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After writing my Alligator Alley post I decided we need another south Florida showdown, this time it’s Alligator Alley vs the Tamiami Trail.
Both the Tamiami Trail and Alligator Alley connect southeast and southwest Florida, Alligator Alley is just a newer version of the Tamiami Trail.
Today we’re going to be comparing the two roads which will hopefully help you decide which route to take.
I will say now, If you have to go east to west and back east again, I would do one each way if you really, really want to drive both. 
Aside from the first point, I’ll mostly be referring to the Tamiami Trail as the end section connecting Naples and Miami.
Is Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail longer?
Alligator Alley is about 80 miles stretching across south Florida, connecting Naples and Fort Lauderdale.
The Tamiami Trail, on the other hand, actually starts south of Tampa and ends in Miami, meaning it’s a whopping 284 miles long!
So technically Tamiami Trail wins this one but if you’re just interested in the part crossing south Florida, from Naples to the end of the road in Miami, it’s still longer at 125ish miles.
Is Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley faster?
Alligator Alley is a section of I75 which has a speed limit of 70 MPH in all of Florida. I can’t find or remember the speed limit on the Tamiami Trail (I’ll check in February) but I want to say it’s 60.
Alligator Alley is probably going to win this one. If your goal is to get from one side to the other quickly, Alligator Alley is the way.
Is Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail better for hiking?
This is an easy one. While there is a boardwalk about 30 minutes off of Alligator Alley and the Panther Refuge, the Tamiami Trail has a lot more hiking opportunities.
Tamiami Trail wins this round and here are some of the trails along the way:
- Marsh Trail
- Fakahatchee Boardwalk
- Gator Hook Trail
- Shark Valley
- Kirby Storter Bordwalk
- Collier-Seminole State Park
- Loop Road (this is a scenic drive)
Is Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley better for wildlife viewing?
While you can see plenty of birds and other wildlife along Alligator Alley, I’m giving this round to the Tamiami Trail because I think it’s more enjoyable for seeing wildlife.
There are plenty of pulloffs and places to stop and enjoy the wildlife along the way. Particularly in winter, this is a really great area for birding.
If you’re driving the Tamiami Trail at night, follow the lower (45 MPH) speed limit and keep an eye out for wildlife, like Florida panthers, on the road.
Is Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail more scenic?
I’ll be driving Alligator Alley in February so I can officially say then, but based off of pictures I’ve seen, I’m giving this round to the Tamiami Trail.
I think, especially once you get more east, closer too Miami, scenery will be very similar but the western section of the Tamiami Trail is beautiful and I love driving it.
Does Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley have more facilities?
Neither has a ton going on but one does have a quite bit more happening. Alligator Alley has the Broward County Rest Area and the Micosukee Service Statiion and that’s about it.
The Tamiami Trail has a Fakahatchee visitor center, Collier-Seminole State Park, a gas station at the Everglades City turnoff, at least two Big Cypress visitor centers, the Skunk Ape HQ, Clyde Butcher’s gallery, Shark Valley Visitor Center, Tippy’s Outpost, Micosukee Indian Village, and lots of airboat tour operators.
The Tamiami Trail wins this one by a landslide. Even with all these places, though, it still feels like driving through Old Florida.
Is Alligator Alley or Tamiami Trail better for seeing alligators?
You should be able to see plenty of alligators from both Tamiami Trail and Alligator Alley butt it will be easier to stop and see them up close on the Tamiami Trail.
The Tamiami Trail takes another W thanks to the boardwalks, pulloffs, and visitor centers along the way making it easier to stop and enjoy the alligators.
Whichever route you take, if you do stop to look at alligators, be sure to keep your distance and don’t get too close. Definitely don’t touch or feed them.
Is Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley better?
Usually at the end to find the winner I have to go back and tally the individual wins up, but there is a clear winner here: the Tamiami Trail!
While both routes are going to be good, I think the Tamiami Trail and all of it’s stops are much better, if you have the time freedom to do it. 
Travel Services I Recommend:
AllTrails – This is my favorite hike tracking app.
America the Beautiful – The national park pass is essential.
Booking.com – This is great for finding and booking hotels.
Get Your Guide – I recommend Get Your Guide for booking tours.
National Park Obsessed – This is the best national park planner.
Skyscanner – Skyscanner is great for finding and booking flights.
Enterprise – This is my rental car recommendation.
See all my resources here.
Other posts you may like
Big Cypress vs Everglades National Park
Have you driven the Tamiami Trail or Alligator Alley? Which one? Which do you think is better?