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.

About

About VisitEvergladesCity.com

VisitEvergladesCity.com is a locally operated resource dedicated to sharing real, useful information about Everglades City, Chokoloskee, Goodland, Ochopee, Port of the Islands, and the surrounding Ten Thousand Islands region.

We focus on what matters to both visitors and locals — news, events, fishing updates, business listings, and the small-town moments that give this area its unique character.

Our Purpose

To make it easier for people to discover what’s happening in and around Everglades City, support local businesses, and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of Southwest Florida.

Everything on this site is written, organized, and curated with the goal of helping people:

Find trusted information quickly
Explore the area with confidence
Connect with local services, tours, and small businesses
Keep up with community news and events

What We Publish

VisitEvergladesCity.com includes a mix of:

Local news and updates
Community events
Fishing reports and outdoor information
Business directory listings
Parks, boat ramps, and activity guides
Seasonal information for visitors
Sponsored articles and Business Partner features

We aim to keep everything clear, accurate, and easy to use.

Supporting the Community

This site highlights the small businesses, guides, restaurants, marinas, attractions, and services that keep Everglades City and the surrounding communities running.

Our Business Partner program gives local businesses additional visibility, featured placement, and ways to connect with the people actively searching for them.

From Print to Digital

VisitEvergladesCity.com grew out of The Mullet Rapper, which began as a tabletop local newspaper and later expanded into a regularly printed newspaper and distributed more than 3,000 copies twice a month before being sold.

The Mullet Rapper was later brought online, and over time, that digital presence evolved into what is now VisitEvergladesCity.com. The site has been built and expanded over the course of more than a decade, evolving into a dedicated platform for local news, visitor information, and community resources.

Tools for Visitors

In addition to articles and listings, VisitEvergladesCity.com offers tools designed to help visitors plan their time in the area, including a mobile-friendly experience, a dedicated mobile app, and a Plan Your Visit itinerary feature that makes it easier to explore, schedule activities, and discover local favorites.

Who Operates This Site

VisitEvergladesCity.com is owned and operated by Artist@Large LLC, locally known as Paradise Web and now rebranded as WautersEdge, a marketing and advertising firm with more than 30 years of industry experience. The Mullet Rapper and VisitEvergladesCity.com are passion projects that support local tourism, publishing, and community-focused initiatives.

The site focuses on online publishing, digital tools, and community-based information for the Everglades region.

Contact Us

If you’d like to reach out, share a local event, submit a correction, or inquire about advertising, you can contact us anytime here:
https://visitevergladescity.com/contact/

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.

About VisitEvergladesCity.com

Our Purpose

What We Publish

Supporting the Community

From Print to Digital

Tools for Visitors

Who Operates This Site

Contact Us

FAQ’s

Are dogs allowed off leash in the park?

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

Does Goodland have beaches?

Drones in the Park?

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

Reserve Mcleod Park?

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

Where is Chokoloskee located?

Where is Goodland located?

Where is Ochopee located?

Which Park to Hunt