 2026|Categories: Culture|
Food Pantry
Published On: February 13, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Ladies’ Coffee at Dulce’s
Published On: February 3, 2026|Categories: Clubs|
Rep. Díaz-Balart’s in EC Office
Published On: August 12, 2024|Categories: ECity|
City Council Meeting
Published On: November 21, 2023|Categories: ECity|
Food Pantry
Published On: February 13, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Ladies’ Coffee at HavAnnA Cafe
Published On: February 3, 2026|Categories: Clubs|
Food Pantry
Published On: February 13, 2024|Categories: ECity|

See The Full Calendar

No. Dogs must always be kept on a leash when visiting Everglades National Park and surrounding park lands.

In most areas, dogs are not allowed on trails, boardwalks, or backcountry routes at all, even on a leash. Where pets are permitted (such as certain roadside or developed areas), they must be:

On a leash no longer than 6 feet
Under control at all times
Kept out of wildlife areas and water

These rules are in place to protect:

Sensitive wildlife (including birds, reptiles, and mammals)
Fragile ecosystems
Your dog’s safety (alligators, snakes, and heat are real risks here)

If you’re traveling with a dog, it’s best to check specific park rules before visiting or plan pet-friendly activities outside the national park boundaries.

Yes. They’re close enough that many visitors do both in one day. It’s an easy way to experience two very different sides of the Ten Thousand Islands area.
Helpful pages: Goodland | Everglades City

No. Goodland is a working waterfront village, not a beach town. Visitors looking for sandy beaches usually head to Marco Island or other nearby areas.

Helpful page: Goodland

Can I fly my drone in Everglades National Park?

No, drones and other unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park, or any other National Park Service site. This includes model airplanes, quadcopters, etc. (nps.gov)

Keywadin Island is only accessible by boat. People reach it from several nearby launches, including Marco Island, Everglades City, and Port of the Islands, depending on where they’re coming from and the conditions. While the island is undeveloped, there are trash cans placed in popular areas, and on busy days boat-based vendors often come by selling items like ice cream, drinks, and simple food. Visitors should still plan ahead by bringing water, sun protection, and anything they’ll need for the day, and always pack out personal trash and respect the natural setting.

Where can I park my car if I’m leaving in a boat for an extended trip?

Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Can I reserve the Mcleod Park for an event?

To Reserve the City Park for an Event contact the City Clerk at (239) 695-4558 or email: Dsmallwood@cityofeverglades.org (CityofEverglades.org)

How long does it take to get out to the ocean from Port of the Islands

It usually takes around 45 minutes to cruise from the Port of the Islands to the ocean. The journey includes navigating through a long, no-wake zone canal, providing a delightful and unhurried ride. Bring a cover for sun protection during this slow and scenic route. About half an hour in, you’ll arrive at the expansive and naturally beautiful mangroves before reaching the open waters of the ocean.

The Everglades isn’t something you just drive through and check off a list. The best way to experience it is to slow down. Walk a boardwalk trail, spend time on the water, or explore with someone who knows the area. A mix of trails, scenic drives, and guided tours gives you a much better feel for this place than any single stop.
Helpful pages:

Things To Do | Parks | Boat Tours

In Port of the Islands, where can I park if I’m going out on the water?

You can park in the parking lot by Port of the Islands Marina. Check with The Ship Store at (239) 642-3133 or Port of the Islands Marina at (239) 389-0367.

Chokoloskee is a small island community just across the bridge from Everglades City. It sits right on the edge of the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands, surrounded by water, mangroves, and backcountry routes.

Helpful Pages: Chokoloskee

Goodland is a small waterfront fishing village located between Marco Island and Everglades City. It sits on the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands and is surrounded by water, mangroves, and working docks.
Helpful page: Goodland

Ochopee is a small rural community along Tamiami Trail (US-41), east of Everglades City, right in the heart of the Everglades. It’s not a town in the traditional sense — more a stretch of road where long-time families still live and work.

Helpful page: Ochopee

Where can I hunt in Everglades National Forrest?

Hunting is permitted exclusively in Big Cypress Preserve. Visit our hunting page for more details.

Everglades Area School News

Local Events

Local Events

Area News

Area News

Park News

Park News

Paddle through the Everglades Photo Courtesy NPS photo by Daniel Blankenship

Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Bizarre Fish Behavior in the Florida Keys from the Mullet Rapper on Visit Everglades City

City Hall News

City Hall News

Everglades City Airpark with Outpost Indicated

School News

School News

Make a Dairy Product ice cream lab IMG_5900 WEB

Local History

Local History

Everglades City School Building 2026

Wildlife

Wildlife

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Arrives from the Mullet Rapper on Visit Everglades City

Recipes

Recipes

Stone Crab Salad Recipe on Visit Everglades City

FAQ’s