Anyone done Orlando to Naples

[ducati211]

We fly out from Miami, but on way down are spending 2 nights in Naples, can anyone recommend the best route for this? and also anywhere to stop on route for food and a walk?

[Cloverlady]

Hi, we've done this a couple of times now, whatever route you do going down the gulf coast or wherever you stop off en route, my tip would be to go across to Miami from the Gulf at Naples via Tamiami Trail.

So much more interesting a road than the high speed alternative. There are quite a few good pull-outs to stop at, we always see wild alligators, some HUGE ones, and have seen lots of other wildlife too including turtles.

If you don't see 'wild' wild ones there is a visitor centre along that route where you will see lots of big alligators in close proximity.

[saratogajan]

We just ate before we left and had a pit stop for fuel and toilet at one of the many services on the way. Took four hours via I4 and I75. We just wanted to get there as quickly as possible. We loved Naples and the surrounding area. Had 5 nights and are going to Marco Island this time for 7 night.

[YorkshireT]

It is a very easy drive, as you dont have to go through the centre of Orlando, are quickly on the outskirts. Get's quieter as you get on I75.

We like a pit stop at the McDonalds at Ellenton (500 yards left off I75) for a coffee/ snack and fill up in the petrol station next door - always really friendly staff there. Chilis etc nearby if you wanted to eat, but we aim to get to Naples for lunch and call in Subways in Naples before getting to the Villa.

If you set off by 8.30 -9, you can be there for about 1.

I have driven this 10+ times and never had an issue. Relaxing drive for the most part. Watch the vegetation change a bit as you go south and it becomes more 'tropical'.

25 years ago it used to feel like a bit of an adventure, and the road South was a lot quieter.

[MinniMouse]

We drove from MCO to Naples last year, down I4 then onto I75 too. Long boring road. Lots of the usual places to stop. We didn't, just kept driving as it was through the night. Took us just under 4 hrs. Going back we turned off the I75 as we wanted to see more of Florida and ended up driving through countryside, farms and small towns (Arcadia, Brownlea, Bowling Green, Bartow) and coming out onto the I4 close to Champions Gate I think. Interesting but nothing special to see tbh and it did take longer as we got stuck behind lorries etc.

When you leave Naples for Miami it's worth stopping at HP Williams Roadside. Have a look on google earth. You can park up just at the roadside, there is a small walkway where you can view gators/turtles, or drive up the track - there is a small waterway that runs alongside the track and it is teeming with gators. You can see them from your car. HP Williams Roadside is about 5 miles east from Everglades City. You can also eat at Everglade city, although it's not that far from Naples, basic food, fried gator or fish with chips, nothing fancy. If you like a nice breakfast before you leave Naples I can recommend Janes. Amazing brunch

[ducati211]

That's great everyone thank you for the tips have taken note,