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 City News

Community,News
Baby Formula Toxin Testing
Independent testing of infant formula sold in Florida found that some products contained elevated levels of heavy metals and pesticides.

February 1, 2026Community, News
News
Short-Form Video and the Cost to Our Attention
Research suggests excessive short-form video use may impair attention and memory over time — but the brain can recover when the stimulation loop is broken.

January 24, 2026News
Uncategorized
Everglades Lions Club Celebrates Service, Growth, and Community
The Everglades Lions Club recently honored Vickie Wells for 20 years of service and welcomed new members

January 23, 2026Uncategorized
Community,News
Everglades Seafood Festival Returns for Its 56th Year
The countdown is on for Seafood Festival weekend, with music, carnival rides, seafood, and nonstop fun filling Everglades City.

January 20, 2026Community, News
City Hall,News
January City Hall Update 2026
This City Hall update outlines Everglades City’s ongoing discussions with FGCU’s Water School and plans for a public workshop later this winter.

January 19, 2026City Hall, News
Fishing,Fishing Report
January Fishing Remains Steady
Mild January conditions have kept fishing steady, with winter species active and Snook picking up.

January 13, 2026Fishing, Fishing Report
Community,News
Carrying the Legacy Forward at the Rod & Gun Club
Taylor Caple, a fourth-generation family member, is carrying forward the legacy of the historic Rod & Gun Club in Everglades City.

January 7, 2026Community, News
News
GEO vs SEO and Why Some Content Never Shows Up
AI now decides what content is worth showing. Here’s how GEO differs from SEO — and why “slop” disappears.

January 6, 2026News

More Everglades City News

Local Events

Code Enforcement & Planning & Zoning Meetings
Published On: August 12, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Food Pantry
Published On: February 13, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Ladies’ Coffee at Island Cafe
Published On: February 3, 2026|Categories: Clubs|
Third Thursday Talk at the Museum of the Everglades
Published On: January 1, 2026|Categories: Culture|
CCPS Early Dismissal
Published On: August 14, 2025|Categories: School|
Fresh Market
Published On: March 26, 2025|Categories: Community|
Fresh Market
Published On: March 26, 2025|Categories: Community|
CCPS No School
Published On: August 14, 2025|Categories: School|

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 City News

Local Events

Local Events

Area News

Area News

Park News

Park News

Hilux Fire Big Cypress 2026

Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Hooked a Bird? Don’t Cut the Line!

City Hall News

City Hall News

Michael McComas Everglades City Council

School News

School News

Everglades City School Garden

Local History

Local History

Bank of the Everglades

Wildlife

Wildlife

Living in a Post Card Everglades Florida

Recipes

Recipes

Granny Smith Snicker Salad Recipe on Visit Everglades City

FAQ’s