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 Things to do 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. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,318 reviews
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
2. The Ringling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,113 reviews
The Ringling is located in Sarasota, Florida and preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library, two Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are free to visit, and the Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
The Circus Museum is closed for renovations as are an art gallery. The new Kotter-Koville Glass Museum is at the entrance to Ringling and is free to view. It has beautiful and diverse glass pieces; worth a visit. Admission--free with NARM, MARP, and ROAM memberships--provides admission to the fantastic Tibbals Learning Center, the grounds around Ca'd'Zen, and the truly outstanding and extensive art museum. Additional fees are charged to view Ca'd'Zen for the first floor or other floors. It used to be free to do a self-guiding of first floor and a fairly reasonable charge for two other floors. Now there is a high price, which is understandable when considering the very costly upkeep of the property. Still such high prices exclude this family. Ringling is for all ages and necessitates hours to enjoy.
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. Naples Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,328 reviews
Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom
This is one of our favourite places to watch the sunset whilst watching dolphin & pelican, it can get busy on evenings of a good sunset so getting there early ensures a good spot at the pier end. We cannot get enough of this place and can't wait to go back next year
5. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,580 reviews
Visitors to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy seeing the winter residences of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. There are historical buildings, award-winning gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Inventions Museum. The museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits. Edison Ford offers many tour options, including special "Inside-the-Homes" and "Inside-the-Lab" Tours on select days. The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German and French. Historian led tours are also offered in German on select days. Group tours can be arranged in advance.
Reviewed By 123Shane - Calgary, Canada
Very scenic area and gardens with two beautiful homes that provide a glimpse into American history. My wife and I enjoyed a relaxing walk through the gardens and learned about two of the very influential business men and their families. The museum on site was also very educational. Definitely a excellent visit in the Fort Myers area.
6. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,185 reviews
Established in 1945, this wildlife refuge occupies one-third of Sanibel Island and is a prime spot for bird watching. Fees are required for Wildlife Drive, which is open everyday but is closed on Fridays, gate times vary. The best way to plan your visit is to stop in the informative FREE visitor center first which is open daily 9am-4pm. Then begin your adventure with many activities including the wildlife drive, tram tour, kayaking, fishing opportunities, picnic benches, and even a free scavenger hunt style game and wildlife spotting app (Discover Ding) if you prefer a self-guided tour.
Reviewed By michiales - North Fort Myers, United States
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is home to a large number of wildlife, including roseate spoonbills, anhinga, pelicans, herons, egrets, anoles, otter, alligators... it's a must-see for anyone visiting the island!
7. Naples Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,323 reviews
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, and walking trails offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages.
Reviewed By margatemensch2016 - Coconut Creek, United States
On a very pleasant late November Sunday,I spent a delightful day savoring the fine plants and ambience of the Naples Botanical Garden.Due to the Corona Virus in Naples ,a few parts of the garden were closed.It had an impressive collection of plants associated with the African country of Madagascar such as;Alluaudia(a source of food for lemurs),Madagascar Palm Tree,and the Baobab Tree,among others.I especially relished the Brazilian Garden which featured Santa Cruz Water Lilies and a delightful mosaic by Roberto Burle Marx,a very prominent Brazilian Landscape Architect.I liked its collection of orchids very much. At this time,there is a fine group of works by Steve Tobin,an American Contemporary Artist.I especially liked Tobin's"Head in the Clouds","Bamboo',and "Steel Root".. I walked around its nature trails featuring Florida plants and I liked the way the staff has organized this botanical garden.The Fogg Cafe on its premises has a special charm and great views of the garden's beautiful grounds.
8. Keewaydin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Reviewed By fistfullofgold - Chanhassen, United States
Keewaydin is a fantastic opportunity if you have access to a boat. We typically rent from Rose Marina. Getting to the island and parking your boat is very easy even the most novice of boaters can do it. The island offers a beautiful beach, plenty of shelling opportunities, good people, food “truck” boats, ice cream boats, plenty of space to relax. Walking between where you park your boat and the other side of the island make sure to wear something on your feet as there are thorny burrs. This island is long and provides another fun stop if you made it to the main gathering point why not go a bit further. There is a “secret island” access point down by bouy 51. You can shore anchor your boat and a short walk through the foliage will get you to the other side. We were there for an hour and saw no one.
9. Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 633 reviews
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery - is a family owned and operated distillery where award winning Wicked Dolphin Rum & RumShine are handcrafted. Free tours and Tastings are available. located in Cape Coral, FL.. Please check with our website to reserve space. Distillery Tour and Tasting Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays Tours at noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Friday tours 3,4, 5, & 6pm Saturday tours noon, 1pm,2pm,3pm & 4pm Distillery Gift Shop Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-5pm Saturdays 12pm-5pm
Reviewed By MELC1562 - Shavertown, United States
Free tour and outstanding products! Will definitely go again the next time we are in the Cape Coral area! Definitely recommend stopping in.
10. Tigertail Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,204 reviews
Reviewed By hwf1900 - Marco Island, United States
Very nice shelling beach, If you aren’t comfortable crossing the lagoon it is a very long walk to Sandollar spit, We found a nice variety of shells including lightning whelks, nutmegs, tiger eyes, small alphabet cones, etc., including a piece of a junonia :)
