Moose Loc: North Carolina

We plan to drive to Ft. Meyers when we get off the boat at Port Everglades in early March. We could take I-75, but thought taking the Tamiami Trail, route 41, would be worth doing for photos. Have any of you done that and have any recommendations? We’ll only have a few hours to kill, but thought it would be worth doing. Thanks.

Canoe50d

many roadside places to stop alone rt 41. short boardwalks that lead out into the mangroves. Be advised to watch your speed, as you pass through Indian Reservation land. Google Corkscrew Swamp, if you have time and it's close to your destination, it is worth the stop.

Canoe50d

I should add rt 41 had a road side ditch the entire length. it is full of gators and you will have plenty of opts to park and see them. Be advised and don't get too close to the tall weeds at road side. yes they are everywhere down there. Shark Valley is sweet, but you might not have time to ride the tram....... you could park and walk part of it.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks Canoe50 for that quick response. Definitely will have to do this.

kemo Loc: Tampa, FL

Some negatives:
Tamiami Trail starts in south Miami (Port Everglades is Ft Lauderdale) so you will be driving south to go north (Ft Myers is north of Miami but on the other coast).
It is 2 lanes for most of it's length so you are reliant on the slowest car in front of you. As many cars are tourists, average speed sucks.
The Everglades are boring once you get used to seeing them. Boring may be too harsh a word, but mile 50 is going to look the same as mile 1.
There are few "Pull-Offs" to park and look around.

Some positives:
The worlds smallest post office (the size of a porta potty) is fun to photograph.
Shark Valley is the National Park service and interesting to visit.
There are several Indian run Airboat tours to choose from. The sites are tacky and touristy but some nice shots are possible
The ValueJet crash site from several years ago has a nice, moving, memorial. It will be on your right as you head west.

I drive a charter bus and have driven this road countless times. I avoid it like the plague. It may be interesting for a first time visitor; google the places I mentioned for details.

insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida

You are making a wise choice. Old Tamiami Tr (old 41) has a lot of history and no end of photo opportunities all along the route.

Moose Loc: North Carolina

Thanks Kemo and Insman for your comments and suggestions. As suggested I'll Google the places recommended.