The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast

July 10, 2021 Alida England

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. Stunning beaches, including Ft. Myers Beach, Tigertail Beach and Pensacola Beach, fringe the Gulf, down the I-75 from Tampa to Naples. Sanibel Island’s shelling attracts thousands. Cape Coral’s waters are paradise for flyfishing. Golfers adore spectacular courses in Marco Island and Naples. Glorious sunny days and deliciously warm turquoise waters beckon in this often overlooked corner of the Sunshine State.
Restaurants in Southwest Gulf Coast

1. Naples Historical Society's Historic Palm Cottage

137 12th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34106 +1 239-261-8164 [email protected] http://www.napleshistoricalsociety.org
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 349 reviews

Naples Historical Society's Historic Palm Cottage

Naples Historical Society's Historic Palm Cottage is Naples oldest house (1895) and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Open for house tours and historic district walking tours.

Reviewed By RSaari

We loved the Palm Cottage tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable and gave us an amazing presentation about the early days of Naples Florida.

2. Trico Shrimp Co

1300 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 +1 239-765-1828 [email protected] http://www.tricoshrimpco.wixsite.com/2630
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 158 reviews

Trico Shrimp Co

Reviewed By JollyCruise - Kansas, United States

Oh man this place is fantastic! Wonderful fresh shrimp and fish. We came here several times during our week on FMB. We enjoyed cooking shrimp, grouper and triple tail at our resort! They also have the best cocktail sauce, remoulade sauce and a fantastic seasoning. We loved it all so much we went back to get extras to take home of the sauces and seasonings. This place is a must for any visit in our books

3. Revs Institute

2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples, FL 34104-6119 +1 239-687-7387 [email protected] https://revsinstitute.org/
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 664 reviews

Revs Institute

Revs Institute® is now open with limited capacity. Tickets must be purchased online for specific dates/times in advance. No telephone orders or walk-up visitors can be accommodated. Face coverings are mandatory. Revs Institute is dedicated to the study of the automobile past, present and future. Revs Institute offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to view over 100 of the most influential automobiles of our time. Many of the cars are unique or exceptionally rare, and each meets rigid standards of historical, technical, aesthetic or social significance. To enhance the visitor experience, specially designed interactive displays and artifact showcases are presented within four themed galleries. They include unique items from the extensive Revs Institute library and archives. Revs Institute is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For information, visit revsinstitute.org.

Reviewed By 410ChrisM410 - Virginia Beach, United States

Amazing collection to see, overwhelming amount of fabulous vehicles from all eras, and an education in the history of the automobile and racing, and some of the development of the Naples area. Really fun museum if you are at all excited by sports cars, or have children who are.

4. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples, FL 34120-4865 +1 239-348-9151 [email protected] http://corkscrew.audubon.org
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,318 reviews

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Online reservations only. No walk-ins allowed. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000 acre Preserve. The Sanctuary is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm with last admission at 1:00 pm. Timed tickets are available for 8am-10am, 10:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-3pm. Visitors will find a gentle, pristine wilderness that dates back more than 500 years. A 2.25 mile boardwalk meanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and have a girth of 25 feet. Their massive branches are draped with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns. The forest is also home to alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, raptors and the fabulous Painted Bunting can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail.

Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom

We were recommended the corkscrew swamp by one of the tram drivers at the Naples Grande hotel and really enjoyed our visit so much that we went back the following day (ticket price is for 2 consecutive days) During our visits we saw 600 year old cypress trees, woodpeckers, alligators, herons, anhingas and even a snake, towards the end of our 2nd visit we had the lovely sight of 3 raccoons running along the boardwalk right in front of us. Staff are knowledgeable and very welcoming and it is a worthwhile visit if wildlife is of interest

5. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

1534 Mound St, Sarasota, FL 34236-7810 +1 941-366-5731 [email protected] http://www.selby.org
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,219 reviews

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

Bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history.

Reviewed By PatH840 - Asheboro, United States

We spent a delightful morning in the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens during a recent visit to Sarasota. Our stroll through the garden began with a fascinating display of epiphytes, which we learned are plants that grow on other plants without harming them. Some favorite epiphytes were the orchids and bromeliads. The fern garden was a place of tranquility, filled with quite an extensive variety of ferns. The koi pond was very popular with visitors. We really enjoyed watching these fascinating fish in their lovely surroundings. During our stroll we discovered absolutely gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay, requiring time to take in the perfect blue sky, shimmering water and the colorful boats - what a treat! Our favorite part was the native butterfly garden. We saw many colorful butterflies, including numerous Monarch butterflies. We learned that these local Monarchs remain all year long and do not participate in the well-known Monarch migration. Who could blame them for remaining in this fantastic place? We loved our visit to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Sarasota area.

6. Myakka River State Park

13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241-9546 +1 941-361-6511 [email protected] http://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Myakka-River
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,342 reviews

Myakka River State Park

One of the original Civilian Conservation Corps parks.

Reviewed By SeaSab - Grand Rapids, United States

We had a very pleasant day exploring Myakka State Park. We started at the bridge looking for alligators and birds. Be sure to bring your binoculars! A short way down the road is the trail to the Canopy walk. Climb the steps to reach a 76 foot observation platform where you view the tree tops and Myakka River basin. Our next stop was the gift shop. They have lots of interesting souvenirs for you to spend your money on. There is also a snack bar with food and drinks. Once we had shopped and used the restrooms, we ventured over to the weir looking for more alligators and birds. Our favorite siting was the roseate spoonbill! Our last stop was the bird walk where we saw birds, a wild boar, and more birds, incuding an eagle perched in the flatlands next to the river! The park is beautiful and a great spot for birdwatching. Also available are a boat cruise and a tram ride tour which we did not do.

7. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113-8031 +1 239-530-5940 [email protected] http://www.rookerybay.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center is a state-of-the-art, air conditioned 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms, a 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium and a marine life touch tank. Other displays in the learning center address coastal research, local history and ongoing conservation efforts within Rookery Bay. There is also a number of nature trails, a scenic overlook bridge, unique gift store, art gallery, and picnic area. Guided boat and kayak tours are offered seasonally from November to May. Check our website for more information.

Reviewed By R6735CZbobk - West Chester, United States

There are numerous educational exhibits in the information center, with docents explaining many items and live aquatic species. Outside there are several walking trails.

8. Big Cypress National Preserve

33100 Tamiami Trl E, Ochopee, FL 34141-1000 +1 239-695-2000 http://www.nps.gov/bicy
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 537 reviews

Big Cypress National Preserve

Land of biological diversity, measuring 729,000 acres, combines a mix of pines, hardwoods, prairies and mangrove forests along with a variety of wildlife including White-tailed deer and Florida panther.

Reviewed By allthegirls2014 - Naples, United States

Just before the rainy season started, I went to check out the Preserve, specifically to drive on the Loop Road, before it became too wet. It was a fabulous afternoon. I stopped to chat with the ranger at the Welcome Center just east of Carniestown for tips and great maps. (It's important to have paper maps, as there is limited cell service within the Preserve) and asked where the gators were hanging out. I continued east on 41, stopped at the Kirby Storter Roadside Park for a nice boardwalk (herons, egrets, turtles) and then moved on to Loop road. The road is not paved except at the far northeastern end. But the drive was amazing. Alligators were everywhere, visible from the car (or you could sneak out to snap a pictures). Lots of birds: egrets, hawks, roseate spoonbills, herons. You can just pull over if you see something interesting. I was driving my sedan, but it would have been better in a taller vehicle. And afterwards, I did have to wash my car, as it definitely looked like I had been off-roading. Kept my phone charged and brought water and snacks. Wonderful drive, fabulous pictures. Highly recommend.

9. Cayo Costa State Park

4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island, Boca Grande, FL 33922 +1 941-964-0375 http://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Cayo-Costa
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 407 reviews

Cayo Costa State Park

Accessible only by boat, a ferry can take you to this island nature reserve known for its beautiful beaches and great collection of shells.

Reviewed By lobojen - Chandler, United States

Cayo Costa State Park is officially sea shelling insanity. If you want to collect some amazing shells hop on a boat out here from Captiva (we took Captiva Cruises - excellent). When you get to the dock you'll walk just a minute or two until you get to the beach. Take a LEFT and start walking - and I mean WALKING about a mile down the beach - away from everyone else. We found amazing shells and sand dollars. Up your game by getting a scooper and a bag. It was chilly the day we went (60's, but I am from Arizona so anything less than about 75 is cold to me!) but the water was actually warmer than on Sanibel. Do not miss this place if you want some amazing shells.

10. Lovers Key State Park

8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931-5126 +1 239-463-4588 https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lovers-key-state-park
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,997 reviews

Lovers Key State Park

Park is not associated with Bonita Springs Dog Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, shelling, fishing, hiking, bicycling, wildlife watching, canoeing/kayaking, geocaching and more.

Reviewed By A832KAhannahh - Fort Myers, United States

My Dad and I visited back in October and there were so many dead sand dollars, we couldn’t fit them all in our hand. We suspected it was a phenomenon brought on by the red tide outbreak we had this year. Fortunately, the day we went it did not affect us. The beach is long, wide and has a lot of nature to observe along the trails, walkway, and on the shoreline. “Amenities include a two-mile (3 km) long beach on Lovers Key. Black Island has over five miles (8 km) of multiuse trails; bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals, gazebo, picnic areas, boat ramp, and two playgrounds.” It is a beautiful place to see the sunset and get married. They had a huge tent set up complete with chandeliers right on the beach! There is a tram to carry you out to the beach or you can walk a long distance to the end. The tram leaves from the parking lot. There is a building that provides bathrooms and a gift shop with various small snacks & drinks. The park is open from 8:00 am till sundown year-round. There is a cost to get in is $8 unless the mode of transportation is larger or smaller than a standard vehicle. Well worth the trip!

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