The Best Road Trip Ever: Top Places to See When Driving From Ave Maria, Florida to Cape Coral, Florida

Who doesn't love a good road trip? With stunning sceneries, great food, and endless adventures, driving from Ave Maria to Cape Coral can be a fantastic experience. Starting from the peaceful streets of Ave Maria and finishing at the beach-front city of Cape Coral, this journey is packed with exciting places to see and fun things to do. So, whether you're a seasoned road-tripper or a newbie, we've got you covered with a list of the best places to stop along the way.

1. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Ave Maria is known for its natural beauty. So, your first stop on the road trip should be the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located about 35 miles northwest of Ave Maria. This sanctuary is home to a 2.5-mile boardwalk winding through different ecosystems such as wet prairie, cypress forest, and pine flatwood. The boardwalk offers stunning views of the swamp and is a haven for birdwatchers. You may also spot alligators sunbathing on the banks and turtles basking in the sun.

2. Naples Zoo

Your next stop should be the Naples Zoo, located only 20 miles southwest of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Renowned for its diverse animal collection, the Naples Zoo covers over 40 acres and is home to more than 70 species. You'll see big cats, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and many more animals roaming around in their natural habitats. You can even book a guided tour or a VIP experience to get up close with your favorite animals.

3. Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Continuing on the road trip, the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is located about 20 miles north of Naples Zoo. This park is home to the largest forest of bald cypress in North America and supports the highest diversity of orchids in the continent. The park offers various hiking trails, including the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk, a 2,300-foot-long boardwalk over a pristine swamp. Here you may spot a rare Florida panther or a black bear.

4. Sanibel Island

After spending some time in nature, the next stop on your journey is the gulf-front paradise of Sanibel Island. Located about 30 miles west of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Sanibel Island is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-famous seashells. You can lay on the beach, swim in the gulf, or hunt for seashells, which are abundant on these shores. Also, don't forget to visit the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to see dolphins, manatees, and a diverse bird population.

5. Cape Coral

Finally, your journey ends in the bustling city of Cape Coral, located about 25 miles southwest of Sanibel Island. Cape Coral is a thriving coastal community that offers several attractions, such as the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts, the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, and the renowned Sunsplash Water Park. The city also has several beaches, including the popular Yacht Club Community Park, where you can swim, kayak, and fish in the bay.

Conclusion

And that concludes our journey from Ave Maria to Cape Coral. With five unique and exciting destinations, this road trip promises to be one of the best trips you've ever had. From the serene orchid-filled Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park to the bustling city of Cape Coral, this trip has something for everyone. So, don't waste any more time and pack your bags for this thrilling adventure. Happy driving!