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 Things to do for Honeymoon 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. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,219 reviews
Bayfront sanctuaries connecting people with air plants of the world, native nature, and our regional history.
Reviewed By PatH840 - Asheboro, United States
We spent a delightful morning in the beautiful Marie Selby Botanical Gardens during a recent visit to Sarasota. Our stroll through the garden began with a fascinating display of epiphytes, which we learned are plants that grow on other plants without harming them. Some favorite epiphytes were the orchids and bromeliads. The fern garden was a place of tranquility, filled with quite an extensive variety of ferns. The koi pond was very popular with visitors. We really enjoyed watching these fascinating fish in their lovely surroundings. During our stroll we discovered absolutely gorgeous views of Sarasota Bay, requiring time to take in the perfect blue sky, shimmering water and the colorful boats - what a treat! Our favorite part was the native butterfly garden. We saw many colorful butterflies, including numerous Monarch butterflies. We learned that these local Monarchs remain all year long and do not participate in the well-known Monarch migration. Who could blame them for remaining in this fantastic place? We loved our visit to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the Sarasota area.
2. St. Armands Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,665 reviews
Shop. Dine. Relax. The St. Armands Circle Association represents the over 130 merchants of St Armands Circle in Sarasota Florida. Nestled between the sparkling waters of Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, St. Armands is truly unique in concept, history and ambience. It’s easy to relax, unwind, and let your cares fade away.
Reviewed By 0915R - Kure Beach, United States
Anytime we're in the Sarasota area we always make the point to go over to St. Armands Circle...public parking garage within 1/2 block (inexpensive too), lots of shops, unique shops, and great restaurants
3. The Ringling
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,113 reviews
The Ringling is located in Sarasota, Florida and preserves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling. It is home to the State Art Museum of Florida, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the Art Library, two Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater. The grounds and gardens are free to visit, and the Museum of Art offers free admission on Mondays.
Reviewed By jbwhitehouse - Dallas, United States
The Circus Museum is closed for renovations as are an art gallery. The new Kotter-Koville Glass Museum is at the entrance to Ringling and is free to view. It has beautiful and diverse glass pieces; worth a visit. Admission--free with NARM, MARP, and ROAM memberships--provides admission to the fantastic Tibbals Learning Center, the grounds around Ca'd'Zen, and the truly outstanding and extensive art museum. Additional fees are charged to view Ca'd'Zen for the first floor or other floors. It used to be free to do a self-guiding of first floor and a fairly reasonable charge for two other floors. Now there is a high price, which is understandable when considering the very costly upkeep of the property. Still such high prices exclude this family. Ringling is for all ages and necessitates hours to enjoy.
4. Lovers Key State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,997 reviews
Park is not associated with Bonita Springs Dog Beach. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, shelling, fishing, hiking, bicycling, wildlife watching, canoeing/kayaking, geocaching and more.
Reviewed By A832KAhannahh - Fort Myers, United States
My Dad and I visited back in October and there were so many dead sand dollars, we couldn’t fit them all in our hand. We suspected it was a phenomenon brought on by the red tide outbreak we had this year. Fortunately, the day we went it did not affect us. The beach is long, wide and has a lot of nature to observe along the trails, walkway, and on the shoreline. “Amenities include a two-mile (3 km) long beach on Lovers Key. Black Island has over five miles (8 km) of multiuse trails; bicycle, canoe, and kayak rentals, gazebo, picnic areas, boat ramp, and two playgrounds.” It is a beautiful place to see the sunset and get married. They had a huge tent set up complete with chandeliers right on the beach! There is a tram to carry you out to the beach or you can walk a long distance to the end. The tram leaves from the parking lot. There is a building that provides bathrooms and a gift shop with various small snacks & drinks. The park is open from 8:00 am till sundown year-round. There is a cost to get in is $8 unless the mode of transportation is larger or smaller than a standard vehicle. Well worth the trip!
5. Fishermen's Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,257 reviews
Fishermen's Village Waterfront Mall, Resort, and Marina offers something for everyone. Shopping, dining, live entertainment, and water adventures await locals and travelers. With over 30 boutique shops and 5 different restaurants, you are sure to find something that pleases you and your family.
Reviewed By 934mickieg
This is a must stop if you're in the Punta Gorda area. Located right on the bay with lots of unique shops and wonderful restaurants! We liked it so much we came back 3 times during our 5 day stay. Each restaurants food was wonderful and service was top notch! Will definitely come back next time we're in town!
6. Naples Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,328 reviews
Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom
This is one of our favourite places to watch the sunset whilst watching dolphin & pelican, it can get busy on evenings of a good sunset so getting there early ensures a good spot at the pier end. We cannot get enough of this place and can't wait to go back next year
7. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,580 reviews
Visitors to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy seeing the winter residences of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. There are historical buildings, award-winning gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Inventions Museum. The museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits. Edison Ford offers many tour options, including special "Inside-the-Homes" and "Inside-the-Lab" Tours on select days. The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German and French. Historian led tours are also offered in German on select days. Group tours can be arranged in advance.
Reviewed By 123Shane - Calgary, Canada
Very scenic area and gardens with two beautiful homes that provide a glimpse into American history. My wife and I enjoyed a relaxing walk through the gardens and learned about two of the very influential business men and their families. The museum on site was also very educational. Definitely a excellent visit in the Fort Myers area.
8. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,185 reviews
Established in 1945, this wildlife refuge occupies one-third of Sanibel Island and is a prime spot for bird watching. Fees are required for Wildlife Drive, which is open everyday but is closed on Fridays, gate times vary. The best way to plan your visit is to stop in the informative FREE visitor center first which is open daily 9am-4pm. Then begin your adventure with many activities including the wildlife drive, tram tour, kayaking, fishing opportunities, picnic benches, and even a free scavenger hunt style game and wildlife spotting app (Discover Ding) if you prefer a self-guided tour.
Reviewed By michiales - North Fort Myers, United States
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is home to a large number of wildlife, including roseate spoonbills, anhinga, pelicans, herons, egrets, anoles, otter, alligators... it's a must-see for anyone visiting the island!
9. Ca d'Zan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,144 reviews
Ca' d'Zan is a venue of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art. Visit ringling.org to purchase a tour. The home of the circus king and his wife, a couple from humble mid-western origins, Ca’ d’Zan stands as a testament to the American Dream of the Roaring Twenties. Inspired by the Venetian Gothic style of the palazzos that ring the Venice canals, this dazzling palatial mansion perfectly captures the splendor and romance of the Italy the Ringlings so loved. For tour information please visit ringling.org
Reviewed By stephencoo - Bradenton, United States
Beautiful bayfront gardens, banyon trees walking trails, sidewalk along the Sarasota bay, park benches to relax and take in the view, amazing art museum, restaurants and gift shop with coffee bar upstairs ...and the Ca’D’Zan mansion on the bay is incredible!
10. Barefoot Beach Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,565 reviews
Reviewed By costaricacouple - Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
When my wife and i went last week things have changed a lot since i was last there, The ride down the the road was amazing with all the million dollar homes, and their landscaping, When you get to the little toll both to pay your almost there, plenty of parking, bathrooms,showers,The beach it self was breathtaking ,My wife found some nice shells, the water is clear, This beach would be great for any one that is in the area,Barefoot is one of our favorites.
