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.

Chokoloskee Archives

Chokoloskee

Florida Bay Forever
Gallery
Florida Bay Forever

News

Florida Bay Forever

Staff2025-01-28T16:47:40-05:00June 17, 2024|News|

Are you looking for a way to make a positive impact in your community while adding a touch of flair to your vehicle?

Amazon Prime Ecolodge
Gallery
Amazon Prime Ecolodge

News

Amazon Prime Ecolodge

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:05-05:00June 15, 2024|News|

Amazon Prime Ecolodge, how it all started. I named it Amazon Prime Ecolodge! This was partially a joke, then we decided, why not?

FWC Approves Rule Amendment for Largemouth Bass Possession
Gallery
FWC Approves Rule Amendment for Largemouth Bass Possession

Fishing

FWC Approves Rule Amendment for Largemouth Bass Possession

Staff2025-07-29T15:10:09-04:00June 14, 2024|Fishing|

At their May 2024 meeting in Daytona Beach, Commissioners with the FWC) approved a rule amendment to clarify the possession of largemouth bass over applicable legal bag or length limits when participating in FWC documentation programs.

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants
Gallery
FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Wildlife

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Staff2026-03-10T18:04:09-04:00June 11, 2024|Wildlife|

Calling all wildlife watchers! The FWC needs participants for an innovative new photo project.

Elevating Homes Program
Gallery
Elevating Homes Program

City Hall

Elevating Homes Program

Staff2025-01-28T16:49:03-05:00June 9, 2024|City Hall|

Driving through the low-lying communities of Everglades City, Plantation Island, and Chokoloskee in southwest Collier County, you see that many of the homes are lifted up on pilings to mitigate against storm surge.

Summertime Fishing
Gallery
Summertime Fishing

Fishing, Fishing Report

Summertime Fishing

Staff2026-03-09T07:01:13-04:00June 7, 2024|Fishing, Fishing Report|

Summer time is approaching fast! With May upon us and June right around the corner, it is starting to get hot out on the water.

Check Presentation
Gallery
Check Presentation

News

Check Presentation

Staff2025-01-28T16:58:44-05:00June 6, 2024|News|

Earlier this month, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart visited Everglades City to present Mayor Howie Grimm with two checks.

Waterkeeper
Gallery
Waterkeeper

Community

Waterkeeper

Staff2026-03-10T18:57:14-04:00June 4, 2024|Community|

The Collier County Waterkeeper, by way of introducing ourselves, is part of an international alliance dedicated to protecting water for generations to come.

Alligator Hunt
Gallery
Alligator Hunt

Wildlife

Alligator Hunt

Staff2026-04-13T04:11:51-04:00June 3, 2024|Wildlife|

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has opened applications for two exciting opportunities: the Statewide Alligator Harvest Program and the brand-new Alligator Super Hunt.

CUA Annual Fee Certification
Gallery
CUA Annual Fee Certification

Parks

CUA Annual Fee Certification

Staff2026-03-10T18:50:13-04:00June 2, 2024|Parks|

The letter below was forwarded to us after the

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.

Florida Bay Forever

Florida Bay Forever

Amazon Prime Ecolodge

Amazon Prime Ecolodge

FWC Approves Rule Amendment for Largemouth Bass Possession

FWC Approves Rule Amendment for Largemouth Bass Possession

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

FWC seeks Photo Project Participants

Elevating Homes Program

Elevating Homes Program

Summertime Fishing

Summertime Fishing

Check Presentation

Check Presentation

Waterkeeper

Waterkeeper

Alligator Hunt

Alligator Hunt

CUA Annual Fee Certification

CUA Annual Fee Certification

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