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 History

Community,History,News
The Full Outlaws of the Everglades Documentary Is Now Online
The full Outlaws of the Everglades documentary, telling the community's 1970s and 80s smuggling story in the families' own words, is now online.
June 18, 2026Community, History, News
History,News
If You Believe That, I’ve Got Some Swampland in Florida to Sell You
The hotel and the swampland scam that built the Port of the Islands.
May 25, 2026History, News
Community,History,News
Bloody Ed Watson and the Killing at Smallwood’s Store
A century after the men of Chokoloskee shot Bloody Ed Watson dead at Smallwood's dock, people are still arguing about whether they did right.
May 25, 2026Community, History, News
History,News
Bank of Everglades Building Project Update for May
Progress continues at the Bank of Everglades Building with the exterior staircase and second-floor balcony now complete, plus French door openings now visible.
May 4, 2026History, News
Community,History,News
How Marijuana Smuggling Changed Everglades City
Federal fishing restrictions squeezed Everglades City for decades before the drug trade ever arrived. Desperation and geography did the rest.
April 27, 2026Community, History, News
Community,Events,History
Tamiami Trail Turns 98 with a Birthday Celebration in Everglades City
Come Celebrate the 98th anniversary of the Tamiami Trail with a free, family-friendly community event at the Museum of the Everglades featuring music, history, and laundry cart races.
April 2, 2026Community, Events, History
Community,History,News
Smallwood Store A Glimpse of History
Established in 1906 by the visionary Ted Smallwood, this historic site, nestled in the heart of the Everglades, stands as a living testament to the pioneers who shaped our community.
March 23, 2026Community, History, News
Community,History,News
Locals Share Smuggling Stories in New Everglades Documentary
Locals from Everglades City and Chokoloskee speak publicly about the smuggling era for the first time in the new documentary Outlaws of the Everglades.
March 8, 2026Community, History, News

More History

Local Events

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|
Summer Meet & Greet at Big Cypress Gallery
Published On: April 16, 2026|Categories: Community|
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|

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 History

Local Events

Local Events

Area News

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Paddle through the Everglades Photo Courtesy NPS photo by Daniel Blankenship

Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Amberjack Photo Courtesy of FWC

City Hall News

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Everglades City Airpark with Outpost Indicated

School News

School News

Museum of the Everglades American Spirit, American Dream

Local History

Local History

Outlaws of the Everglades Full documentary

Wildlife

Wildlife

Manatee Photo Courtesy of FWC.

Recipes

Recipes

Stone Crab Salad Recipe on Visit Everglades City

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