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.

Can I visit Goodland and Everglades City in the same day?

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

Does Goodland have beaches?

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 )

How to get to Keywadin Island, and what should I bring?

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.

Long Term Parking in Port of the Islands

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 )

Trip Time to the Ocean From Port of the Islands

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.

What are the best ways to experience the Everglades?

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

Where can I park in Port of the Islands

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.

Where is Chokoloskee located?

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

Where is Goodland located?

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

Where is Ochopee located?

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.

Stone Crab Season Closes May 2

Stone Crab Season Closes May 2
Gallery
Stone Crab Season Closes May 2

Fishing

Stone Crab Season Closes May 2

Florida’s recreational and commercial stone crab seasons in state and federal waters will close May 2, with the last day of harvest being May 1.

Staff2025-01-28T16:53:20-05:00April 29, 2024|Fishing|

Trekking Through the Everglades
Gallery
Trekking Through the Everglades

Parks, Wildlife

Trekking Through the Everglades

Sometimes in life, you just do something because you’ve talked about it and the time for talking is over. This is what got me started on planning a walk through the heart of the Mangroves here in the Everglades.

Staff2024-04-25T10:51:48-04:00April 29, 2024|Parks, Wildlife|

EVG District All-Star | April
Gallery
EVG District All-Star | April

School

EVG District All-Star | April

We’re thrilled to share that one of our very own EVG School students has been selected as this month’s CCPS District All-Star!

Staff2024-04-22T19:52:42-04:00April 28, 2024|School|

EVG School Updates April
Gallery
EVG School Updates April

School

EVG School Updates April

The school year is super busy! Check out these updates and upcoming items.

Staff2026-03-04T17:30:38-05:00April 28, 2024|School|

EVG Celebrates Prom 2024
Gallery
EVG Celebrates Prom 2024

Community, School

EVG Celebrates Prom 2024

We’re thrilled to announce the success of the Everglades City School 2024 Prom - A Grand Affair!

Staff2025-07-29T15:12:09-04:00April 27, 2024|Community, School|

Betty Osceola Speaks at the Museum of the Everglades
Gallery
Betty Osceola Speaks at the Museum of the Everglades

Community

Betty Osceola Speaks at the Museum of the Everglades

Miccosukee Environmental Educator Betty Osceola spoke at Museum of the Everglades as part of their Wilderness Wednesdays series on April 10th.

Staff2024-04-22T13:41:17-04:00April 27, 2024|Community|

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming
Gallery
Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Wildlife

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

As spring unfolds its vibrant colors, it also brings about increased activity in Florida’s wildlife, particularly our beloved black bears.

Staff2026-04-13T04:11:55-04:00April 26, 2024|Wildlife|

Everglades City Community Garden Update
Gallery
Everglades City Community Garden Update

Community

Everglades City Community Garden Update

Hey neighbors! We’ve got some exciting news about our beloved community garden in Everglades City, lovingly hosted by Tod Dahlke.

Staff2024-04-09T11:42:41-04:00April 25, 2024|Community|

Everglades Area Welcome Center
Gallery
Everglades Area Welcome Center

Community

Everglades Area Welcome Center

In February the Everglades Area Welcome Center welcomed 889 visitors from 42 states throughout the U.S., 9 countries from around the world, and 12 counties outside of Collier County.

Staff2025-07-07T15:58:31-04:00April 24, 2024|Community|

Local Volunteer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Gallery
Local Volunteer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Community

Local Volunteer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Last week Collier County Museums held an Appreciation Dinner for all the volunteers who donate their time across the five-museum system.

Staff2024-04-09T11:39:39-04:00April 23, 2024|Community|

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.

Stone Crab Season Closes May 2

Stone Crab Season Closes May 2

Trekking Through the Everglades

Trekking Through the Everglades

EVG District All-Star | April

EVG District All-Star | April

EVG School Updates April

EVG School Updates April

EVG Celebrates Prom 2024

EVG Celebrates Prom 2024

Betty Osceola Speaks at the Museum of the Everglades

Betty Osceola Speaks at the Museum of the Everglades

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Spring Alert: Black Bears Roaming

Everglades City Community Garden Update

Everglades City Community Garden Update

Everglades Area Welcome Center

Everglades Area Welcome Center

Local Volunteer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Local Volunteer Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

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