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.

Hike the Everglades

In the 10,000 Islands & Everglades National Park

There are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the trails around the Ten Thousand Islands.

Everglades City

Explore historic Everglades City on its quiet, low-traffic roads and take in the sunsets along the Barron River. Visit the Museum of the Everglades, tour the original Collier County Courthouse, and grab lunch at one of our local restaurants. For a longer walk, head toward Plantation Island or continue down the causeway toward Chokoloskee.

An Official Florida Trail Town

Everglades City is a designated Florida Trail Town, recognized for its easy access to world-class hiking, paddling, and nature trails.

Chokoloskee

Just over the bridge, Chokoloskee offers a peaceful island pace with shoreline views, easy walking routes, and quick access to backcountry paddling trails. The island has a marina, RV parking, and some of the best Cuban food around — a local favorite after a day on the water. Don’t miss the old trading post, now the Smallwood Store & Museum, a true piece of island history and one of the most storied spots in the Ten Thousand Islands.

Goodland

A short drive west brings you to Goodland, a quirky Old Florida community filled with historic cottages, waterside paths inside MarGood Harbor Park, and plenty of coastal charm. Goodland is also known for its fun nightlife and laid-back social scene, with places like Stan’s Idle Hour bringing music, dancing, and that unmistakable Goodland energy — especially on Sundays.

Port of the Islands

East of Everglades City, Port of the Islands features serene streets lined with canals, many with seawalls perfect for strolling and spotting gators, birds, and manatees. The marina area offers quiet views, and the historic hotel site still holds its massive old deep-water pool — a unique landmark before heading to the on-site bar for an easy end to the day.

Nearby Parks & Preserves
Our public lands are a big part of what makes this area so special for hikers. Big Cypress, Fakahatchee Strand, Collier-Seminole, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and several smaller preserves offer miles of boardwalks, backcountry routes, and quiet coastal trails. You’ll find these parks in the grid below — each one with its own trails, overlooks, and wildlife to discover.

Adventurers experience the Everglades in a way you can’t find anywhere else. Dress for the heat and insects, bring plenty of water, and keep an eye on the forecast — summer storms can move in quickly.

Check the Weather

Check-in Before Your Go

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 →

Where To Go

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.

Hike the Everglades

In the 10,000 Islands & Everglades National Park

Build Your Own Everglades Experience

Where To Go

Bear Island (Big Cypress)

Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk

Collier Seminole State Park Naples

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Everglades National Forest

Fakahatchee Strand State Park

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center

Oasis Visitor Center

Picayune Strand State Forest

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