Looking for things to do in Southwest Florida worth a top spot on your bucket list? We’ve got you covered in this comprehensive list!
Southwest Florida is a special part of the Sunshine State, sun-drenched and salty for most of the year — an abundance of riches we have at our doorstep. It’s a beautiful place with rustic coastal scenery, incredible wildlife, white sandy beaches, lush mangrove estuaries and the breathtaking Everglades ecosystem.
Add to that incredible shopping, dining, and other attractions and it’s no wonder Southwest Florida is one of the top vacation spots in Florida. The tourism-focused economy certainly has a lot to tout, but as the old saying goes it ain’t bragging if it’s so!
With so much to see and do while you’re here, where do you even begin? With the Big SWFL Bucket List — activities you have to do in a certain place, must-see sites, top places you need to visit. In short, these 10 best things to do in SWFL!
1. Go Shelling on Sanibel Island
If there’s one place shelling enthusiasts and treasure hunters should make a beeline for when they arrive in Southwest Florida, it’s Sanibel Island, where everyone can be seen doing the famous Sanibel Stoop — hunched over on the lookout for that next perfect shell. It’s good addictive SWFL fun!
2. Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Sunset is a big deal along Florida’s Gulf Coast and there’s no better way to experience it than from the bow of a big catamaran riding gently and quietly on the breeze. There are many ways to get out on the water, but there’s nothing like a relaxing sunset catamaran cruise to put you in the island vibe.
3. Go Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande
In Florida, there’s fishing, and then there’s fishing for tarpon in the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World. You may have seen these guys on TV, and the anglers too, doing their best to land one in their boat! If you dream of saltwater fishing, this is the place to do it,
4. Take Your Dog to the Beach
Most of the city and county beaches in Southwest Florida don’t allow dogs on the beach. But if you want your four-legged friend to enjoy some fun on the beach along with you, head for Dog Beach on the south end of Lovers Key in Lee County, or Keewaydin Island in Collier County, two of the only dog-friendly beaches in the area..
5. Shop ‘Til You Drop in Naples
If you’re passionate about shopping you’ve come to the right place — shopping in Naples is some of the best in Southwest Florida. Top choices in Naples are the beautiful Waterside Shops, the Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 5th Avenue South, Third Street South and Mercado. All offer high end shopping in beautiful walkable pedestrian-friendly settings. But value shoppers don’t despair. Naples has fabulous consignment stores and an entire Trail of Treasures along 10th Street to find those hidden thrift and consignment gems!
6. Visit Colorful Matlacha Florida
Artsy, funky, quirky — all of these describe Matlacha, the most unique and colorful small town in southwest Florida. Browse artisan galleries like Leoma Lovegrove’s gallery, Wild Child Art Gallery, and more. With a day’s worth of shops and salty places to dine on fresh seafood, get your art on in Matlacha.
7. Kayak Rookery Bay
The largest expanse of primordial wilderness between Naples and Marco Island, Rookery Bay’s protected ecosystem is amazing to explore. Take a guided kayak tour through mangrove tunnels, small hidden bays, and across active mud flats, or a guided boat tour to hidden spots on the Bay. The Good Fortune offers sunset boat cruises as well.
8. Take an Everglades AirBoat Tour
There’s no better way to see the habitat of the Florida Everglades than gliding across the water on an Everglades airboat ride. Several good tour operators on the western side of the Everglades south of Naples can give you the thrill of your visit while educating you on Everglades wildlife and the waters of the Glades.
9. Belly Up to A Tropical Beach Bar
You know the kind we mean — the one where bare feet are not only welcomed but encouraged. After a long day on the beach, in the boat, or even on the links, there’s nothing better than catching a tropical buzz from a cold beer or fruity umbrella drink in one of the local bars and watching the sun go down from your tiki hut. Responsibly of course.
10. Catch Sunset from the Naples Pier
A long standing tradition for visitors to Naples is to watch sunsets from the Naples Pier. One of the longest piers in Florida, visitors flock to the pier in naples to put a peaceful touch and applaud the end of another day. Don’t worry if you don’t get there on time. In Southwest Florida there’s a sunset every day of the week and they can go on forever.
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