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.

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

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

Does Goodland have beaches?

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 )

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

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.

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

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 )

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

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.

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

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

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

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.

Where is Chokoloskee located?

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

Where is Goodland located?

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

Where is Ochopee located?

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.

Parks Archives

Everglades National Park News

CUA Annual Fee Certification
Gallery
CUA Annual Fee Certification

Parks

CUA Annual Fee Certification

Staff2026-03-10T18:50:13-04:00June 2, 2024|Parks|

The letter below was forwarded to us after the

ENP Is Hiking Fees For Park Run Businesses
Gallery
ENP Is Hiking Fees For Park Run Businesses

Parks

ENP Is Hiking Fees For Park Run Businesses

Staff2026-03-16T04:10:41-04:00June 2, 2024|Parks|

Everglades National Park has now been given the ability to tax business owners who make a living and have built their business in the National Park.

Trekking Through the Everglades
Gallery
Trekking Through the Everglades

Parks, Wildlife

Trekking Through the Everglades

Staff2024-04-25T10:51:48-04:00April 29, 2024|Parks, Wildlife|

Sometimes in life, you just do something because you’ve talked about it and the time for talking is over. This is what got me started on planning a walk through the heart of the Mangroves here in the Everglades.

Gulf Coast Site Closure
Gulf Coast Site Closure

Parks

Gulf Coast Site Closure

Staff2024-04-09T11:21:02-04:00April 14, 2024|Parks|

Beginning April 1, Everglades National Park’s Gulf Coast site in Everglades City will close to the public for construction of the new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center.

Discover Port of the Islands Park
Gallery
Discover Port of the Islands Park

Parks

Discover Port of the Islands Park

Staff2024-04-01T13:44:29-04:00April 7, 2024|Parks|

I lived in Port of the Islands for many years, and I’ve often seen people hanging out in this spot by the bridge.

You Gotta Visit the New Boardwalk
Gallery
You Gotta Visit the New Boardwalk

Parks

You Gotta Visit the New Boardwalk

Staff2024-04-01T13:22:28-04:00April 1, 2024|Parks|

If you haven’t taken the time to stop at the new Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park you are missing out!

Birdwatching in Paradise
Gallery
Birdwatching in Paradise

Parks, Wildlife

Birdwatching in Paradise

Staff2026-03-15T22:49:00-04:00March 13, 2021|Parks, Wildlife|

Birdwatching in the Everglades, a beautiful ruby-throated hummingbird is enjoying the warm weather in Everglades City.

Beautiful Everglades Birds
Gallery
Beautiful Everglades Birds

Parks, Wildlife

Beautiful Everglades Birds

Staff2024-03-11T17:16:27-04:00October 21, 2019|Parks, Wildlife|

Fall in the Everglades brings back native and migratory birds.

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 National Park News

CUA Annual Fee Certification

CUA Annual Fee Certification

ENP Is Hiking Fees For Park Run Businesses

ENP Is Hiking Fees For Park Run Businesses

Trekking Through the Everglades

Trekking Through the Everglades

Gulf Coast Site Closure

Gulf Coast Site Closure

Discover Port of the Islands Park

Discover Port of the Islands Park

You Gotta Visit the New Boardwalk

You Gotta Visit the New Boardwalk

Birdwatching in Paradise

Birdwatching in Paradise

Beautiful Everglades Birds

Beautiful Everglades Birds

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