Fort Lauderdale to Naples drive: Best stops, distance & time
The distance from Fort Lauderdale to Naples by car is 109 miles, with a 1h41m driving time. The best road trip stops on the Fort Lauderdale to Naples drive are the Sawgrass Recreation Park, Everglades Swamp Tours and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Planning a Fort Lauderdale to Naples road trip itinerary
The Fort Lauderdale to Naples drive takes you from the east to the west coast of Florida.
Fort Lauderdale is a sleek coastal city of beaches and canals. For Fort Lauderdale experiences, try narrated 90 minute cruises on the Jungle Queen, Everglades airboat adventures and snorkelling tours on the Fort Lauderdale reefs.
Alternatively, try an evening boat cruise, renting a powerboat or parasailing.
Great beachfront Fort Lauderdale accommodation options include the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and the Hotel Maren.
The southernmost city on Florida’s west coast has plenty going for it. You can get some beach time in at Lowdermilk Park, stroll through the Naples Botanical Garden and learn about the heritage of South West Florida inside the Collier Museum at Government Center.
Other Naples experiences include boat tours, sunset cruises, Segway tours and electric trike tours.
Top Naples hotels with consistently excellent reviews include the Escalante and the Bellasera Resort.
Fort Lauderdale to Naples distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Fort Lauderdale to Naples is 109 miles. That makes for a driving time of around one hour and 41 minutes. Most of the drive is along the I-75.
The best stops to add to a Fort Lauderdale to Naples road trip itinerary are the Sawgrass Recreation Park, Everglades Swamp Tours and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.
Fort Lauderdale to Naples road trip attractions: Sawgrass Recreation Park
On the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale, the Sawgrass Recreation Park is a prime spot to take an airboat ride on the Everglades. The rides are partly about thrills – the airboats can travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
Mainly, though, these Sawgrass Recreation Park airboat trips are about nature. Keep an eye out for turtles, wading birds and, of course, alligators.
Fort Lauderdale to Naples drive: Everglades Swamp Tours
Everglades Swamp Tours is a little further into the Everglades than many rival operators, so you’re getting the real deal rather than the fringe. The operator runs both group and private airboat tours, plus some more sedate Everglades cruises.
Best stops between Fort Lauderdale and Naples: Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is primarily designed to protect the Florida panther. Most of it is closed to the public. However, there are two walking trails that are open during daylight hours, plus a short boardwalk. These trails show off the panther’s habitat, although you’ll be very lucky to see a panther.
You’ll find the trails just to the north of the intersection between the I-75 and State Road 29.
More Fort Lauderdale road trips
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