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
What to do and see in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast: The Best Free Things to do
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. 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
2. 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!
3. 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
4. Lakes Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,411 reviews
Lakes Park encompasses nearly 300 acres of beautiful nature trails, lakes and gardens. Two playgrounds and water parks, a miniature train ride and railroad museum, bikes and watercraft available for rental, food concession, fitness trail and lots of picnicking areas. Every year over a million people enjoy Lakes Park's natural beauty for exercise and family recreation.
Reviewed By JMomma2015 - Granger, United States
We go to Lakes Park quite often. It’s a beautiful park to that offers many opportunities to walk, bike ride, fish, picnic, splash pad for kids, rent a surrey, rent a boat or just enjoy nature. There are various gardens, open fields, sand volleyball courts. It is very clean and well kept. The lakes have a huge boardwalk that crosses over and has beautiful fountains. It normally has a little children’s train and merry go round but those are currently not running due to the pandemic. There is plenty of parking ($). Offers farmers market on Wednesday.
5. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,187 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingeek
A great boardwalk through a cypress preserve with lots of birds, some alligators and other wildlife. They request you keep it a quiet area which most respected. Well maintained and excellent staff. Pay for parking only, no admission.
6. Cape Romano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
Reviewed By emmamazing
We went for a jet ski through the mangroves and it was so cool to see these ruins out in the middle of the water. We honestly thought it was from a Star Wars movie!
7. Venice Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
Reviewed By Lechien513
Yoga on the Beach with Elin (twice in the am and once in the pm), drum circle at sunset, volleyball at 4:30, clean restrooms, lifeguards, and beautiful sand! Who could ask for anything more? Parking has never been an issue for me but many travel by bicycle. I love the mat halfway to the water for those in wheelchairs but I wish it went all the way to the water.
8. Cape Coral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 987 reviews
Reviewed By 662jet - Cape Coral, United States
This is a beautiful small city where nearly every home has access to the Gulf of Mexico right in their back yard. If you love to go boating this is the place for you. The cost of visiting or especially living is very very reasonable. The people are nice and very friendly. The coldest winter temperature is not very often below 50 degrees. Swim year around, citizens grow oranges, grapefruit, avocados, mangos, bananas, tangerines, lemons, limes and mangos right in their back yard. This place should be called paradise.
9. Caspersen Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,810 reviews
Reviewed By Z3445BUthomask - Monee, United States
Family of 13 young from 8 to 65 Great place nice beach clean and has a rock beach or just beach This is a hidden Gem just 1 /2 mile south Of Sharkys
10. Peace River Wildlife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
The Mission of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education. The Center and our gift shop is open to the public for tours everyday from 11a – 4p and our hospital accepts wildlife intakes from 8a – 5p everyday, 7 days per week, 365 days per year including all holidays. We do not charge an admission fee but donations are greatly appreciated and needed to support our mission. Your donations and gift store purchases go directly to the care of our wildlife patients and residents. The PRWC does not receive any federal government support. The costs involved in maintaining these educational displays and to feed almost 120 permanent residents and more than 2,500 patient admissions annually is nearly $80,000 per year. All of the Peace River Wildlife Center’s expenses are met through donations, our recycling program, gift shop sales and small grants. PRWC’s mission is carried out primarily by volunteers
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
A donation of only $5.00 per adult provides a great opportunity to see many birds being very well cared for, birds who can’t be released into the wild due to various past injuries. We saw bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barred owls, white and brown pelicans, osprey and many other birds in well maintained and comfortable enclosures which give visitors an up-close look at these beautiful creatures. The volunteers were very helpful and answered all my questions. 82 per cent of all birds brought to the refuge are eventually released back into nature and those who can’t be released serve as refuge ambassadors for their species to help educate young and old alike. The gift shop is awesome; all proceeds go to help care for the birds. We loved this refuge and highly recommend a visit when in Punta Gorda.
