What a strange part of the country Southwest Florida is. With one of Florida’s most boring major cities (hello Fort Myers), one of the state’s richest cities (hello Naples) and an incredibly large amount of swampland, it’s a strange juxtaposition.
When the planned communities look like this:
It left me very little to be expected from the area. I mean, doesn’t that look absolutely terrifying?! Where’s the spontaneity?! Where’s the dense living?
Fort Myers, being the area’s largest city is also kind of sad. I was desperately searching the map for anything to do, but couldn’t really find anything. Here’s a picture of the “skyline” I took on my way out of town:
But regardless of the endless sprawl and sad downtown, this part of the state actually surprised me. It holds some of the country’s best beaches, tons of tropical flowers, ritzy streets and the highest chance of spotting an elusive Florida Panther. Here are some of my favorite things to do!
Naples Beaches
It goes without saying that you’re probably visiting this area for the beaches. Downtown Naples is unique in that its central business district dead ends on the beach. Soft sand and calm, warm waves slowly drift ashore and create one of the best beaches in the state. With a plethora of businesses close, its really easy to hop over and grab a bite or a drink.
Search for a Florida Panther
Whether its at Big Cypress National Preserve, the aptly named Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge or Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the largest concentration of the elusive mammal’s sightings are in Southwest Florida. Track some of the most recent sightings on the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.
Marco Island
One of the southernmost towns on the West Coast of Florida, Marco Island is another excellent beach destination. Home to a few luxury hotels, such as the JW Marriott, and a bunch of other residencies, the island can be kind of inaccessible if you’re not staying on it. Parking is a nightmare, especially when the beaches in Naples are just as nice and much easier to access. If you do make the trek to Marco Island, stop by one of the many tiki bars.
Sanibel Island
The island known for its large quantity of shells doesn’t disappoint with its famed shoreline. Devasated by a hurricane a few years ago, following it come back to life has been nothing short of inspiring. While you’re on the island, don’t miss the Sanibel Lighthouse and JN Ding National Wildlife Refuge. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is also worth a stop during a shell collecting break.
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Tucked between development of the area and the Gulf of Mexico, Estero Bay Preserve protects marshland and waters of Estero Bay. There are a few trails that wind through the scrub. The park also has a lake, accessible by a two-mile trail. If you can make it to the park’s Mound Key Archeological Park, it’s on an island in Estero Bay, the site played home to the capital of the Calusa Native American tribe.
Naples Botanical Gardens
In my opinion, I don’t think it gets much better than a Tropical Botanical Gardens. The park lists its exhibits as everything from lush rainforests to intricate succulent displays. Paved trails and wooden boardwalks take visitors through the manicured gardens. The park also has 90 acres of untamed coastal scrub with unpaved trails throughout.
Everglades National Park
This monstrosity of a national park stretches across Southern Florida. Closest to Naples is Everglades City, a small outpost with the Gulf Coast Visitor Center and a few paddling trails that lead out to the 10,000 islands. Also along the Tamiami Trail is the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center and the Halfway Creek Canoe Trail. Closer to Miami, where the Tamiami Trail crosses the Florida National Scenic Trail is the Oasis Visitor Center.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Adjacent to the Everglades and composing the northwestern part of the park, Big Cypress Preserve has its own fair share of visitor centers and activities. The park is divided by the Tamiami Trail, which acts as its lifeline and jumping point for activities. From the trek to Miami, there are a few visitor centers, paddling and hiking trails, and campgrounds.
Freedom Park
This small park is just outside Downtown Naples. Its series of four lakes are connected by boardwalk trails. There’s honestly not much that’s super special about the park, but I love a good boardwalk. The wetlands are a good place to birdwatch and look for alligators.
Naples’ 5th Avenue
Ending literally in the Gulf of Mexico, the main throughway in Downtown Naples is lined with cute little shops. From gelato to tea rooms and five star cuisine, it’s worth a wander. Tall coconut palms line the road with a backdrop of white architecture and gorgeous bushes full of flowers.
Narrative Coffee Roasters
Guys, Narrative has REALLY good coffee. If given the chance, I would hook up an IV with their cold brew. The coffee shop has two locations in Naples. I visited the Central Avenue location outside of Downtown Naples, but there’s another one in the upscale Mercato shopping center.
Turquoise Skies 