Alligator Alley: A South Florida Rite Of Passage

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If you’re visiting south Florida, Alligator Alley is a section of I75 you’ll likely drive if you’re crossing the state.

While it isn’t a road I would drive if you’re looking for scenic things to do along the way to break up the drive, it’s one of those Florida rites of passage.

Whether you’re planning to drive Alligator Alley soon or are just a little curious about the road, you’ll hopefully find everything you need in here.

I learned a lot about Alligator Alley myself as I was putting this together and hope you learn something here, too!

allgigator at Shark Valley everglades national park florida

What is Alligator Alley?

Alligator Alley is a section of I75 in south Florida taking you through the Everglades from one metropolis to another.

It’s a south Florida rite of passage. It’s one of those things you just have to do eventually.

Where is Alligator Alley in Florida?

Alligator Alley is a stretch of I75 connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It’s about 80 miles of highway through the northern section of Big Cypress National Preserve.

Here is a map of Alligator Alley (top line), the Tamiami Trail (bottom line), and some nearby attractions and service stations, to get an idea of what it looks like and proximity to parks.

How long is Alligator Alley?

Alligator Alley is about 80 miles of Interstate crossing south Florida, connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale.

How long do you need to drive Alligator Alley?

It takes 1-2 hours to drive all of Alligator Alley. I think it’s just a main highway but I saw somewhere that some people split it into a two day drive?

That seems unnecessary to me though. If I’m splitting a south Florida drive in half, it will be the Tamiami Trail since there are actually things to do along there.

Alligators along a hiking trail at the Fakahatchee hilton hike florida

Why is it called Alligator Alley?

I’ve seen a few different reasons of why it’s called Alligator Alley. The first being because of all the alligators around.

The second is that it was originally called the Everglades Parkway but snidely referred to as Alligator Alley, Swamp Pike, and Alligator Lane.

And the third, my favorite, was given by AAA because they thought the roadway would be useless to cars and just “an alley for alligators.”

Whatever the official reason, the name stuck and became the official name in 1966.

Fakahatchee Boardwalk Florida — LOOK AT THIS SILLY LITTLE BABY

Can you actually see alligators on Alligator Alley in Florida?

Yes, you can see alligators on Alligator Alley! If you’re in a semi or RV it may be easier with the high vantage point but if you keep a sharp eye out in a car, you’ll probably see some, too.

You’ll be much more likely to spot alligators if you’re driving Alligator Alley in the winter, too.

Fakahatchee hilton trail florida alligator in sun

Is there a toll on Alligator Alley?

Yes, there is a toll on Alligator Alley. It’s $3.75 and one of two tolled sections of the entirety of I75. The other being Mackinac Island in Michigan.

The toll here must be paid with cash, a pass, or the app in both directions. This is not a toll by plate and cards are not accepted.

If you have a Sunpass that will work here. The following toll passes are also accepted:

Sunpass Pro
Epass
Epassxtra
E-zpass
I-pass
Peach pass
Quick pass
Uni
K-tag
Pikepass
Tolltag

Fakahatchee hilton hike florida alligators swimming in a pond near Alligator Alley

Is there gas on Alligator Alley?

Yes, there is gas available on Alligator Alley but it will be more expensive than in town.

There aren’t tons of gas stations though, just one at the Micosukee Service Station (the furthest right pin on the top line of the map above).

It’s about 60 miles from Naples. If you want to really be on the safe side, fill up before you leave, but I would imagine even with half a tank you should be fine.

Is Alligator Alley 75 or 41?

Alligator Alley is on I75/State Road 84. The Tamiami Trail is Highway 41.

alligator merritt island national wildlife refuge

Is Alligator Alley or the Tamiami Trail better?

I would say the Tamiami Trail is better because there are lots of places to stop and enjoy the nature and wildlife along the way.

If you don’t have the leisure time to make stops or don’t care about stops, then Alligator Alley is probably fine.

Can you drive Alligator Alley at night?

Yes, you can drive Alligator Alley at night. It’s like any other highway/Interstate. It’s dark and there is a slight chance of wildlife on the road, but it’s fine.

an alligator over a tree stump in everglades national park

Is Alligator Alley dangerous?

Alligator Alley is no more dangerous than any other highway or Interstate but it wasn’t always as safe as it is now.

When Alligator Alley was first built it was just two lanes with no fences to keep wildlife off the road.

There were a lot of accidents of people drifting over the center line causing head-on collisions.

There were also a lot of wildlife casualties, particularly Florida panthers and alligators.

They eventually changed it to be a split four lane highway (two lanes in each direction with space between them) and added fencing to make it safer.

Best time to drive Alligator Alley

There is no bad time to drive Alligator Alley, but if you’re driving it with the intent of seeing alligators, winter will be best.

Is driving Alligator Alley worth it?

I suppose just for the experience but if you’re only driving across once and have the time, I would take the Tamiami Trail instead.

If you’re going back and forth, I would take both, one on the way there and one on the way back.

alligator in big cypress florida — Alligator at the Oasis Visitor Center on the Tamiami Trail

Things to do on Alligator Alley

Hike part of the Florida Trail: At the rest stop at mile marker 63 you can access the Florida Trail which starts near Pensacola and ends in Big Cypress.

There is a 5.7 mile loop you can do from here if you want to get out and do something on Alligator Alley instead of just drive.

Look for wildlife: The parking ares at mile markers 31 and 32 (one on each side) are great for seeing wildlife, particularly in winter.

The Broward Rest Stop is another one that is great for looking for wildlife along Alligator Alley.

Visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum: At the Micosukee Service Station (mile marker 49) you can visit the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on Snake Road.

There is also a 1.5 mile boardwalk here. The museum is about 30 minutes off of Alligator Alley.

Hike at the Florida panther refuge: At mile marker 80 you’ll find the Florida Panther Wildlife Refuge.

There is a short loop trail here but you probably won’t actually see an elusive Florida panther.

If you head south a few miles you’ll get to the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. Fire Prairie Trail, Fakahatchee Hilton, and Deep Lake are three nearby trails.