South Florida Road Trip Road Trip

1

Fort Lauderdale to Naples

143.3 miles: 2 hours, 51 minutes

Before embarking on this cross-state trek, navigate the network of canals that give Fort Lauderdale its nickname, the Venice of America, on a riverboat cruise, water taxi or vintage Italian gondola. As you traverse the marshlands and mangrove forests of Big Cypress National Preserve, you can watch for wildlife that includes alligators, egrets, deer and herons.

Recommended Stops

Carrie B. Sightseeing Cruises

440, North New River Drive East Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301

Everglades National Park Boat Tours

815, Oyster Bar Lane Everglades City, Florida 34139

Shutterstock.com/Ryhor M Zasinets

2

Naples to Sanibel

52.2 miles: 1 hours, 34 minutes

Naples boasts miles of alabaster beaches lapped by warm, gentle waves. On the way to Sanibel, you’ll pass manicured golf courses as well as scenery that’s on the watery side. Crossing San Carlos Bay over Sanibel Causeway ($6 toll westbound, free eastbound), there’s a glimpse of the Sanibel Lighthouse.

Recommended Stops

Everglades Excursions

1010, 6th Avenue South Naples, Florida 34102

The Baker Museum

5833, Pelican Bay Boulevard Naples, Florida 34108

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education Center, 1 Sanibel, Florida 33957

mushakesa/iStockphoto.com

3

Sanibel to Fort Myers

28.6 miles: 1 hours, 2 minutes

Beachcombing is an immensely popular “sport” in Sanibel, where more than 250 kinds of shells can be found. You’re sure to collect a treasure trove doing the “Sanibel stoop.” Enjoy the view as you cross the causeway over San Carlos Bay on your way to Fort Myers. The towering royal palms lining McGregor Boulevard are a city trademark.

Recommended Stops

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

3075, Sanibel Captiva Road Sanibel, Florida 33957

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

2350, McGregor Boulevard Fort Myers, Florida 33901

J.C. Cruises

1300, Hendry Street Fort Myers, Florida 33901

VISIT FLORIDA/Peter W. Cross

4

Fort Myers to Palm Beach

132.4 miles: 2 hours, 54 minutes

The flat cross-state stretch between Fort Myers and Palm Beach is dotted with clumps of cabbage palms, fields of crops and small towns. After skirting past the southern shore of Lake Okeechobee, you’re back to the east coast and the wealthy enclave of Palm Beach. Celebrate your return to civilization with some shopping along fancy Worth Avenue.

Recommended Stops

Lion Country Safari

2003, Lion Country Safari Road Loxahatchee, Florida 33470

Cox Science Center and Aquarium

4801, Dreher Trail North West Palm Beach, Florida 33405

Norton Museum of Art

1450, South Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, Florida 33401

Flagler Museum

Whitehall Way, Palm Beach Palm Beach, Florida 33480

flickr/Carolyn Lehrke

5

Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale

64.7 miles: 2 hours, 13 minutes

Scenic A1A meanders enticingly close to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway all the way to Fort Lauderdale. Stop at the seafood restaurant of your choice for waterfront views and enjoy the fresh air either dockside or beachfront dining.

Recommended Stops

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

4000, Morikami Park Road Delray Beach, Florida 33446

Butterfly World

3600, West Sample Road Coconut Creek, Florida 33066

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

900, North Birch Road Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304