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.

Welcome to Ochopee

Home of deep roots, panther trails, and legends that grow with the sawgrass.

Ochopee is a thin ribbon of US-41 winding through the true Everglades, where dense tropical hardwood hammocks meet open sawgrass prairie and cypress swamps push right up to the roadside. A handful of original Everglades families still live on this stretch, carrying on traditions shaped by the land long before the Tamiami Trail connected the coasts.

Though best known for the smallest post office in the United States, Ochopee’s story reaches far past that iconic landmark. This was once a farming hub, a community of tomato fields, gladesmen camps, and trail workers who carved their way through the wilderness. Their stories—of panthers slipping through the hammocks, storms rising out of the swamp, and life lived miles from anywhere—still define the spirit of the place.

Today, Ochopee remains raw, quiet, and unmistakably Everglades. It’s bordered by Big Cypress National Preserve, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and some of the most biodiverse tropical forest and wetland habitats in the state. Visitors come for wildlife viewing, backcountry adventures, photography, and the rare chance to see the Everglades as it truly is: wild, layered, and alive.

Build Your Own Everglades Experience

Design your visit around what matters most to you — history, nature, dining, or relaxation. Mix, match, and map your perfect Everglades escape.

Build My Itinerary →

Explore the Outdoors

No matter where you stay in the region, you’re only minutes from amazing ways to experience the Everglades & the Ten Thousand Islands.

Paddle

Kayak and canoe through mangrove tunnels, open bays, and quiet backwaters.

Let’s Go

Hike

Explore tropical hammocks, cypress domes, prairie trails, and coastal wetlands.

Let’s Go

Bike

Ride low-traffic island roads or nearby off-road routes in surrounding parks.

Let’s Go

Birdwatch

Spot roseate spoonbills, eagles, owls, wading birds, and seasonal migrants.

Let’s Go

Fish

Our waters are known worldwide — from backcountry snook and redfish to offshore opportunities.

Let’s Go

Local Businesses

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.

Welcome to Ochopee

Home of deep roots, panther trails, and legends that grow with the sawgrass.

Build Your Own Everglades Experience

Explore the Outdoors

Paddle

Hike

Bike

Birdwatch

Fish

Local Businesses

Big Cypress National Preserve

Clyde Butcher Big Cypress Gallery

Dulce’s Café

Everglades Adventure Tours

Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe

Loop Road Scenic Drive (Big Cypress)

Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center

Oasis Visitor Center

Ochopee Post Office

Official Skunk Ape Headquarters

Trail Lakes Campground

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours

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