1. Lover’s Key State Park
Lover’s Key State Park is a quiet, serene beach located right between Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach. Bring your kayak for some adventures sailing through the gorgeous Gulf Coast, or pack a swimsuit and towel for a calming afternoon in the natural Florida sun. If you’re lucky, you might spot some tortoises making their way back to the Gulf! You will never feel more relaxed than your time at Lover’s Key National Park.
2. Koreshan State Park
Koreshan State Park, snuggled right off of Highway 41 and Corkscrew Road is home to some of the most beautiful ecosystems home to thousands of wildlife. You can enjoy this park either by kayak, walking tour, or renting out some camping space and spend a weekend exploring. You might get a chance to see some otters, tortoises, and maybe an alligator, so watch out!
3. Shy Wolf Sanctuary
The Shy Wolf Sanctuary is a non-for-profit rehabilitation organization that saves wolves and other animals that cannot survive alone in the wild. You can take a tour of what this organization does to save the native animals of Southwest Florida and donate to keep this amazing local business prospering.
4. The Fort Myers Dog Beach
The Fort Myers dog beach is the perfect place to take your four-legged friends to run around and enjoy the warm Gulf waters! You can get there by boat or drive on over and have a great afternoon splashing around with your puppy. Make sure to pack tons of water so you can rinse all the sand out of their fur as you head home from a day full of fun.
5. Everglades Airboating
One of the most recognizable state park’s in Florida is the Everglades. Filled to the brim with so much wildlife, you won’t know how to contain the excitement! One of the best ways to see the Everglades is in an airboat. Zip down the rivers and keep a sharp eye out for some alligators, they are always lurking!
6. The Naples Pier
The Naples Pier is a staple of the Naples community. Built in 1889, the pier has withstood the test of time, seeing families and friends walk across enjoying the natural beauty of the Gulf of Mexico. Take a moment to walk all of the way out and watch as you might catch a glimpse of some dolphins on the horizon. You can even bring some snacks and enjoy a beautiful lunch on the white sand beaches that rest underneath the pier.
7. Sanibel Island Beaches
Sanibel Island is a seculated, gorgeous island with quiet beaches and one of the
most iconic lighthouses in Florida. It is the perfect place to collect some shells as
a little keepsake for an unforgettable trip. If you’re lucky and the weather is just right, you might catch a sight of the green flash as the sun makes its way down the horizon!
8. Manatee Park
Have you ever wanted to see a manatee up close and in person? Well here is your
opportunity! Rent a kayak and float down the rivers of the Gulf and get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some manatees. The best time of year to see these amazing animals is when the Gulf temperatures are low, so book your tour early!
9. The Naples Botanical Gardens
The Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to experience the natural plants and habitats that are native to Southwest Florida. You will learn so much about what Southwest Florida has to offer to the ecosystems that keep our state alive and growing. They also feature local artist installations and support small businesses that make Florida so unique and one-of-a-kind!
10. Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay gives you the opportunity to learn about one of Southwest Florida’s most treasured plants; the mangrove. The mangrove is what keeps our shores, rivers, and lakes protected from soils and other contaminants that may tarnish the beauty of Florida. Take a riverboat tour down the bay and experience what the mangroves do to protect the wildlife that lives within them.