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
Things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast: The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Naples Historical Society's Historic Palm Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 349 reviews
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. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,219 reviews
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.
3. St. Armands Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,665 reviews
Shop. Dine. Relax. The St. Armands Circle Association represents the over 130 merchants of St Armands Circle in Sarasota Florida. Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands is truly unique in concept, history and ambience. It’s easy to relax, unwind, and let your cares fade away.
Reviewed By 0915R - Kure Beach, United States
Anytime we're in the Sarasota area we always make the point to go over to St. Armands Circle...public parking garage within 1/2 block (inexpensive too), lots of shops, unique shops, and great restaurants
4. Fishermen's Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,257 reviews
Fishermen's Village Waterfront Mall, Resort, and Marina offers something for everyone. Shopping, dining, live entertainment, and water adventures await locals and travelers. With over 30 boutique shops and 5 different restaurants, you are sure to find something that pleases you and your family.
Reviewed By 934mickieg
This is a must stop if you're in the Punta Gorda area. Located right on the bay with lots of unique shops and wonderful restaurants! We liked it so much we came back 3 times during our 5 day stay. Each restaurants food was wonderful and service was top notch! Will definitely come back next time we're in town!
5. 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
6. 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.
7. Ca d'Zan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,144 reviews
Ca' d'Zan is a venue of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Visit ringling.org to purchase a tour. The home of the circus king and his wife, a couple from humble mid-western origins, Ca’ d’Zan stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by the Venetian Gothic style of the palazzos that ring the Venice canals, this dazzling palatial mansion perfectly captures the splendor and romance of the Italy the Ringlings so loved. For tour information please visit ringling.org
Reviewed By stephencoo - Bradenton, United States
Beautiful bayfront gardens, banyon trees walking trails, sidewalk along the Sarasota bay, park benches to relax and take in the view, amazing art museum, restaurants and gift shop with coffee bar upstairs ...and the Ca’D’Zan mansion on the bay is incredible!
8. LECOM Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
LECOM Park is the Spring Training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and is home to the Bradenton Marauders throughout the season. The Bradenton Marauders are the High A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that showcases the upcoming talent within the Pirates organization.
Reviewed By shannonj939 - Bradenton, United States
Rated the best of the grapefruit league ball parks. The Pittsburgh Marauders play there during the Major League season.
9. CenturyLink Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. Since moving to Fort Myers in 1992, the Miracle have qualified for the Florida State League Playoffs eight times and won the Florida State League Championship in 2014. Home games are played at Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Fort Myers Miracle season begins in April and ends in September.
Reviewed By Crownefmy
I am a big spring training fan and over the years have seen many a Twins game and several Miracle games here and have never been disappointed. Extremely friendly staff and very good ballpark food options. I have attended other events here like a cornhole tournament and had a great time for that too.
10. Myakka Canopy Walkway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
Reviewed By 982elwync
Just a short walk from the parking lot through the trees to the tower. We started at the smaller tower and walked across the bridge to the larger tower. Up, up, up to 75 feet. You look out over the landscape and are above the tree line.
