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
Countries
Top 10 Lessons & Workshops in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast
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. Sailor Circus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 190 reviews
The Sailor Circus in Sarasota, Florida is known worldwide as "The Greatest 'Little' Show on Earth." Sailor Circus Academy is one of the top circus schools in the USA. More than a hundred students from Sailor Circus Academy perform for the public in full-length circus shows. You'll see circus acts on the high wire, hand balancing, flying trapeze, juggling, clowning and much more. Great family entertainment! Circus classes and lessons are available year-round for children and adults who want to get into the act!
Reviewed By LitProfessor - New York City, United States
The most interesting thing that I took from seeing the show, is that all of the performers are all high-school kids and younger. The silk performers were stunning, and it was interesting that they had a slight deviation for the one male performer, then the rest of the seven or so females doing the same routine. It was interesting and refreshing at the same time. We went to the 12 days after Christmas show and it was a cute concept. Great for audience participation, since they have you do the 12 days song at the beginning of the performance. The trapeze artists were my personal favorite. The amount of skill and talent these performers have is astounding. Go see them if you have the chance. For $25 a ticket, you are seeing an absolute professional performance. The show is fantastic, but they also offer various lessons for those that may live in the area. They advertised camps/workshops in their facility, so that might be something to research if one is interested.
2. Sanibel Sea School Day Program
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 363 reviews
Sanibel Sea School is dedicated to vibrantly teaching children and adults about marine ecosystems. We use the barrier island habitats of Sanibel and Captiva to give our students an opportunity to touch, feel, and understand their surroundings. Thanks to the nature of field education, we provide a rich ocean experience that will invigorate students for a lifetime of appreciation and responsibility. We offer transformative education. It's more than an experience, it changes the way we live.
3. Offshore Sailing School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Welcome to Offshore Sailing School at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. All of our top-notch sailing courses and sailing vacations are offered including sailing lessons to sailing certification courses where you can learn on vacation. You will sail among sparkling blue waters with spectacular marine life, from egrets and pelicans to dolphins and manatees. Come for the weekend or stay for the week and learn a lifelong skill on vacation! Have your sailing adventure while your family enjoys the beach or resort activities. Corporate team building sailing programs are also offered at our Ft. Myers Beach location. Ask about our 'Tweens & Teens Learn Free family sailing vacation package!
Reviewed By Apoutdooradventures
My wife and I are making our dream to live on a sailboat a reality, first step is to get some training and experience. Our instructor was Tim Young, he was excellent with us very patient even when we made silly mistakes that created more excitement than we really wanted. My wife is very afraid of water and he walked her through the safety features of the boat and taught her how to handle the boat which built a lot of confidence in her. Booking our class, my wife contacted Dawn Birdsall, she was phenomenal through the whole process. Really gave us feeling that they weren’t just trying to get our money but they wanted us to love sailing as much as they do. I would strongly recommend calling Dawn for the booking and having Tim be your instructor.
4. Understand Photography
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Understand Photography offers photography tours, excursions and training in beautiful Southwest Florida. We offer photo trips into the Everglades, Sanibel Island, Cape Romano and more. We are a small group of professional photographers who love to teach and help! We work hard to be patient and clear instructors, as well as experienced photographers. We offer nature boat tours, group tours and private instruction/excursions. Please read the hundreds of reviews on our meetup site. We've been doing this for over ten years now and it's gone very well!!!
5. Glassblowing in the Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Turn an afternoon into an adventure with our intimate, outdoor garden glassblowing workshops. Go home with an ornament, bowl, or other glass creation. Please no walk-ins at the private studio.
Reviewed By AnnaDell77
This was a fantastic experience. Conrad is knowledgeable, informative and engaging, and learning the process of glass blowing with our group was fascinating and fun. Don’t expect to do everything yourself (as this work takes years of practice), but to the extent possible it is a hands on experience with great instruction.
6. Offshore Sailing School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Welcome to Offshore Sailing School at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island, Florida. All of our sailing courses and sailing vacations, from sailing lessons, to certification courses including Learn to Sail, Performance Sailing and Racing, Bareboat Charter and Live Aboard Cruising, and our exclusive Fast Track to Cruising, are offered at this beautiful resort location. Choose the length of your sailing experience, from 2 hours, to 2, 5, 7 and 10-day sailing vacation packages. South Seas Island Resort lies on the north end of Captiva Island on Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico, with nature trails, resort pool and spa, a par-3 executive golf course, tennis courts, kayaking, miles of bike trails and more. A great spot for families and couples. Corporate team building sailing programs for half/full and multi-days are also offered here.
Reviewed By 317abbyb
My father and I took a week vacation in Captiva, Florida. We stayed in South Seas and took the five day introduction to sailing course. My already high expectations were far surpassed, I would recommend this course for anyone looking to learn to sail, bond with family, and have fun! The class was small, however we opted for a private water lesson, which was well worth it for the one-on-one instruction. We were able to go out on the water just the two of us with the best instructor, Suzie. The classroom part was in the morning, and after a lunch break we had lessons on the water all five days. Everyone I came across in this program was incredibly patient, kind, and genuinely wanted you to have a great time and learn to sail. I was a total beginner, but felt comfortable taking the 26 Colgate (an amazing sailboat!) alone with my father on the last day. The setting at South Seas was a bonus as well, it is a beautiful resort! I can't say enough great things about Offshore Sailing, it was a Father Daughter Trip we will never forget! Also, would recommend for teenagers, even families!
7. Sissi Janku Art Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Painting classes in the Community House Sanibel. Art for sale by appointment.
Reviewed By T1086MVjenniferb
Once again one of our FAVORITE things to do when on Sanibel/ Captiva. We look forward to this class each year. This year we learned how to paint feather on a bird. I feel like a professional artist! Can't wait until next year when we are painting fish. Thank you Sissi for such a great, fun amazing class.
8. Island Tennis
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 168 reviews
Tennis, anyone? Looking for some exercise, professional hits and tips, and lots of fun? Experience Award-Winning Tennis with a USPTA Certified Elite Tennis Professional and National Champion! Susan Evans is a career tennis teaching professional and loves to share her passion and knowledge of the sport with her students to help them improve their game and overall tennis journey. She offers professional tennis teaching services to all ages and levels to both visitors and locals alike. Both Susan and her Island Tennis are Net Generation Providers accredited by the USPTA, and is USTA SafeSport Trained and Safe Play Approved. Island Tennis is locally owned, operated, licensed, insured and an accomplished small business having earned the Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence Award three consecutive years and the 2015 Best of Marco Island Award for Tennis. To book, please call or see website. Advance reservations required. It's tennis fun in the sun with Susan and Island Tennis!
Reviewed By KimberlyAquila - Pittsford, United States
I was so glad to be able to connect with Susan Evans USPTA Certified Elite Tennis Professional for an hour tennis lesson this week while here visiting Marco Island Fl. She really knows her stuff and is very good at explaining ways to improve my game. I was very impressed and will certainly call her again for another lesson. She has been a resident of MARCO ISLAND FL for many years and I learned that in addition to teaching tennis, she offers BIKE TOURS of MARCO ISLAND and surrounding area. MARCO ISLAND is all about small business and entrepreneurs. I am so glad to support her! So if you are looking for a fun way to learn about and tour our island or looking to improve your tennis game. Give her a call, you won't be disappointed!
9. Vino's Picasso
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
10. Painting With a Twist
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 545 reviews
Uncork your inner artist! Come enjoy an evening out with friends, have a date night, celebrate a special occasion, or come alone and meet new people! Bring your favorite wine, beer, soda, snacks, etc. and have a pARTy. We supply everything you need to complete your masterpiece, including a local artist. No Experience Required!
Reviewed By bethhkinz - Sarasota, United States
I have attended a few "Painting with a Twist" classes in Sarasota now, and I am absolutely hooked. My girl friends and I are thrilled that we found this studio - so many different classes are offered from canvas to wine glasses to wood plank and even tote bags. No matter what your artistic style is, PWAT Sarasota has something for everyone. The teachers are all super fun and engaging, but I have to give a huge shout out to Phil, as he is the reason I will continue going to this studio! Phil shared with us his knowledge and expertise in the art field in a way that was easy to follow, simple to replicate, and above all was FUN! Phil really knows how to get the party started and keeps it going the whole time you're in class, while still keeping everyone on track and painting. He truly is the perfect host - a mix of a teacher and entertainer - I cannot rave about Phil enough! I will definitely be requesting him to run my birthday party this October, and I highly suggest anyone reading this review do the same. Thank you PWAT Sarasota for creating a space where everyone can express themselves while still leaving with a gorgeous piece of art work! I wish I could give this studio 10 stars!!!!
