Pros & cons
PROS
- Primary gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands for boating and paddling
- Popular narrated boat tours depart from here under NPS authorization
CONS
- Closed for major reconstruction with limited on-site services until late 2025
- Water-only access point—no road entrance into the park’s interior
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center is the Gulf Coast gateway to Everglades National Park in Everglades City. It provides trip-planning information for the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands and tidal waterways explored by boat or paddle. The waterfront site includes a kayak launch, wildlife-watching opportunities, and a picnic area. Plan water trips for the tides, wind, weather, and your experience; routes through the islands require navigation and appropriate equipment.
Where it is
25.8458, -81.3859Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center
Tips for Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center
- 01Reserve the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour in advance—spots fill in peak season.
- 02During construction, go to the Everglades Adventures Visitor Center in town for rangers, maps, and alternate launch sites.
- 03If entering park waters, carry your entrance pass; overnights require a wilderness permit via Recreation.gov.
- 04Bring sun protection and insect repellent—exposure and bugs can be intense on the water.
- 05Use dry bags for phones and cameras and dress for spray on boat or kayak trips.
Amenities
Near Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center
All places →All trails →
1.7 mi awayChokoloskee BayShallow mangrove bay and gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands
1.8 mi awaySandfly Island Hiking TrailEasy 0.9-mile island loop through Calusa shell mounds and subtropical forest—boat access onlyEasy · 0.9 mi · 40 min
2 mi awaySandfly IslandBoat-in island loop with Calusa mounds, history, and solitudeTrailhead · Restroom
2.9 mi awaySmallwood StoreA time-capsule trading post overlooking the Ten Thousand IslandsExhibit · Restroom
6.2 mi awayPicnic KeyRemote Gulf-side beach campsite for paddlers with big-sky sunsetsCampground · Scenic Viewpoint
39.1 mi awayShark Valley Tram RoadFlat, paved 15-mile loop through the Everglades with trams, bikes, and abundant wildlifeEasy · 15 mi · 5.5 hr
39.1 mi awayOtter Cave Hammock TrailShaded 0.13-mile point-to-point hammock path over rough limestone with small footbridgesEasy · 0.1 mi · 15 min
39.2 mi awayBobcat Boardwalk TrailShort, accessible boardwalk through sawgrass and tropical hardwood hammock at Shark ValleyEasy · 0.4 mi · 18 min
