Tamiami Trail – Windows to the Gulf Coast Waters Scenic Highway

Overview

The Tamiami Trail – Windows to the Gulf Coast Waters Scenic Highway flows along US 41 from the Sarasota/Charlotte County line to the Manatee/Hillsborough County line for 70 miles.

This road is a trip into Florida’s past, due in part to Barron Gift Collier. A southwest Florida millionaire who amassed a fortune by selling advertising on trolley cars, funded the construction of this road after the State ran out of money in the early 1900s. He wanted a direct route to the wealth that was scattered in Miami, and the Tamiami Trail, which finally opened in 1928, fulfilled that aim. He paid for the dynamite to break apart the swampland, and the oxen and men to move it. Working in 95 degree heat, fog-like humidity, hungry mosquitoes, and alligator-filled swampland, the workers dredged the land and built up the road to prevent flooding, cutting through thick tropical forest to open southwest Florida to the rest of the world.

Recreational opportunities, as well as urban experiences such as shopping, walking, and sightseeing, are found all along the highway. The highway takes travelers through the many wonderful Florida cities such as Palmetto, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, and North Port, all rich with culture, architecture, recreation, and history. There is a lot for the whole family to enjoy on this byway.

Byway Map: Downloadable PDF Map

Share This Page:

Byway Resources

General Directions

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, in the south central portion of the state, the byway is easily accessible from Tamp and I-75.

From the North: Travel south on I-75 to exit 224 (U.S. 301). Travel west/south on U.S. 301 to U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail. Travel south on U.S. 41 towards the Sarasota/Charlotte county line.

From the South: Travel north on I-75 to North Port, exit 182 (Sumter Blvd.). Travel west/south towards U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail. Travel north on U.S. 41 towards the Hillsborough/Manatee county line.

Associated Resources

These are specific resources for this byway. See Associated Florida Resources for connections to organizations affecting all byways in Florida.

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.visitsarasota.org

Manatee Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.manateechamber.com/

Sarasota Convention and Visitors Bureau:
http://www.sarasotafl.org/

Collier County, Florida:
http://www.colliergov.net/

City of Naples:
http://www.naplesgov.com/

Florida Everglades Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.evergladeschamber.org/

Florida Everglades:
http://www.florida-everglades.com/chamber/

National Parks Service – Everglades:
https://www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm