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.

Everglades City Archives

Everglades City

Pastor Appreciation
Gallery
Pastor Appreciation

News

Pastor Appreciation

Staff2025-03-20T10:33:52-04:00March 23, 2025|News|

Pastor Bob Wallace has been servicing this community and our Everglades Community Church for 19 years.

Florida Bass Gains Official Recognition
Gallery
Florida Bass Gains Official Recognition

Fishing, Wildlife

Florida Bass Gains Official Recognition

Staff2025-03-20T10:37:59-04:00March 21, 2025|Fishing, Wildlife|

At its February meeting, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) recognized Florida bass as a unique species and incorporated the name change into rules.

Fishing Insights
Gallery
Fishing Insights

Fishing

Fishing Insights

Staff2025-11-21T15:52:04-05:00March 21, 2025|Fishing|

March is here and we are seeing some warmer weather. But, as you know it also means high winds!

Update From City Hall
Gallery
Update From City Hall

City Hall

Update From City Hall

Staff2025-03-20T09:56:55-04:00March 20, 2025|City Hall|

On Tuesday February 18th City Council held a workshop to get the citizen’s input on the proposed plans for the replacement of the Community Center above McLeod Park.

AI: Your Secret Gardening Tool – Making Your Garden Thrive
Gallery
AI: Your Secret Gardening Tool – Making Your Garden Thrive

News

AI: Your Secret Gardening Tool – Making Your Garden Thrive

Staff2025-03-19T12:19:30-04:00March 19, 2025|News|

As March brings in prime gardening season in the Everglades, local gardeners are discovering an unexpected ally in their quest for the perfect garden: artificial intelligence, or AI.

Everglades Visitor Center Celebrates Five Years
Gallery
Everglades Visitor Center Celebrates Five Years

Community

Everglades Visitor Center Celebrates Five Years

Staff2025-03-18T09:46:09-04:00March 18, 2025|Community|

The Everglades Area Visitor Center is celebrating its fifth season at the Glades Building, located at 207 West Broadway Avenue.

EVG Champs Again
Gallery
EVG Champs Again

School

EVG Champs Again

Staff2025-03-13T14:13:48-04:00March 17, 2025|School|

The Everglades City School middle school boys basketball team won the Southwest Florida Athletic Conference championship for the second year in a row!

There’s Bears in Those Everglades!
Gallery
There’s Bears in Those Everglades!

Wildlife

There’s Bears in Those Everglades!

Staff2025-03-13T14:03:12-04:00March 16, 2025|Wildlife|

When my wife and I moved to the Everglades in 2019 to take the pastorate on Chokoloskee Island, we figured the change from one rural area to another would be simple.

A New Chapter for Bank of Everglades
Gallery
A New Chapter for Bank of Everglades

News

A New Chapter for Bank of Everglades

Staff2025-03-13T12:00:25-04:00March 15, 2025|News|

What a great day it was to celebrate the groundbreaking of the historic Bank of Everglades Building on February 21!

Mmm… That Sweet Vanilla
Gallery
Mmm… That Sweet Vanilla

Wildlife

Mmm… That Sweet Vanilla

Staff2025-02-25T14:34:07-05:00March 11, 2025|Wildlife|

Vanilla, the flavor superstar we all know and love, has a wild and fascinating story—especially in Southwest Florida.

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.

Pastor Appreciation

Pastor Appreciation

Florida Bass Gains Official Recognition

Florida Bass Gains Official Recognition

Fishing Insights

Fishing Insights

Update From City Hall

Update From City Hall

AI: Your Secret Gardening Tool – Making Your Garden Thrive

AI: Your Secret Gardening Tool – Making Your Garden Thrive

Everglades Visitor Center Celebrates Five Years

Everglades Visitor Center Celebrates Five Years

EVG Champs Again

EVG Champs Again

There’s Bears in Those Everglades!

There’s Bears in Those Everglades!

A New Chapter for Bank of Everglades

A New Chapter for Bank of Everglades

Mmm… That Sweet Vanilla

Mmm… That Sweet Vanilla

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