Southwest Florida Insider

Southwest Florida Insider: Activities that must be on your bucket list when traveling to Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida on your bucket list

Southwest Florida is a beautiful place with enchanting coastal scenery, diverse wildlife, white sandy beaches, lush mangrove estuaries, and the breathtaking Everglades ecosystem. One of the top vacation spots globally, Southwest Florida offers shopping, dining, adventure sports, and entertainment for every age group and interest. Southwest Florida Insider shares the top 15 bucket-list-worthy activities and must-see sites in Southwest Florida.

A bucket list of what to do in Southwest Florida

SHELLING ON SANIBEL ISLAND

Beachcombers worldwide take special trips to the Sanibel islands to explore and discover a vast array of perfect shells dotting the beaches. The islands rank tops in the world for shelling because of their geography. Many hotels in Sanibel beaches offer rooms equipped with extraordinary sinks and work tables for cleaning and packing the day’s yield.

A SUNSET CATAMARAN CRUISE

Travelers can experience the breathtaking sunsets on the gulf coast by getting out on the sea on a relaxing and gentle catamaran.

TARPON FISHING IN BOCA GRANDE

One of the best tarpon fishing destinations globally, Florida is renowned across the world. Fishing enthusiasts who love saltwater fishing must head for Boca Grande to witness the anglers landing a tarpon in a boat!

SHOP IN NAPLES

Naples offers some of the best high-end shopping experiences, from the beautiful Waterside Shops and the Village Shops on Venetian Bay to 5th Avenue South, Third Street South, and Mercado. Those seeking value for money can find some fabulous consignment stores and thrift shops along 10th Street.

CREATIVE MATLACHA

For art lovers, this quirky and funky town is a must. The most unique and colorful small town in southwest Florida, Matlacha, is dotted with artisan galleries like Leoma Lovegrove’s gallery, Wild Child Art Gallery, and more.

KAYAK ROOKERY BAY

Escape into the arms of nature at Rookery Bay, the largest expanse of primordial wilderness between Naples and Marco Island. A guided kayak tour through mangrove tunnels, small hidden bays, and across active mudflats is a unique experience. Guided boat tours to remote spots on the Bay or sunset boat cruises are also incredible choices.

EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOUR

Glide across the water on an Everglades airboat. Witness the diverse habitat of the Florida Everglades by hiring a good tour operator who understands the wildlife and the waters.

TROPICAL BEACH BAR

A trip to the island is incomplete without experiencing the tropical beach bars that are a common sight. After a long day of sunbathing, water sports, and explorations, a cold beer or fruity umbrella drink in one of the local beach bars is a great way to end the day.

SUNSET ON THE NAPLES PIER

One of the longest piers in Florida, the Naples Pier offers some fiery sunsets every day of the week. Slow down at the end of the day with the setting sun.

FOSSILIZED SHARK TEETH

There is more to be uncovered on the beaches than just shells. Discover prehistoric fossilized shark teeth on the Blind Pass Beach and Stump Pass Beach State Park. The “Florida snow shovel’ is a wooden-handled contraption with a mesh basket attached to one end that can help unearth these fascinating fossils.

Why Southwest Florida Insider?

With the most insightful and carefully-curated content on the sights to see, events to attend, cuisines to try, places to stay, and the exciting nightlife options, Southwest Florida Insider is where travelers can find all they need to know about Southwest Florida.