Southwest Florida Overview
From cow towns to sea industries, free-spirited artists to famous inventors,
Southwest Florida has seen it all. Here, visitors will find both classic
laid-lack and fast paced environments.
Anna Maria Island
Stretching at just over seven and a half miles, Anna Maria Island includes Anna
Maria to the north, Holmes Beach directly in the center and Bradenton Beach to
the South. Anna Maria offers a nice selection of piers and parks, Holmes beach
has the critically acclaimed Beach Bistro right on the water, and Bradenton’s
Coquina Beach is a family favorite for all. Together, these communities show a
sensible vibe with building height restrictions and ambient neighborhoods.
Arcadia
The Old West meets the Old South in Arcadia. Here is the home to the All Florida
Championship Rodeo, historical structures and unique antique stores. Barrel
racing and bronco bucking can also be found during the rode, and there is even a
calf scramble and a shoot-out for the young ones.
Bonita Springs
The beautiful Bonita Beach can be found at the north end of Bonita Springs.
Picnic shelters, playgrounds and volleyball are all amenities visitors can in
enjoy while visiting. Inland, waterfalls, Mediterranean architecture and various
palms can be found, as well as The Promenade or mega mall, Coconut Point. For an
outdoor adventure, make sure to check out the Calusa Blueway Paddling trail.
Bradenton
Bradenton’s scene prides on being scenic and slow; with the Manatee River and
multiple bays, it is the place to go for a relaxing time. Downtown, the Village
of the Arts shares galleries, shops and cafes to visitors. Intriguing history
can be found at the South Florida Museum, and the Parker Manatee Aquarium and
Bishop Planetarium call for a good time as well. While heading out to the beach,
make a stop at the Maritime Museum for stories of Bradenton’s angling heritage.
Cape Coral
Cape Coral caters to kids with its water, skate and family parks. Nature lovers
will feel spoiled with the Matlacha Pass and Caloosahatchee River nearby. Kayak
or take a leisurely stroll at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve to see
wildlife.
Clewiston
The famous Lake Okeechobee can be found in Clewiston, which makes for a sweet
time for professionals and rookie fishers alike. Airboat tours, agriculture
galore and harvesting processes make this destination one of the more laid back
visits in Florida.
Englewood and Boca Grande
Dearborn Street is one of the main drags in downtown Englewood with its bistros,
galleries and boutiques. There are three state parks here that make it with a
visit: Stump Pass Beach, a fantastic location for shark’s teeth, Don Pedro
Island, where pristine beaches are protected by boat-only visitors, and
Gasparilla Island, where the 1890 Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum can be found.
Boca Grande offers more showing, resorts, and chic culture.
Everglades City
With Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Ten Thousand
Islands nearby, it’s not hard to imagine what the Everglades has to offer. If
the wild isn’t your thing stay civilized at the Museum of the Everglades. The
everglade Wilderness Waterway Trail offers fishing and airboat tours.
Fort Myers
Did you know that Henry Ford and Thomas Edison lived as neighbors in Fort Myers?
Tour both houses, and artifacts from both of these historical inventors.
Downtown, Centennial Park brings visionaries back to life with a statue, and the
Caloosahatchee River gives reason to nickname this part of town “The River
District”. Art walks, river cruises and the annual Edison Festival of Light are
located here as well. Look into the past at the 1908 Arcade Theater Building.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach has a booming nightlife with big crowds, shops, restaurants and
bars on the strip. Lynn Memorial Park can be found on Times Square. Annual
festivals include the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade and the
American Sandsculpting Championship. Lovers Key State Park is a beautiful sight
to see as well.
Lehigh Acres
This town is built on rest and relaxation. Fishing, paddling and golfing are all
perfectly acceptable ways or escaping to paradise in Lehigh Acres. Hickey’s
Creek Mitigation Park includes a canoe and kayak landing zone, hiking trails,
cypress swamps, marshes and a fishing pier.
Longboat Key
Longboat key, conveniently placed between Bradenton and Sarasota, is known for
its high level of luxury. Chef-owned and operated Euphemia Haye and The Haye
Loft are generally highly praised by the locals for their variety of live music.
Conrad, Whitney and Greer are among the best beaches here.
Marco Island
Eco-themed activities are abundant here. With a four-mile shoreline, Dunes lining
Tigertail Beach, a gorgeous butterfly garden and dolphin watching among the
Paradise Coast Blueway, Marco Island a treat for visitors and locals.
Naples
Two luxurious Ritz-Carltons accommodate travelers here. The Fifth Avenue South
and Third Street South are where the carefree folk congregate visiting
galleries, eateries and boutiques. The Philharmonic Center and the Naples Art
Museum are right at home here, but outdoor adventures are waiting to be had here
as well. Take a trip to Maples Municipal Beach, set eyes on the endangered ghost
orchid located at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or run your toes through the
soft gulf sands.
Nokomis
Nokomis is a hidden gem placed between Sarasota and Venice. Visit the jetty for
great fishing and surfing, or go to Nokomis Beach for soft sands.
Palmetto
High-rising Riviera Dunes Marina shows the recent changes at Palmetto, but the
agricultural museum and waterways show the town’s true beginnings. Manatee
County Agricultural Museum, Carnegie Library (1910) and the schoolhouse at
Palmetto Historical Park (1935) all have tours available. Observe natural
Palmetto at Emerson Point Preserve via paddling or cycling.
Port Charlotte and Charlotte Harbor
The Peace River and Charlotte Harbor are fantastic attractions for nature
enthusiasts and fisherman alike. Explore the recreational lands, paddling
opportunities and fishing charters here along with a few other surprises –
historical trolley and boat tour rides delving deep into the towns past. Be sure
to check out the symphony orchestra and a community playhouse.
Punta Gorda
Anglers and nature-seekers enjoy the offerings of Punta Gorda – the Charlotte
Harbor and Peace River. Local and visiting artists will also feel at home. More
than 20 hand-crafted murals depict local floral life. Marion Avenue is the host
to local shops and arts. Fisherman’s village has these as well, plus some
jaw-dropping scenic cruises to enjoy.
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island
Even the shells here find a way to travel from the Caribbean just to visit here.
Sanibel and Captiva are loved for their original galleries, restaurants and
shops as well as its ubiquitous trails and the “oh, so famous” beaches. The
currents bring in non-native shells, such as the ultra-rare junonia. Shelling,
taxiing and collecting shells are among popular activities here. Be sure to
check out the remote “Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Sarasota
Sarasota is one of the most beautiful, diverse cities the state of Florida has to
offer. Known for its arts, history and jaw-dropping beaches, Sarasota deserves
the praise. Get lost in the arts with the Asolo Repertory Theatre Company, and
gaze upon fine visual arts at the John and Mable Ringling Museum. Here, visitors
can also visit the Ca’ d’Zan, the Ringling’s Venetian winter mansion. The circus
museum dives into the Sarasota’s big top heritage. Historic architecture and
bright buildings are abundant here. Pineapple Avenue and Main Street downtown
are known for their eateries and annual events. Explore St. Armand’s circle for
everything from luxurious shops to family-run restaurants, followed by a trip to
St. Armand’s beach.
Siesta Key
Everything that you’ve heard about Siesta Key is true. These white sands are
soft, pure and gorgeous. Sunday nights, the locals gather on the shore to
participate in the famous drum circle. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing
time or an energetic sports outing, Siesta Key really does have it all.
Venice
The Venetian vibe here is strong with Mediterranean Revival structures and
beautiful water views. The 1927 Triangle Inn and Venice Train Station offer
tours throughout their newly restored properties. Make plans to visit the
exciting annual Shark’s Tooth Festival.