Naples to Marco Island and the Everglades by car
Two of the best day trips from Naples sit in opposite directions: the beaches of Marco Island to the south, and the Everglades along the Tamiami Trail to the east. Both are easy drives in any vehicle, and both are far more enjoyable when you know the route, the timing and where to park.
Trip 1: Naples to Marco Island
From our lot on Industrial Blvd, take Collier Boulevard (CR-951) south. It is roughly 17 miles and about 30 minutes outside of peak season; in February and March allow closer to 45 minutes, especially late morning. The Jolley Bridge onto the island is the landmark that tells you you have arrived.
Parking is the part most visitors underestimate. Public beach parking on Marco is limited and paid, and it fills early on weekends — aim to arrive before 10am or after 3pm. Bring a card for the parking meters and keep a beach towel in the trunk, because the walk from the lot to the sand can be several minutes.
An economy car or sedan is perfect for this run. If you are carrying chairs, coolers and a group, an SUV makes loading much easier and gives you clearance for the sandier lots.
Trip 2: Naples to the Everglades along the Tamiami Trail
Head east on US-41 (the Tamiami Trail). Everglades City is about 35 miles and 50 minutes away, and the scenery changes from suburbs to sawgrass within twenty minutes of leaving Naples. Continue east and you reach Big Cypress National Preserve; keep going and you are on the long, straight stretch toward Miami.
Practical notes: cell service is patchy past Everglades City, so download your map before leaving. Fuel stops thin out quickly — top up in Naples or at Carnestown. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and the water on US-41 can pool fast, so leave extra following distance.
Any vehicle handles this drive; it is paved the whole way. What matters more is air conditioning that works hard and enough space for wet gear if you take an airboat or kayak tour.
Doing both in one day
It is very doable. Start with Marco Island early for the light and the parking, come back up CR-951, then turn east on US-41 for the afternoon. Total driving is around 90 miles, which sits comfortably inside the 200 miles per day included with every Best Cars Rental booking. Beyond that, extra miles are $0.35 per mile, so there is no guesswork.
Before you set off
- Check the fuel level — return the vehicle at the level you received it.
- Sunshade, water and a phone mount make both drives better.
- Save our number, (239) 383-2665, in case you need anything on the road. We answer 24 hours.
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