Top Things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast
Top Hotels in Southwest Gulf Coast
- 1. Bayfront Inn 5th Ave
- 2. Golden Host Resort
- 3. Naples Grande Beach Resort
- 4. West Wind Island Resort
- 5. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina
- 6. Carlisle Inn
- 7. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Punta Gorda, an IHG Hotel
- 8. Compass by Margaritaville
- 9. Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue
- 10. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
The 10 Best State Parks in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast
Floridas 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 Islands shelling attracts thousands. Cape Corals 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. Ted Sperling Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 33 reviews
This park provide unique opportunities for visitors to enjoy natural Florida beaches. They are contiguous sections of a 100-acre property that interacts with four bodies of water; the Gulf of Mexico, Big Pass, Sarasota Bay and Brushy Bayou. Because of their convergence, currents run swift in some areas of the shoreline.
Reviewed By SharonP875 - New York City, United States
We did a three hour self guided kayaking among the mangrove channels. Saw a dolphin, many birds, clams and crabs. Very nice day, relaxing and quiet in nature
2. Cayo Costa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
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.
3. Lovers Key State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,997 reviews
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!
4. Charlotte Harbor State Park
5. Koreshan State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 573 reviews
Open daily 8am-sunset. This utopian community of 200 which believed the entire universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere relocated from New York to Florida in 1894. The Koreshans built and operated a printing facility, boat works, cement works, sawmill, bakery, store and hostelry. Education, science and art also helped shape their community. After their leader's death in 1908, membership declined. In 1961, the remaining members deeded 305 acres of their land to the state of Florida as a park and memorial. The Koreshan Unity Settlement Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places. Guided tours available.
Reviewed By critiqueVirginia
Having this historical site in my neighborhood is fantastic. I admire all the historic society and friends of Koreshan park have done so far and I hope more is done like the restoration of the Koreshan general store which needs much reconstruction. The docents at the park are friendly and knowledgeable. Amazing to know and see all that went on in the late 1800s here. Also has hiking trails, kayaks and camp sites. Farmers market also. Have attended many events here. Look up info online. Yearly fundraiser ghost walk in January is exceptional. Have to sign up online in early December. I have been to this event twice. Sells out quickly.
6. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,627 reviews
Reviewed By bahamasgirlatnheart - Irwin, United States
This is our favorite beach when visiting Naples, parking areas for enough cars, short walk over the dunes to the beach, lots of shells, bathrooms and rinsing stations. not crowded, either!
7. Gasparilla Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 293 reviews
Reviewed By dvkremk - Venice, United States
Suggest you arrive early if you are going on the weekend. We rented a golf cart which made it easy for us to explore various sections of the State Park and be able to find parking. You pay $3 once at the park entrance and then can go anywhere and park in other sections of the park. Beautiful beaches and a nice place to find shells.
8. Stump Pass Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,092 reviews
Reviewed By 793davido - Englewood, United States
tucked away at the end of the Key - a great hidden gem for beach-combing for shark teeth- kayaking - picnic - has facility very inexspensive to stay for the day $3.00- hit the local Grocery store for cold soft fdrink and the grocery store always has a 12 sub special - spent a day and watch the sunsets over the Gulf
9. Don Pedro Island State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By Nanalee3 - Golden Valley, United States
We rented kayaks from Hooked on SUP at Don Pedro State Park and received directions to a mangrove tunnel and lagoon. Before we left we spotted an ink fish in the water. We had never seen one before. It was so cool. It had floppy fins like a manta ray, a head like a snail and a bubble on its back. If startled, it can spray ink like an octopus. When we we putting the kayaks in the water, there was one on the shore and our kayak assistant picked it up so we could get a good look at it and she moved it out of harm’s way. She did not get inked. We went toward the lagoon through the mangrove tunnel which was shallow. Some places only a foot deep. There were dozens of starfish and bottom dwelling jellyfish throughout the canal which led into a peaceful and secluded lagoon. There were lots more jellyfish out there. They looked like upside down mushrooms with a head of lettuce on top. We returned back to the inter coastal waterway and paddled about 1/2 hour to Don Pedro Island. There is a boat launch where you can leave your kayaks and head up the path about 1000 yards to the pavilion where we ate our homemade lunch. There are restrooms and a drinking fountain there but nothing else so plan ahead. The beach is on the other side of the pavilion and it is gorgeous. No crowds. Lots of shells and shark’s tweet on the day we were there. Not to mention it was a perfect sunny day in the high 70’s! Don’t forget your sunscreen. We were told we might see dolphins or manatee, but we didn’t. Usually they are more evident earlier in the day. We plan to make this part of our annual visit to the area!
