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

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The Backcountry Isn’t What It Used to Be
Local captains around Everglades City are watching seagrass, oysters, and open channels disappear from the backcountry while the fishing that defined these waters fades.
June 22, 2026Community, News, Parks
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Boating Safety in the Ten Thousand Islands
Boating season is picking up in the Ten Thousand Islands, and this is your reminder to check the basics before heading out on local waters.
May 14, 2026Community, Fishing, Parks
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Florida WildQuest Scavenger Hunt Starts This Weekend
The FWC's Florida WildQuest scavenger hunt runs April 25 through May 3 on Wildlife Management Areas, with Big Cypress right next door.
April 23, 2026News, Parks, Wildlife
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Living in Everglades City means living in a postcard every day. Earth Day is a good reminder to appreciate and protect everything that makes this place special.
April 20, 2026Community, News, Parks, Wildlife
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The Hilux Fire is burning in Big Cypress National Preserve north of I-75. Daily updates, closures, and road conditions for our area.
April 13, 2026News, Parks
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New Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center
The new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is now open in Everglades City, with tours, rentals, and access to the Gulf Coast area.
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Eight Years Later – Your Gateway to Paradise is Back (And Better Than Ever)
The new Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center has opened in Everglades City, built to withstand storms and reconnect visitors to the Ten Thousand Islands.
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Big Cypress Fire Update for Everglades Area Communities
Ongoing updates on the Big Cypress National Preserve fire, including containment progress, road impacts, and preserve closures affecting our area.
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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|
Code Enforcement & Planning & Zoning Meetings
Published On: August 12, 2024|Categories: ECity|
Holy Family Church Outreach Program
Published On: February 10, 2025|Categories: Community|

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.

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Paddle through the Everglades Photo Courtesy NPS photo by Daniel Blankenship

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