Orlando to Fort Myers road trip: Best stops, distance & time
The best road trip stops on the Orlando to Fort Myers drive are Disney World, Winter Haven and Payne’s Creek Historic State Park. The distance from Orlando to Fort Myers by car is 162 miles, with a 3h5m driving time.
Planning an Orlando to Fort Myers road trip itinerary
The Orlando to Fort Myers drive takes you from Florida’s theme park capital to one of the most attractive spots on the west coast.
Orlando is known worldwide as the home of Disney World, but there’s far more to it than Mickey and Co. You can get crazy selfies at the Museum of Illusions or WonderWorks, learn how chocolate is made at Chocolate Kingdom and ride the Wheel at ICON Park or Orlando StarFlyer. Alternatively, visit Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, play adventure golf at Pirates’ Cove and say hi to the stingrays at Sea Life.
In the evenings, there’s the Polynesian Fire Luau and Dinner Show, Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn To Life and the Outta Control magic comedy show.
Other Orlando experiences include glow-in-the-dark kayaking, foodie walking tours and kayaking through Cypress forest.
There are hundreds of hotels to choose from in Orlando. Flexibility is key (precise location is not critical here) – and compare prices online before booking.
There’s a massive collection of Fort Myers experiences to choose from. Top picks include paddleboarding with dolphins and manatees, sunset sailing cruises and haunted history walks.
For a night out the buzzy bars and restaurants of the River District are full of energy, while the Georgian Revival-style Burroughs Home and Gardens does the grand mansion thing.
The cultural highlights, however, are the Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Along with lavish gardens, these mansions are full of stories about legendary inventors going on wild adventures.
Great Fort Myers hotel options include the brilliantly-located Luminary Hotel and Margaritaville Beach Resort.
Orlando to Fort Myers distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Orlando to Fort Myers is 162 miles. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and five minutes. The quickest route goes via the I-4, US-17 and FL-31.
The best stops to add to an Orlando to Fort Myers road trip itinerary are Disney World, Winter Haven and Payne’s Creek Historic State Park.
Orlando to Fort Myers drive: Disney World
To approach Disney World as an ordinary theme park is a mistake. In reality, it is several theme parks in one. Just rock up on the day and work it out as you go along, and you’ll not get the most out of it. Read up and plan in advance – there’s a reason why some people stay for several days. Also remember that it’s as much about the shows and parades as the rides.
Several types of ticket are available. Pick the one that suits your party best.
Best stops between Orlando and Fort Myers: Winter Haven
Winter Haven is on Florida’s Chain of Lakes. There are several lakeside parks to enjoy here, but most visitors will come for the theme parks. The Legoland Florida Resort and adjoining Peppa Pig Theme Park are here.
Other Winter Haven Experiences include a pub crawl by boat, an internationally-flavoured food tour and a wildlife watching tour on board a pontoon boat.
Consistently well-reviewed Winter Haven hotels include the Courtyard by Marriott and the Best Western Plus Winter Haven Inn.
Orlando to Fort Myers road trip attractions: Payne’s Creek Historic State Park
The historical side of Payne’s Creek Historic State Park concentrates on the tensions between settlers and the Seminole Indians in the 1840s. The museum includes a rebel Seminole attack on the traditing post and subsequent construction of Fort Chokonikla.
The outdoorsy side of this state park in Bowling Green FL largely focused on the nature trails.
More Orlando road trips
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