Southwest Florida Insider recommends what to do in Southwest Florida

 7 Reasons to Travel to Southwest Florida

Traveling to Florida? Steer towards the southwest. Southwest Florida offers some of the most stunning beaches, flora and fauna, adventure sports, shopping experiences, and historical explorations for the discerning traveler. Southwest Florida Insider shares what to do in Southwest Florida. Travel to this gorgeous destination and understand why so many people are moving to Southwest Florida.

1. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

This ribbon-shaped ecosystem, spread across a 3,500-acre preserve in Fort Myers, is home to a diverse population of plants and animals, including endangered species. The slough, a long narrow wetland with slow-moving freshwater, is a wildlife corridor that offers a safe travel route for animals. Travelers find that this mile-long boardwalk that weaves in and out of the wetlands is a great way to disconnect and de-stress. The Slough’s butterfly garden, the lakes with alligators, the swamp lush with a variety of ferns, the gnarly old cypress trees, a vast variety of birds, and diverse wildlife such as turtles, herons, anhingas, cardinals, and gar will prove to be an unforgettable expedition. 

2. Fort Myers River District

Those seeking history, entertainment, and shopping will find the Fort Myers river district irresistible. The live theater, captivating art galleries, and museums, as well as some eclectic shopping and dining options, make for a perfect outing. Visitors can experience the bustling district with the Historic Walking Tour and cruise along Caloosahatchee River to see bird rookeries, mangroves, and river islands on the history and Eco River Cruise.

The buildings from the 1900s, the boutiques, restaurants, and bars dot the brick-paved streets. The city hosts signature events throughout the year that showcase art, music, food, and even cars. Art Walks on weekends, a downtown Car Cruise-In on every fourth Saturday evening from May through October, pet walks, bike nights, fashion shows, block parties, and many such events make Fort Myers a perfect getaway.

3. Lovers Key State Park

This captivating two-mile strip of white-sand oceanfront property on Fort Myers Beach is one of the finest state parks in Southwest Florida. Perfect for a picnic or an afternoon of biking, hiking, and kayaking, it is also popular for weddings. Visitors can take their boats out into the Gulf of Mexico via Estero Bay to catch fish such as sea trout and tarpon that are native to the area (a fishing license might be required). The Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise is a special outing through the mangroves that reveals the local wildlife such as manatees and dolphins. 

4. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

A haven for bird watchers and nature lovers, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is a wildlife refuge, which also happens to be a part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country. A refuge to more than 270 species of birds, including many endangered and threatened species, J.N. “Ding” Darling occupies more than 6,400 acres of land and shelters mangrove forests, marshes, and seagrass beds. Travelers can hike or bike along the 4-mile-long Wildlife Drive, which is also open for vehicles and an open-air tram. Besides the Indigo Trail and Bailey Tract, there are numerous biking and hiking trails across the park. The refuge can be viewed from the water in canoes and stand-up paddleboards or by hopping on a tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge's official partner. 

5. Bowman’s Beach

Turquoise waters and shoreline strewn with striking seashells make this one of the most popular beaches of Southwest Florida. Rent a canoe or kayak, lay down on the white sands, or wait for the sunset, Bowman’s beach is a great picnic area.  

6. Captiva Beach

Labeled as one of the most romantic beaches, Captiva beach is known for its glorious sunrises and sunsets and silky white sands. Besides outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, fishing, and water sports, the beach also offers birdwatching opportunities. 

7. Cayo Costa State Park

Minus the condos and the motels, this former fishing village for the Calusa Indians offers a nine-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline. The park with its pristine beaches is accessible only by a boat or kayak in the area. 

From swimming, snorkeling, shelling to fishing, birdwatching, and bicycling through the island’s interior, the state park is an adventure in seclusion. Travelers can stay overnight at campsites and cabins to experience the beaches, pine forests, and wildlife in the state park.

Why Southwest Florida Insider?

With the most insightful and carefully-curated content on the sights-to-see, events-to-attend, cuisines-to-try, places-to-stay, and the exciting nightlife options, Southwest Florida Insider is where travelers can find all they need to know about southwest Florida.

If Southwest Florida is on your bucket list, it’s time to buy that ticket and tick off those checkboxes.

For more insights and travel tips, visit https://southwestfloridainsider.com

Southwest Florida Insider: Shares Top 6 Travel Experiences in Southwest Florida

 Unforgettable experiences in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is a traveler’s paradise with its enticing beaches, glorious sunshine, incredible wildlife, thrilling adventure sports, engaging historical tours, and exciting nightlife. There is a plethora of experiences that visitors can choose from. Southwest Florida Insider has curated a list of some of the must-have experiences for those who are wondering “what to do in Southwest Florida?”

1. Ride an Airboat

Zip across the Everglades “River of Grass” on an airboat safari or ecotour for an incredible outdoor adventure. The Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with mangroves, hammocks, marshlands, beautiful native plant species, and exotic flowers like orchids and bromeliads besides some of the most incredible and endangered wildlife on the planet. Travelers can experience this fragile subtropical wilderness in air-driven boats that barely disturb the wildlife. An airboat ride is also a great way to see alligators in this swamp.

2. Enjoy the Sunsets

Celebrate the breathtaking sunsets in Southwest Florida that set the sky aflame with flaming red, pink, and orange hues. Travelers can visit some of the best sunset points for a romantic evening on the beach or a sunset cruise. Lovers Key, northern Captiva Beach, Blind Pass Beach, Fort Myers Beach pier, and Cape Coral Yacht Club beach offer some of the most unforgettable sunset experiences in Southwest Florida.

3. Go Fishing

A fisherman’s paradise, southwest Florida is known for its shore fishing, backwater fishing, offshore fishing charters, and sport fishing in the warm Gulf waters. The fishing pier on Sanibel offers a rewarding fishing experience with its abundant tarpon, spotted sea trout, snook, and redfish catch. The waters around Boca Grande have earned it the nickname “Tarpon Capital of the World”. Fort Myers is a fishing hotspot with its recreational fishing industry that offers a wide variety of fishes for a catch.

4. Immerse in the History and Culture

From the circus history at The Ringling’s Circus Museum to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers to the Collier County Museum and Naples Depot Museum in Naples, southwest Florida has several fascinating museums to visit. There are local theaters, state parks, botanical gardens, and historic homes. There is something interesting for everyone.

5. Get hands-on with the Wildlife

Feed a giraffe at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, feed flamingos at Sarasota Jungle Gardens, touch a stingray or feed a shark at the Mote Marine Aquarium, or handle sea urchins and sea stars at the new IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myers. Southwest Florida is rich in wildlife and has several wildlife sanctuaries and parks to visit. Travelers can revel in the magic of butterfly trails at the butterfly gardens along the Lester Finley Barrier-Free Nature Trail in Osprey. Take home a memento of this wildlife experience by getting photographed with a baby gator at Wooten’s Everglades attraction!

6. Beachcombing

Beachcombing is a popular activity in Southwest Florida where over 400 different kinds of shells can be found washed up on the beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Ten Thousand Islands. The best times to look for shells are the hours just before or after low tide. Travelers can collect unique souvenirs of Florida’s wildlife treasures such as sand dollars, conch shells, murex shells, worm-snail shells, Florida spiny jewel boxes, and lightning whelk shells to name a few. Caspersen Beach near Venice Beach is one of the best beaches to discover fossilized shark’s teeth at the water’s edge.

With such stunning landscapes, exciting activities, and wonderful weather, it’s not surprising that many travelers often end up moving to Southwest Florida!

Why Southwest Florida Insider?

With the most insightful and carefully-curated content on the sights-to-see, events-to-attend, cuisines-to-try, places-to-stay, and the exciting nightlife options, Southwest Florida Insider is where travelers can find all they need to know about southwest Florida.

If Southwest Florida is on your bucket list, it’s time to buy that ticket and tick off those checkboxes. 

For more insights and travel tips, visit https://southwestfloridainsider.com

Southwest Florida Insider Lists Some Great Places to Stay in Southwest Florida

 Great places to stay in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is breathtaking in its beauty and intriguing in its history and culture. Travelers who are headed for Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, or Tampa can check out some of the best places to stay in Southwest Florida mentioned in this article below by Southwest Florida Insider.

1. Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte

Located in the heart of Charlotte County, Port Charlotte is a vibrant small town that is not only an affordable vacation spot but is also known to be one of the best places to retire. 

All the beach lovers can bask in the sunlight on the harbor-side Port Charlotte Beach Park and the 28 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches located near Port Charlotte. Besides the beaches, Charlotte County offers 70 parks and preserves, thrilling outdoor adventures, and a variety of entertainment options such as theater and visual arts.

For those who are headed for Port Charlotte, here are some suggestions on places to stay in Southwest Florida:

• The Suites at Fishermen’s Village: Modern waterfront lodging featuring luxurious bedding, private balconies, and fully equipped kitchens.
  https://www.fishermensvillage.com/stay 

• Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside: Located on Charlotte Harbor waterfront and convenient to the unique shops and restaurants of downtown Punta Gorda. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/rswfp-four-points-punta-gorda-harborside/
• The Wyvern Hotel Punta Gorda: Independently owned boutique hotel featuring European-inspired decor and upscale amenities, including the Perch360 rooftop lounge and a heated rooftop pool overlooking the scenic waters of Charlotte Harbor https://www.thewyvernhotel.com/

2. Cape Coral

Located near Fort Myers and within sight of the glimmering Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral is a vibrant and friendly community with golf courses, tennis courts, athletic parks, and nature preserves to boast of.

Besides more than 400 miles of canals, boating, fishing, and water sports, Cape Coral offers a lively strip of restaurants and stores along its Parkway. Children love the endless activities here including Sun Splash Family Water Park, Mike Greenwell’s Family Fun Park, and the 27,000-square-foot Eagle Skate Park.

Nature lovers can walk across a boardwalk in the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve that runs through a quiet mangrove habitat without disturbing the wildlife.

Looking for suggestions in Cape Coral or near Fort Myers? Here are a few ideas:

• Latitude 26 Waterfront Boutique Resort: Beach-themed studios where guests can enjoy free kayaking, paddle boarding, bike riding, and swimming in the tiki-lined heated pool.
  https://www.lat26resort.com/

• Matanzas Inn: Old Florida resort-style destination featuring rooms, suites, and cottages. Located just a few steps from the beach.
  https://matanzas.com/

• Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina: Beachfront resort featuring well-ventilated rooms and well-lit villas with Gulf views and contemporary décor. In addition to beach access, a marina, and water-sports equipment rentals, amenities include a spa and a fitness center. A lagoon-style pool with a waterfall is one of the three heated pools. Don’t miss the kids camp if traveling with children.
  https://www.pinkshell.com/

• Dolphin Key Resort: Completely renovated resort offers visitors comfortable and affordable accommodations located in the heart of the Cape Coral Entertainment District.
  https://www.dolphinkeyresort.com/

 

3. Tampa

Tampa is a city known for all age groups, catering to all tastes. It has an interesting mix of historic architecture and modern landmarks, a culture infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors, vibrant business districts, and beautiful waterways. Downtown Tampa is alive with urban parks, including the gorgeous Tampa Riverwalk, hip bars and innovative restaurants, and amazing restorations of turn-of-the-century buildings.

For outdoor lovers, hiking, biking, paddling, or bird-watching is an easy option at one of the many parks and preserves, such as Hillsborough River State Park in Thonotosassa or Lettuce Lake Park in north Tampa. 

Here are some luxury hotel options for the discerning traveler:

• Le Meridien Tampa: Upscale boutique hotel with contemporary rooms located in downtown Tampa. Dining options include a stylish French bistro and bar, and a modern cocktail lounge offering cold meat dishes. There’s also an outdoor pool, a fitness room, and a business center.
  https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpamd-le-meridien-tampa/

• Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection: Contemporary hotel featuring modern rooms and suites. Amenities include a rooftop lounge, a spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness room. Cooking classes are offered for a fee. Dining options range from a patisserie to a restaurant serving New American cuisine
  https://epicureanhotel.com/

• JW Marriott Tampa Water Street: Luxury hotels featuring resort-style pools with private cabanas with scenic water views, outdoor terraces, six dining outlets with indoor and outdoor seating, and a wellness spa. Not to mention the luxurious guest rooms and suites with stunning cityscape and water views, modern décor, and elegant touches.
  https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/tpajd-jw-marriott-tampa-water-street/
  
  

Why Southwest Florida Insider?

With the most insightful and carefully-curated content on the sights-to-see, events-to-attend, cuisines-to-try, places-to-stay, and the exciting nightlife options, Southwest Florida Insider is where travelers can find all they need to know about southwest Florida.

If Southwest Florida is on your bucket list, it’s time to buy that ticket and tick off those checkboxes. 

For more insights and travel tips, visit https://southwestfloridainsider.com