Naples FL to Cape Coral drive: Distance, time & best attractions

Finding the best things to do between Naples and Cape Coral, Florida

The Naples to Cape Coral drive connects two of the most appealing vacation spots on the Gulf coast of Florida.

Naples, 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.

Cape Coral is all about the water. There are so many canals that holiday rentals often come with a boat.

For nature lovers, try the kayak trail or mangrove boardwalks at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Reserve. This wetland sanctuary is home to burrowing owls, raccoons and other wildlife. How to explore it.

Other Cape Coral experiences include bike rentals, half day fishing trips and jetski adventures.

Naples to Cape Coral distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Naples to Cape Coral is 35 miles. The quickest route is usually up US-41, and you can expect a driving time of around 55 minutes. Traffic permitting, of course.

The best stops to add to a Naples to Cape Coral road trip itinerary are Vanderbilt Beach, Bonita Springs and Koreshan State Park.

Best stops between Naples and Cape Coral: Vanderbilt Beach

Part of the appeal of Vanderbilt Beach comes from the opulence. It is backed by plush mansions and luxury hotels.

But it’s pretty obvious why the big money developments have chosen this spot. Vanderbilt Beach is blessed with powdery white sand, and the sort of (usually) calm sea that is irresistible for swimming in.

Naples to Cape Coral road trip attractions: Bonita Springs

Linking Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the Everglades, Bonita Springs has miles of easy-going hiking and biking trails. You can also glide through the canals in a canoe.

Dune buggy rentals are a fun way to explore, as are guided kayak tours and paddleboard rentals.

Bonita Springs is also a golf paradise, with 23 golf courses within the boundaries. One is beside the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and spa, a lavish property with 26 acres of tropical gardens. It offers a water taxi to its own private beach and a water park with a lazy river.

Naples to Cape Coral drive: Koreshan State Park

Many of the usual state park staples are available at Koreshan State Park. You can go hiking, kayaking, camping and wildlife viewing.

The unusual twist is that this site on the Estero River was once home to a strange religious sect. The Koreshans set up a celibate, communal living experiment under the oak trees back in 1893. They managed to get a farm and botanical gardens running, and eleven of the original buildings are still intact. The buildings are open to visitors.

Cape Coral, Florida.
Cape Coral, Florida. Photo by Buenas_Dicas/ Pixabay.

More Naples FL road trips

Naples to Bonita Springs.

More Cape Coral road trips

Fort Lauderdale to Cape Coral.