East Coast / West Coast / Alligator Alley

Question

My husband and I are flying to Boca in January. We are staying with friends there, then heading to Cape Coral to visit some other friends. The plan is to have our Boca friends drive us half way and do a "hand off" to our CC friends. We are looking for a place approx. halfway for all of us to meet, and have lunch. Any ideas?

Answer

Driving from Boca Raton to Cape Coral generally takes about 3.5–4 hours via I-75 (Alligator Alley), covering roughly 200 miles across southern Florida. A convenient halfway point for a lunch meet-up would be around the Fort Myers / Naples area, depending on your preferred route and pace. This allows both groups to meet without detouring too much off the main highway.

Here are some good halfway options along the route:

Naples / I-75 Exit 101 area – Conveniently located just off Alligator Alley, offering a variety of restaurants and casual dining options. Plenty of parking for a quick meet-and-eat.
Miromar Outlets / Estero – A good spot for a mid-way stop if you want lunch plus a little shopping. Restaurants in the outlet area and nearby are suitable for groups.
Fort Myers / Daniels Parkway area – Near the I-75 corridor, with multiple sit-down restaurants and quick-service options. Easy access from the highway, making it a practical handoff location.

Restaurant suggestions near these areas:

Naples: Pincher’s Crab Shack, Naples Flatbread & Wine Bar, or The Dock at Crayton Cove for waterfront views.
Miromar Outlets / Estero: Ford’s Garage, Five Guys, or Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Fort Myers: Ford’s Garage (multiple locations), Bonefish Grill, or Outback Steakhouse for quick and easy options.

Tips for Planning:

Check traffic along Alligator Alley, especially around Naples and Fort Myers exits, as I-75 can get busy even mid-day.
Confirm restaurant seating ahead of time if you’re meeting a group, as some popular spots can be crowded on weekends.
If you prefer an outdoor, scenic option, Naples or Fort Myers waterfront restaurants are ideal and offer a relaxing atmosphere for a lunch break.

Overall, the Naples / Estero area is probably the most convenient and balanced halfway point for both groups. It keeps everyone on the main route, with plenty of good dining options and easy access to I-75 for continuing the drive to Cape Coral.