With more than 250 species of birds, over 100 miles of beaches and five major league baseball teams that spend their spring training days here every March, Southwest Florida spans a diverse range of attractions for visitors. That’s not to mention superb fishing, boating, golf, shopping, museums, theater and arts. Stretching from the Everglades in the south to the shores of Lake Okeechobee in the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west and Sarasota-Bradenton in the north, the region retains a reputation for adventure and privilege.
All in a day
Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key
Wake up in your charming beachfront cottage and head to Ginny’s and Jane E’s to indulge in their famous crème brulee French toast. Visit Pine Avenue, the heart of Anna Maria Island, and paint a sand dollar keepsake at the Shiny Fish Emporium. Rent a bicycle from Beach Bums and tour the island. Visit Coquina Beach, voted best “island sand” in the US by Conde Nast. Enjoy a picture-perfect sunset and watch dolphins at play while dining at the Sandbar Restaurant.
Fort Myers/Sanibel
Begin your day even before sunrise to find the best sea shells along the beach at the 1884 Sanibel Lighthouse. Then find out why the USA Today newspaper ranked the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island tops for birdwatching. After a chilled shrimp and fruit salad lunch at The Island Cow, be amazed at one of the US’s most-visited historic homes, the Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. Wonder at the inventor’s laboratory and museum.
Naples/Marco Island
Take an early morning walk along Marco Island’s crescent-shaped white sand beach. Search for shells and birdwatch at Tigertail Beach on the island’s north end, a top spot on the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail. Book a sightseeing cruise on board Pure Florida’s Double Sunshine departing from Tin City on the Old Naples Waterfront. Enjoy a grouper sandwich and slice of key lime pie at Pinchers Crab Shack next to the docks at Tin City. Explore the Children’s Garden and the Naples Botanical Garden.
Sarasota
Start your day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee and pastries in downtown Sarasota before heading to Bayfront Island Park for a stroll alongside Sarasota Bay. Hop over to St. Armands Circle for retail therapy and lunch at al fresco dining spots. Then grab a paddle and kayak the mangrove tunnels on Lido Beach. Reserve your evening for a sunset on Siesta Beach, where the luxurious quartz-white sand is unmatched. Top off your day with cocktails and dinner in Siesta Key Village.
