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 Parks News

News,Parks,Wildlife
Florida Winter Shorebird Survey Returns February 6–12, 2026
The Florida Winter Shorebird Survey returns tomorrow. Help Documenting wintering birds in the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands.

February 5, 2026News, Parks, Wildlife
Community,Events,Parks
Free Admission to Florida State Parks Feb 12-16
Celebrate Washington’s Birthday Weekend with free admission for Floridians at state parks, historic sites, and state-managed lands. Feb 12-16

February 2, 2026Community, Events, Parks
News,Parks
Everglades National Park Reopens Its Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City
The National Park Service reopened the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at Everglades National Park following a major redevelopment project in Everglades City.

December 16, 2025News, Parks
Community,News,Parks
Florida State Parks announces 2025 photo contest winners
Florida State Parks announced the 2025 photo contest winners

December 13, 2025Community, News, Parks
Fishing,News,Parks
Boater Feedback Needed
Boaters can now weigh in on how Collier County’s waterways and ramps are working for them through a quick new feedback survey.

December 5, 2025Fishing, News, Parks
Fishing,News,Parks
Flounder Harvest Reopens Dec. 1
Recreational flounder harvest reopens Dec. 1 with a 14-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit in all Florida waters.

December 3, 2025Fishing, News, Parks
Community,News,Parks
Caxambas Park to Resume Fuel Services Saturday, November 15
Fuel service at Caxambas Park resumes November 15 with daily hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

November 18, 2025Community, News, Parks
Events,News,Parks
S.W.A.M.P. Wander Raises $40K for Kids’ Science at Big Cypress
Clyde and Niki Butcher, with community donors, raised over $40K at the Nov. 1 S.W.A.M.P. Wander.

November 13, 2025Events, News, Parks

More Park News

Local Events

Food Pantry
Published On: February 13, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Ladies’ Coffee at HavAnnA Cafe
Published On: February 3, 2026|Categories: Clubs|
Third Thursday Talk at the Museum of the Everglades
Published On: January 1, 2026|Categories: Culture|
Fresh Market
Published On: March 26, 2025|Categories: Community|
Fresh Market
Published On: March 26, 2025|Categories: Community|
Exhibit Open | Growing Obsession: The Enchanting Story of Orchids in the Everglades
Published On: January 1, 2026|Categories: Community|
Holy Family Church Outreach Program
Published On: February 10, 2025|Categories: Community|
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 Parks News

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Birds on Beach. Photo courtesy of FWC.

Fishing Report

Fishing Report

Captain Mike Merritt on Visit Everglades City

City Hall News

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Michael McComas Everglades City Council

School News

School News

Gator Spirit Week Everglades City

Local History

Local History

ESHP Historical Library is now available online!

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Wildlife

Birds on Beach. Photo courtesy of FWC.

Recipes

Recipes

Stone Crab Salad Recipe on Visit Everglades City

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