Ochopee Florida

A Tiny Town at the Edge of the Everglades with a Giant Story to Tell

There are places in Florida defined by glittering beaches, luxury resorts, and busy boulevards. Then there’s Ochopee — a tiny community on the Tamiami Trail, surrounded by endless sawgrass, cypress domes, and the timeless waters of the Everglades. It may be small — famous for housing the nation’s tiniest post office — but Ochopee stands tall as one of the most distinctive stops for anyone exploring Paradise Coast Vacations, Everglades National Park, or the many Southwest Florida attractions.

For sophisticated travelers seeking a blend of history, wilderness, and authenticity, Ochopee is more than a roadside curiosity. It is a symbol of old Florida, a living gateway to one of the world’s great natural landscapes.

MAP OF OCHOPEE FLORIDA

A Small Post Office in a Vast Landscape

The Ochopee Post Office is perhaps the most photographed and iconic “building” in Southwest Florida. Housed in a converted irrigation shed from a tomato farm, this tiny white structure measures only a few dozen square feet, making it the smallest operating post office in the United States. It continues to deliver mail to remote homes, ranches, and tribal communities. Tourists stop to take photos, send postcards stamped with the Ochopee postmark, and reflect on how such a tiny outpost manages to serve a vast landscape.

The post office represents what Ochopee is all about: resilience, adaptation, and connection in one of America’s wildest and most ecologically important places.

History of Ochopee

The roots of Ochopee reach back to the 1920s, when the Tamiami Trail opened South Florida to agriculture and settlement. Entrepreneur James Gaunt established tomato farms here, and the community grew around a general store and farm plots. The name “Ochopee” is derived from a Seminole word for “farm,” a fitting tribute to its agricultural beginnings.

After a fire destroyed the Gaunt Company Store in 1953, locals repurposed a farm shed to serve as the new post office. That quick improvisation not only preserved mail service but cemented Ochopee’s reputation as a quirky, enduring community. Over time, much of the surrounding farmland gave way to federal conservation efforts, and Ochopee evolved from a farming settlement into a gateway to Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park.

Population and Demographics

Unlike Naples or Marco Island, Ochopee has no sprawling developments or dense neighborhoods. This unincorporated community in Collier County counts only a few dozen full-time residents. The broader ZIP code area — 34141 — encompasses fewer than 1,000 people, scattered across ranches, tribal lands, and homes tucked along the road.

The demographics reflect Ochopee’s rugged setting: older residents who have deep roots in the land, Seminole and Miccosukee families who continue cultural traditions, National Park Service employees, and outdoor guides who build their livelihoods around the wild landscapes of Southwest Florida.

Here, population density is almost nonexistent, replaced by sweeping views of sawgrass marshes and cypress forests. It is one of the quietest corners of the Paradise Coast.

Town Information

Ochopee sits squarely on U.S. 41 — the historic Tamiami Trail — about an hour east of Naples and Marco Island. While services are limited (don’t expect a supermarket or big-box store), Ochopee thrives as a jumping-off point for exploration.

Everglades City, just a few miles away, provides restaurants, groceries, and fishing charters, while Naples offers upscale shopping and fine dining. From Ochopee, visitors can easily access Big Cypress National Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand State Park, and the Shark Valley section of Everglades National Park.

A visit here requires preparation — fill up on gas, pack water, and allow time to enjoy the unspoiled Southwest Florida attractions that surround this tiny town. 

Historic and Unique Sites

• The Ochopee Post Office – The smallest post office in the United States, still in daily operation. It draws curious visitors from around the world.

• Big Cypress National Preserve Headquarters – A gateway for exploring over 700,000 acres of swampland, boardwalks, and wildlife habitats.

• Skunk Ape Museum (Swamp Ape Museum) – A local roadside attraction dedicated to the legendary “Skunk Ape,” Florida’s version of Bigfoot. Here, visitors will find exhibits, photographs, and folklore surrounding this mysterious creature said to roam the Everglades. The museum is a quirky highlight and adds a colorful layer to Ochopee’s reputation as a place where myths and wilderness collide.

• ICE Detention Center – Ochopee is also the site of a federal immigration detention facility. Though not a tourist attraction, its presence has made Ochopee notable beyond tourism and folklore, reflecting modern complexities in this otherwise rural and historic community.

Scenic Drives and Cultural Attractions

• Loop Road Scenic Drive
  This backroad is a legendary drive for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Expect sightings of herons, egrets, turtles, and the occasional alligator sunning itself on the roadside.

• Cultural Heritage
  The Seminole and Miccosukee people have lived in and around this area for centuries. Cultural centers and nearby events highlight traditions, crafts, and the continuing importance of the Everglades in tribal life.

Where to Stay near Ochopee – Everglades National Park

Ochopee itself has no major hotels, but the surrounding towns of Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Naples offer a range of accommodations — from rustic cottages to luxury resorts. Here are some top suggestions for Paradise Coast vacations:

• Everglades Adventures Hotel / Ivey House
  Everglades City, FL. A boutique-style property offering clean, comfortable rooms with eco-friendly touches. The Everglades Adventures Hotel is popular with kayakers and eco-tour travelers. Staff arrange excursions into Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve.

• Everglades City Motel
  Everglades City, FL. A no-frills, budget-friendly motel that’s perfect for adventure seekers. The Everglades City Motel offers practical lodging close to airboat tours, marinas, and Southwest Florida attractions.

• Captain’s Table Hotel
  Everglades City, FL. This historic waterfront hotel channels “old Florida” charm. The Captain’s Table Hotel provides cozy rooms, views of the water, and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico’s fishing grounds.

• Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort
  Naples, FL (east of Marco Island). A rustic resort that caters to outdoorsy travelers. Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort features a marina, boat tours, and comfortable rooms for those seeking immersion in the Everglades while staying close to Paradise Coast amenities.

• Chokoloskee Lodging & Cottages
  Chokoloskee Island, FL. Quaint cottages and small lodges offering an intimate island atmosphere. Chokoloskee Lodging is ideal for those who want seclusion, boating opportunities, and a taste of Florida’s backcountry life.

• Naples & Marco Island Luxury Resorts
  For upscale travelers, Naples and Marco Island provide some of the most luxurious hotels in Southwest Florida. These resorts feature fine dining, spas, championship golf courses, and white-sand beaches, while keeping Ochopee and the Everglades an easy day trip away.

Southwest Florida Climate

Ochopee’s climate is distinctly subtropical, defined more by wet and dry seasons than by summer and winter.

• Wet Season (May–October): Hot, humid days with afternoon thunderstorms. Temperatures climb into the 90s, and mosquitoes thrive in the marshes.

• Dry Season (November–April): Cooler mornings, comfortable afternoons in the 70s and 80s, and lower humidity. This is the best time for hiking, birding, and exploring Everglades National Park.

For Paradise Coast vacations, winter and early spring are ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring Ochopee without the heat and heavy rains.

Ochopee SWFL Real Estate

Real estate in Ochopee is rare and unconventional. Rather than subdivisions or beach condos, properties consist of rural homes, ranchland, and parcels bordered by conservation areas. Much of the surrounding land is protected, meaning new development is limited and carefully regulated.

Buyers are drawn here for privacy, access to nature, and the prestige of living near Everglades National Park. Homes are often elevated and designed with flood resilience in mind. Land values vary based on accessibility and proximity to services in Everglades City or Naples.

For investors or those seeking a unique retreat, Ochopee real estate represents both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to live surrounded by one of the world’s most treasured ecosystems while remaining close to the cultural and coastal amenities of Southwest Florida.

Life and Living

Living in Ochopee is an intentional choice. It is quiet, rural, and deeply tied to the rhythms of the Everglades. Residents rely on nearby Everglades City for groceries and schools, and Naples for shopping, healthcare, and nightlife.

Daily life here revolves around conservation, outdoor adventure, and a close-knit community spirit. Many residents work with the National Park Service, eco-tour companies, or small businesses that cater to visitors exploring the Everglades. Others are ranchers, artists, or tribal members continuing cultural traditions.

Evenings are often defined not by traffic lights but by sunsets across endless marshes and starlit skies unspoiled by city lights. For those who prize solitude, wildlife, and authenticity, Ochopee offers a lifestyle like no other in Florida.

The Essence of Ochopee

Ochopee may be the smallest post office town in America, but it offers one of the largest lessons in travel: size does not equal significance. This tiny outpost is a portal to Everglades National Park, a centerpiece of Southwest Florida attractions, and an unforgettable stop on any Paradise Coast vacation.

Send a postcard, take a photo, book a local tour, and let Ochopee remind you that sometimes the greatest treasures are found in the smallest of places.

SWFL REALTORS & REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Becky Irwin Realtor® | 954-249-0374
Becky Irwin has been Florida resident for more than 30 years. Her family moved full time to Marco Island in 1980 and then to Fort Lauderdale in 1983. Becky is intimately familiar with both the east-coast (Broward) and west-coast (Collier) communities of Florida. A graduate of both St. Thomas Aquinas High School and Florida State University, she has deep roots and connections across South Florida. Becky is a licensed Florida Broker Associate, a member of the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors, Naples Area Board of Realtors and the Realtor Association of Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Visit Becky Irwin Realtor Listings

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Marco Expert - Patrick J. Wilkins Realtor® | 239-260-3550
Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. When you are ready to buy or sell on Marco Island contact the Wilkins Team. Personally sold Over $950 Million. Member RE/MAX Affinity Plus. #1 RE/MAX Agent Worldwide 2004. Browse our website for Marco Island real estate market research, covering all the surrounding areas as well.
Visit Marco Expert - Marco Island, FL

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Matt Brown, William Raveis Real Estate, 720 Fifth Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102 | 239-580-8864
Specializing in luxury homes and condominiums, Matt Brown has 18+ years of experience marketing and selling exceptional properties. He has closed over $500 million and skillfully negotiated over 100 highest and best multiple-bid sales. Unparalleled focus on every detail, his reputation continues to set the bar high in the industry.
Matt Brown, Bonita Springs, Estero, Naples, FL Real Estate Agent

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OCHOPEE FL GIFTS

SWFL PARADISE COAST ATTRACTIONS

Avi's Water Sports Jet Ski Adventure Tours, Caxambas Park, 909 Collier Ct., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-777-9873
Avi's is a family-owned business that offers some of the most exciting dolphin jet ski tours and jet ski rental adventures on Marco Island. You are invited to take an exciting journey with Avi "The Dolphin Whisperer" and take home a complimentary flash drive of photos from your adventure. Bring the family and make lasting memories. Contact us to book your dolphin Jet Ski tour.
Avi's Water Sports & Jet Ski Adventure Tours - Marco Island, FL

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Sunshine Tours and Fishing Charters, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL | 239-642-5415
Sunshine Tours. Fish the 10,000 islands, the best in Off Shore, Back Water, and Near Coastal Fishing Charters. We know where the fish are. Also offering Marco Island Shelling Trips, and Sightseeing aboard one of our four fishing boats. Since 1984, Sunshine Tours has provided unsurpassed fishing charters, and on-the-water experiences for locals and visitors alike. Shared and private charters available. Contact us to book your Marco Island fishing charter.
Sunshine Tours & Charters - Marco Island, FL

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Skinny Dipn Charters - Fishing & Eco Tours, Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-207-1945
Marco Island Fishing and Sightseeing Tour from an experienced Captain and Guide. Growing up on the local waters of Marco Island, Captain Brandon's excitement for fishing began at a very young age. He is highly knowledgeable of all the different fish species and waterways. Brandon is a very outgoing, personable, skilled, and patient. He takes pride in sharing his passion for fishing and helping his clients catch their dream fish!
Skinny Dipn Charters & Eco Tours - Marco Island

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Marco Island Princess / Sunshine Tours, Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island FL 34145 | 239-642-5415
The Marco Island Princess is a 90' luxury yacht offering daily Sightseeing, Lunch and Sunset Dinner Cruises. All of our delicious meals are prepared fresh on board for your enjoyment. Our professional and friendly crew will attend to your every need. Two full service cash bars serving up all of your favorite drinks! Also available for Weddings and Private Charters. Marco Island's most unique dining experience!
Visit The Marco Island Princess - Marco Island, FL

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Island Bike Shops (2 Locations) 1095 Bald Eagle Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145 | 239-394-8400 & 4342 Thomasson Dr., Naples, FL 34112 | 239-732-8400
At Island Bike Shops we make your visit fun. Reserve your rental online. Check our selection of bicycle rentals, electric bikes, motor scooters, trailers, and more. Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the diversity of Southwest Florida. Our large or small group bicycle tours can accommodate all cycling levels as we personally escort you through Naples, Historic Old Naples, Marco Island, or the Natural Everglades.
Visit Island Bike Shops - Marco Island & Naples

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Naples Bicycle Tours, Naples, FL 34113 | 239-580-7960
Naples Bicycle Tours provides a unique opportunity for visitors and residents to experience the natural Florida Everglades, up close and personal. Connect with nature on this 3-hour historic & ecotour in the heart of the Glades. All tours include everything needed for the adventure: custom-fit cycle, helmet, drinks, snacks, and a certified FL naturalist guide.
Naples Bicycle Tours - Naples, FL

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Go Cats On The Water 2200 Tamiami Trail E, Collier Seminole State Park, Naples, FL | 239-748-4099
Marco and Naples Most Exciting Boat Tour. Explore the backwater and mangroves for an unforgettable adventure in Southwest Florida. Everglades Backwater Sightseeing Eco-Tours in our safe, and easy to drive boats. Choose a 75 minute or a 2.5 hour tour. Our custom Go-Cat boats are fun for all ages and can easily be operated by both younger adults and seniors. Kayak, and Canoe rentals now available.
GoCatsOnTheWater.com - Naples, FL

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Tropical Tiki Tours, 220 Goodland Dr., Goodland, FL | 941-208-1200
Discover your private paradise on our new 26' "tiki-style" catamaran for a fun and relaxing cruise around Marco Island. Tropical Tiki Tours is offering daily eco-tours, sunset cruises, and private trips from 2-6 hours. Our USCG-inspected vessel is certified for up to 18 passengers so there is always room for all your family and friends for, Private Trips, Eco Tours, Corporate Events, Birthdays, Bachelorettes, Weddings, and Sunset Cruises.
Tropical Tiki Tours - Goodland, FL

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