Fort Lauderdale to Naples & Marco Island via the Everglades

Everglades to Gulf Coast (Naples & Marco Island via Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail)

Trip Snapshot

• Distance & drive time: ~110 miles from Fort Lauderdale to Naples (under 2 hours via I-75 “Alligator Alley”). If you continue to Marco Island, it’s ~20 more miles. Taking the scenic Tamiami Trail (US-41) across the Everglades is about the same distance but can take 3+ hours with stops. Plan for at least a weekend: this trip can be done as a long day trip, but an overnight in Naples or Marco Island lets you enjoy the sunset and sights without rushing.
• Best time:Winter and spring (Nov–April) are ideal it’s the Everglades’ dry season, meaning comfortable temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and active wildlife. Summer brings intense heat, daily afternoon thunderstorms, and lots of bugs (Everglades in August is bug city!). If traveling in the humid summer, aim for early morning or late afternoon outdoor activities and pack heavy-duty insect repellent.
• Ideal for:Nature enthusiasts (bird-watchers, photographers, anyone who’s wanted to see a gator in the wild), families (Naples has a gentle beach and zoo, Everglades boat rides thrill kids), and road trippers who want a mix of swamp adventure and beach relaxation. Also great for anyone who enjoys scenic drives with variety you’ll go from city to swamp to sea in one trip.
• Quick route summary: From FLL, head west on I-75 (Alligator Alley) for a fast, straight shot through the Everglades to Naples. (Alligator Alley is a fenced interstate with limited exits.) Or, for a more adventurous drive, take US-41 (Tamiami Trail) west from Miami, a two-lane road that winds through the Everglades and Big Cypress with lots of potential stops (Shark Valley, visitor centers, scenic boardwalks). Both routes meet in Naples. Once in Naples, enjoy the Gulf Coast vibe, then optionally head south on Collier Blvd to Marco Island for a resort island experience. You can return to Fort Lauderdale the way you came, or do a loop: for example, take I-75 out and US-41 back (or vice versa) to see both.
• Top 3 highlights:Shark Valley (Everglades) tram ride among gators • Naples Pier sunset over the Gulf • Marco Island Beach shell collecting and relaxation.

Route Overview
Trade the Atlantic bustle for the wild heart of Florida! Leaving Fort Lauderdale, you’ll quickly enter the vast expanse of the Everglades. If you choose I-75 Alligator Alley, expect roughly 80 miles of straight, flat highway through sawgrass plains. It’s efficient there’s a service plaza roughly halfway (with gas, restrooms, snacks) but you won’t see much beyond an occasional bird of prey overhead. Don’t let the name fool you: you might spot gators in the waterways alongside the road, but the real alligator action is on the older highway, US-41. If you opt for Tamiami Trail (US-41), the pace is slower but far more scenic: you’ll drive alongside canals where gators bask on the banks and great egrets and herons wade. You’ll pass tribal lands (Miccosukee Village), airboat tour outposts, and national park sites. It’s easy to pull over at wildlife viewing spots like Big Cypress Oasis Visitor Center. As you approach Naples, the landscape transitions from swamp to suburb, then to the upscale coastal city. Naples greets you with palm-lined streets, golf courses, and a beautiful city beach. The Naples Pier is a must for sunset. Further south, Marco Island offers a more laid-back tropical island atmosphere with wide beaches and dolphins playing offshore. On the return trip, if you haven’t done so already, you can swap routes (I-75 vs US-41) for a change of scenery. One note: Alligator Alley (I-75) is tolled no cash accepted so ensure you’re covered for tolls. Also, cell signal is generally fine on both routes, but it can be spotty deep in the Everglades, so download maps offline if taking the backroad.

Top Stops & Experiences

• Shark Valley (Everglades National Park)Family-friendly. If you take US-41, a key stop is Shark Valley Visitor Center (about an hour from Miami). Here you can hop on a guided tram tour or rent bikes to explore a 15-mile paved trail into the Everglades sawgrass. The tram (with guide narration) takes you to an observation tower where you can overlook the “River of Grass” and yes, you’ll almost certainly see alligators along the way, often right next to the tram road! There’s a small visitor center, gift shop, water refill station, and restrooms. Tip: go early in the day during warm months the trams can fill up, and the wildlife (and humans) are more active in the morning before it gets too hot. (If you’re on I-75 and want to experience this, you’d have to detour south from the toll road about 20 miles doable if you’re keen on it.)
• Big Cypress Oasis Visitor CenterFamily-friendly. Right off US-41 in the Big Cypress National Preserve, this free roadside stop is a gator hotspot. A boardwalk along a clear water canal lets you safely see dozens of alligators lazing in the water or on the banks often from just a few feet away (behind railing). You’ll also spot huge Florida gar fish and turtles in the water, and sometimes manatees in cooler months. The visitor center has park rangers, informational displays, and restrooms. It’s a quick stop (15-30 minutes is plenty) but super memorable essentially a guaranteed gator encounter. (If taking I-75, you miss this, as it’s along US-41. But I-75 travelers could consider a side trip to Everglades Holiday Park at the east end of Alley for airboats and gator shows.)
• Everglades Airboat Tour (Everglades City)Family-friendly (loud noise). For a quintessential Everglades experience, consider detouring to Everglades City (just south of where US-41 meets SR-29, before Naples) to catch an airboat ride. Zipping through the mangrove tunnels and sawgrass on a loud fan-powered boat is thrilling. Kids and adults love the speed and the chance to spot gators, birds, and maybe raccoons. There are several operators (small-group tours tend to be more personalized). Rides usually last ~1 hour. You’ll wear ear protection (those engines roar!). Note: This is a touristy but fun activity; it technically skirts the national park boundaries (airboats aren’t allowed inside ENP), but it’s part of the local culture. Check for age minimums (often infants can’t ride).
• Naples PierFamily-friendly. Once in Naples, head to the historic Naples Pier. This picturesque wooden pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and is the spot for sunsets. No fishing license is needed to fish off the pier, so you’ll often see locals casting lines and pelicans hanging about hoping for a catch. Stroll to the end to look for dolphins they frequently swim by. Come at sunset for a breathtaking view as the sun sinks into the Gulf. The beach by the pier is free and open to the public, with soft white sand that kids will love. (There’s a snack bar and restrooms on the pier as well.) Parking can be tricky here; there’s a pay parking lot at 12th Ave S by the pier and some street parking (download the ParkMobile app or have quarters).
• Downtown Naples (5th Avenue South & 3rd Street South)Family-friendly. Naples’ downtown is a delightful area to explore for a taste of the good life. Along 5th Ave and 3rd St, you’ll find art galleries, boutique shops, and plenty of restaurants with outdoor seating under twinkling lights. It’s an upscale yet relaxed vibe think ice cream parlors next to chic fashion boutiques. Families can enjoy an evening stroll here for dinner and dessert. It’s also beautifully landscaped, with bougainvillea and palm trees everywhere. On Saturdays, there’s often a farmer’s market on 3rd Street. If you have time, the nearby Naples Botanical Garden or Naples Zoo (both a short drive from downtown) are great daytime stops with kids, featuring beautiful gardens and wildlife (the zoo even has a boat ride to see monkeys).
• Marco Island BeachesFamily-friendly. Marco Island, just south of Naples, is known for its pristine, shell-filled beaches. Two main public beach access points are Tigertail Beach on the north side and South Beach at the other end. Tigertail is unique a lagoon separates the parking area from the Gulf beach, and you can either wade across the shallow lagoon or walk around it (~1/2 mile) to reach the quiet sand spit. It’s fantastic for shelling (keep an eye out for sand dollars at low tide) and bird watching. South Beach access drops you right onto a wide expanse of soft sand and gentle waves, perfect for swimming. Marco’s Gulf water is typically warm and calm, great for young kids. Parking on Marco’s public accesses is limited and paid go early, especially on weekends. After beach time, consider an island boat tour to see the Ten Thousand Islands many tours depart from Marco and often encounter dolphins playing in the boat wake!

Where to Eat & Stay

Food

• Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe (Ochopee) If driving the Tamiami Trail (US-41), stop for a bite of Old Florida at Joanie’s, a rustic roadside café in the middle of nowhere (Ochopee). It looks like a shack, but they serve mean gator bites, fried frog legs, and of course, blue crab cakes. It’s definitely a unique experience you might be dining with bikers, park rangers, and tourists together. Casual, quirky, and only open for lunch most days. Kids might find the menu adventurous, but there are usually chicken fingers or burgers too.
• The Dock at Crayton Cove (Naples) A Naples institution, this waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood with a view of Naples Bay. Come for grouper sandwiches, peel-and-eat shrimp, and a slice of Key lime pie. You can watch boats cruise by and maybe even spot a manatee. It’s laid-back and welcoming to families (they have kids’ options). It’s located near the Naples City Dock, a short drive from the pier.
• Snook Inn (Marco Island) A classic Marco Island eatery on the water, great for lunch or dinner after the beach. They have a tiki bar, live music in the evenings, and a menu full of seafood baskets, salads, and sandwiches. The coconut shrimp and conch fritters are favorites. You can sit outside under palm thatch umbrellas as the sun sets. Very family-friendly (kids get paper pirate hats sometimes), and you might see dolphins from your table. Expect a wait during peak season dinner, but the vibe is fun so it’s worth it.

Lodging

• Naples: Naples offers everything from luxury beachfront resorts (think The Ritz-Carlton Naples or Naples Grande) to familiar chain hotels inland. For convenience, consider staying near downtown or the beach so you can walk to attractions and the pier. If you’re traveling with kids, a hotel with a pool is a plus (Naples often has calm Gulf waters, but a pool is great for midday when kids need a break from sand and sun). Budget tip: staying a bit east of downtown (along US-41/Tamiami Trail) will be cheaper, and you’re only a 10-minute drive to the beach.
• Marco Island: Marco is known for its resort hotels along Collier Blvd. Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham all have beachside resorts here with multiple pools, kid activities, and spa amenities ideal if you want a resort feel. There are also condo rentals, which are great for families (and often walking distance to the beach). Marco is compact, so any lodging will be a short drive or walk to sand. If you stay overnight, enjoy the island’s quieter nights and a sunrise beach walk Marco’s beach in early morning is gorgeous and often dotted with seabirds and fighting conch shells.
• Everglades Area: For a more rustic stay (and if you really love the wild side), you could stay out in Everglades City or surrounding areas. There are a few small inns and fishing lodges. They’re not fancy think basic motel style but you’ll be right near the airboats and Everglades National Park’s Gulf Coast boat tours. This is only recommended for true nature-focused travelers; most will prefer the comfort of Naples/Marco after a day in the swamps.

Detours & Extensions

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary About 30 minutes northeast of Naples, this Audubon sanctuary has a famous 2.5-mile boardwalk through old-growth cypress forest. If you’re into birding or want to see a different side of the Everglades ecosystem (towering trees, orchid-filled swamps), it’s worth the trip. Go in the morning for the best wildlife sightings (you might see gators, deer, otters, and countless bird species). There is an entry fee and the boardwalk is self-guided.
• Sanibel and Captiva Islands If you have another day and want more Gulf Coast beauty, drive an hour north to Sanibel Island (though note: check local info, as these islands were impacted by 2022’s Hurricane Ian and are rebuilding). Sanibel is known for shell-covered beaches and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, great for a driving/biking tour to see birds and gators. Captiva (connected by bridge to Sanibel) offers a dreamy, laid-back island feel. It’s an extension that gives you more of that Gulf charm beyond Naples. There is a toll to get onto Sanibel’s causeway and currently ongoing recovery efforts, but the beaches have reopened for shelling.
• Loop Road (Big Cypress) For the adventurous: off Tamiami Trail, there’s a 24-mile scenic loop road that parallels US-41 through a very remote part of Big Cypress. It’s a slow, mostly gravel road, but you might see wild hogs, deer, alligators, and old Miccosukee camps. It reconnects to US-41 at the end. Only attempt this detour if you have time, daylight (don’t do it at night), and a reliable vehicle (standard cars can handle it, just drive carefully through potholes). It’s an authentic backcountry Everglades experience.

Practical Tips

• Alligator Alley Toll: Alligator Alley (I-75) costs about $3.25 in tolls each way (for a car) and is collected via electronic tolling. Make sure your rental car’s toll option is enabled, or you’ll get a bill by mail. If you prefer to avoid the toll and have more time, US-41 is your friend. But even if you take I-75, it’s worth exiting at least once (if you can) to experience the wild Everglades up close.
• Wildlife Caution: When exploring the Everglades, always keep a safe distance from wildlife. Do not approach or feed alligators (and keep that selfie stick away from them!). They can move faster than you think. On trails or boardwalks, always supervise children closely assume any body of water in Florida has a gator lurking. Also, while driving US-41 or Loop Road, watch out for animals crossing (turtles often try to cross the road; if safe to do so, you can help them along in the direction they were headed, using a towel or stick, but never put yourself in danger on the road).
• Mosquitoes & Bugs: In warmer months, especially June–September, the mosquitos in Everglades areas can be ferocious, particularly around dusk or in wooded areas. Bring strong insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin) and apply liberally if you’ll be outside your car at stops. Long sleeves and pants can help in the evenings. No-see-ums (tiny biting midges) can also be an annoyance near mangroves and marshes, usually at dawn/dusk another reason to have that bug spray.
• Heat & Hydration: This trip can involve walking trails, climbing viewing towers, or just being out in Florida’s sun. Carry a cooler or at least a few bottles of water in the car. The heat and humidity, even in spring, can sneak up on you. Wear sunscreen and a hat. If traveling with pets (some areas like national park boardwalks might allow leashed dogs, but double-check), never leave them in the car even a few minutes in Florida heat is dangerous.
• Timing for Wildlife: If your goal is to see wildlife (gators, birds, etc.), the early morning or late afternoon is typically best. Midday, animals hide from the heat. Shark Valley’s observation tower is stunning at mid-morning, but by afternoon on a hot day you’ll see fewer gators out sunning. Conversely, for the Naples/Marco part, midday is prime beach time, and sunset is the main event. So you might structure your day as: early Everglades stop → mid/late-day beach and relax → evening sunset and dinner.
• Navigation: Cell service is generally fine in Naples and Marco. Along Alligator Alley, you’ll have long stretches with no issues (there are even emergency call boxes). On Tamiami Trail, you will have some dead zones particularly around Big Cypress. Downloading an offline map of South Florida to your phone might be wise if you plan to wander off the main highways. It’s hard to get truly lost (there’s basically one road), but it’s nice to know how far the next gas or landmark is. Also note, very few gas stations exist on US-41 between Miami and Naples make sure you fill up in Miami/Homestead or Naples. On I-75, fill up before you go or at the Alley’s rest area.
• Respect the Environment: The Everglades is a fragile ecosystem. Dispose of trash properly (or take it with you), don’t collect plants or animals, and be mindful if using drones or music so as not to disturb wildlife (many areas prohibit drones anyway). If you go hiking on any short trails, keep to the trail to avoid trampling vegetation (and to avoid surprise encounters with critters). A little caution and respect go a long way in preserving this unique environment for everyone.