Top Scenic Drives In Naples, Marco Island And The Everglades

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades offers some of the most breathtaking drives in the Sunshine State. Whether you're exploring the untouched strand swamp on Janes Scenic Drive or the bald cypress forests along Loop Road Scenic Drive, each journey promises unforgettable vistas and adventures.

We'll take you through the top scenic drives in this region, highlighting the must-see sights, activities, and accommodations along the way. Buckle up and get ready to discover the best of Florida's Paradise Coast–and maybe even spot an alligator–from the comfort of your car!

JANES SCENIC DRIVE

Janes Scenic Drive takes you on a captivating journey through some of Florida’s remaining subtropical wilderness areas, beginning at the main entrance of Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Named after the Janes brothers, who pioneered tomato farming in Copeland, this 11-mile dirt road started as a 1940s railroad bed for logging cypress trees.

Explore the park’s stunning landscapes by driving the first 6 miles of this scenic route. When the road closes to vehicles halfway through, you can continue your adventure by hiking or biking to the park's border with Picayune Strand State Forest.

To access Janes Scenic Drive, you’ll have to start from Copeland off Route 29. Before you begin the route, make sure to pay your admission fee at the ranger station (it’s only $3!) Also, remember that you’ll need to take the drive slowly to protect both your vehicle and the abundant wildlife.

Notable attractions along this route include Gate 7’s West Main Trail, a 4-mile walk into the Fakahatchee's interior cypress swamp and marsh, and Gate 12’s East Main Trail, a 5-mile path leading to the historic Fakahatchee Hilton cabin and its nearby alligator-filled lake.

If you’re visiting Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park for the first time, the Ghost Rider Tram Tours are a must-do experience! Operating during the winter tourist season (November through April), these guided tours offer a unique way to explore the park without having to drive your own car down Janes Scenic Drive.

For those looking to stay close to the Copeland entrance, Everglades City offers charming accommodations like Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House. Or, if you’d rather take on Janes Scenic Drive as a day trip, consider staying in Naples or Marco Island.

LOOP ROAD SCENIC DRIVE

Discover the hidden beauty of Florida's Paradise Coast with a journey along the Loop Road Scenic Drive. This 24-mile road, officially known as County Road 94, winds through the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve, offering a glimpse into some of the most remote areas of this unique ecosystem. It begins with 7 miles of smooth, paved road before transitioning to a gravel path that leads you deeper into the serene wilderness.

We recommend allowing yourself two to three hours to complete the loop so you have plenty of time to stop and enjoy activities along the way. Monroe Station, a 1920s building at the northwestern end of Loop Road, marks the start of your adventure and hints at the area's unrealized grand development plans.

The Gator Hook Trail offers a unique swamp walk along historic tram roads, allowing you to experience the swamp up close. Wear shoes with good traction–as you'll get your feet wet–and bring a hiking pole!

One of our favorite highlights along Loop Road is Sweetwater Strand, a lush, wildlife-rich area featuring songbirds, barred owls, and alligators. Another must-see is the short, easy Tree Snail Hammock Trail, located across from the Loop Road Educational Center—perfect for a quick nature walk!

You’ll also want to quickly stop at Pinecrest to capture photos of this historic town, which was essentially the 20th-century version of the Wild West. It's rumored that Al Capone operated several businesses here!

If you’re wondering where to stay nearby, remember that Everglades City is the closest option. Or, if you’d rather stay at a beachfront property a little further away, consider the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort or the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa.

TURNER RIVER/UPPER WAGONWHEEL/BIRDON ROAD LOOP DRIVE

For a shorter scenic drive in Big Cypress National Preserve, try the Turner River/Upper Wagonwheel/Birdon Road Loop. Starting at H.P. Williams Roadside Park, visitors can enjoy a boardwalk perfect for spotting alligators, turtles, and various bird species during the dry season. Turner River Road, the first part of this loop, cuts through the swamp, creating a habitat-rich canal system alongside the roadway.

As you drive, you'll be surrounded by centuries-old cypress trees and coastal plain willows, creating a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing. The canals teem with fish like Florida gar and exotic oscar, attracting anhingas, cormorants, and wading birds such as great blue herons and snowy egrets. You may also spot American alligators or red-bellied turtles!

The loop continues onto Upper Wagonwheel Road, where miles of sawgrass prairies and cabbage palms provide habitats for species like the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Finally, Birdon Road guides travelers south through dense Australian pine stands, eventually leading back to the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41).

Various pull-offs and observation points throughout the loop allow for closer interaction with the environment, making it a perfect route for nature enthusiasts and photographers! If you’re short on time, you can even just drive the first part of this loop (Turner River Road) and then turn around.

The entrance to the Turner River/Upper Wagonwheel/Birdon Road Loop is a short 15 minutes from Everglades City. Choose between nearby options, such as renting a cabin through River Wilderness Waterfront Villas, or slightly further afield accommodations, like the Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples (approximately an hour away).

As you explore these top scenic drives in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades, you'll uncover the region's diverse natural beauty and rich history. When it comes to unforgettable road trips and views, Only Paradise will do.