There’s so much to do in Southwest Florida. You could easily spend every day of your life exploring the incredible restaurants, state parks, and shopping centers.
Of course, if you’re like me, you also want to spend most of your life playing pickleball. So for the sake of a well-balanced lifestyle, I’ve narrowed down the top 25 bucket list ideas.
Discover iconic eateries, hidden mangrove forests, dreamy beaches, and more. You’ll start to find a theme as you go through the list. So many places are still recovering from Hurricane Ian. Some of the places that would have made this list, like the Cape Ramano Dome Houses, are lost to us forever.
Life is fragile. That’s why it’s so important to make the most of it. Don’t wait to discover these must-see spots. Sadly, hurricanes are a part of life in Southwest Florida.
PS: Make sure to leave a comment with your go-to bucket list ideas. Southwest Florida is an amazing place to live. Let’s share it with the world.
*Listed in no particular order…
1. People watch on 5th Avenue South in Naples
There’s no place more glamorous in Southwest Florida than 5th Avenue South. This luxe promenade boasts some of the most upscale shopping and dining worldwide — with stately palm trees to boot.
You’ll get a close up view of the crème de la crème of Naples as they enjoy the finer things in life. Ooh and ahh over the designer hand bags. Swoon over the diamonds. And try not to drool when the Lamborghinis roll by.
2. Take an Everglades airboat tour
Visiting Everglades National Park is like stepping onto another planet. And trust me, there’s no better way to see it than by airboat.
Cruise on top of crisscrossed waterways in a boat that might as well be a space ship. You’ll marvel at alligators, mangroves, and even a dolphin or two. Also don’t mind the jackets. Us Floridians get cold when it dips below 70° F.
3. See the manatees up close at Manatee Park
Once the Gulf of Mexico drops below 68° F, it’s time to head to Manatee Park in Fort Myers. From December to mid-March, you can spot the endangered Florida Manatee as it basks in the extra warm waters – thanks to the Florida Power and Light Power Plant.
Observe at least 50 manatees from the boardwalk or channel your adventurous side and rent a kayak. There’s no better way to see these incredible creatures close up. Not to mention, you’ll get some exercise to counteract all those Florida margaritas.
4. Hike Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
There’s lots of places to hike in Southwest Florida, but Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is an easy favorite. It’s an 11-mile-long, narrow wetland with flowing freshwater and an abundance of wildlife.
Take a stroll along the 1.2-mile boardwalk and observe gators and snakes from the safety of your elevated path. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an enchanted world as you pass through towering mangrove trees.
5. Go shelling on Sanibel Island
There’s plenty of beaches in Southwest Florida, but that doesn’t mean you’ll find tons of great seashells. Luckily, Sanibel Island runs perpendicularly to the coastline, which causes the ocean currents to bring the shells right up to those sandy shores.
In fact, the shelling is so great that locals call the act of bending over to grab a seashell the “Sanibel Stoop.” Now that’s an inside scoop worth investigating.
6. Watch the sunset from Naples Pier
Unfortunately, the Naples Pier is still damaged from Hurricane Ian, and only a portion of it is open to the public. But you can still enjoy magnificent Gulf views. The beauty only intensifies at sunset.
Between April and June, you might even get to see dolphins playing in the waves. It’s hard to imagine anything more magical. Well maybe a Ferrari showing up on my driveway. But other than that…
7. Bird watch at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Bird lovers will adore this undeveloped mangrove forest on Sanibel Island. You’ll find over 245 bird species at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, so make sure to bring your binoculars. Yes, they’re good for something other than spying on your annoying neighbor.
Make sure to visit the Calusa Shell Mound Trail (when it’s open). You’ll traverse a hardwood hammock long grown over a Calusa Shell Mound. Talk about walking in the footsteps of history.
8. Bask in “Old Florida” at Fort Myers Beach
While Fort Myers Beach has not fully recovered from Hurricane Ian, it’s still worth making the trek to see this idyllic little town. Unlike other big cities in Florida that scream “development,” Fort Myers retains that old-Florida feel with its mom-and-pop shops, colorful buildings, and friendly community.
As the community continues to get rebuilt, its look and feel will inevitably change. Residents are already battling the powers that be that want to bring in the glitzy condos. So make sure you visit this one while you can. And keep rooting for the incredible locals who want to keep Fort Myers the charming, eclectic town that it’s always been.
9. Dine at The Turtle Club
Imagine eating dinner with your toes in the sand. At The Turtle Club in Naples, you wine and dine right on Vanderbilt beach. You’ll enjoy one of the best sunsets in town as well as great coastal cuisine.
While the menu is a bit pricy, remember that you’re paying for the best seat in town. Also, this place books up FAST. So make sure to make your reservation far in advance come “season” starts.
10. Tour the The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota
You might be thinking, “I’m in Florida. Why would I want to spend my day shuffling around a stuffy old museum?” Well, let me tell you.
The Ringling is one of those spots meant to be photographed. I’m pretty sure that Instagram had it mind when they came up with the idea of “going viral.”
The museum itself looks like a Renaissance palazzo — but in quintessential Florida pink. You don’t even have to make it inside to enjoy the artistic beauty of this hidden gem. Just walk around the grounds and admire the Mable Ringling Rose Garden. There’s truly nothing like it.
11. Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park isn’t just a beautiful sugar-sand beach. It’s also a place to observe the undeveloped beauty of Florida at its finest.
Discover secluded estuaries and maritime hammocks full of wildlife. Spend the day hiking, biking, or padding in this protected sanctuary. Of course, make sure to save some time for that idyllic stretch of sand.
12. Wade through the waters to Tigertail Beach
Want to head to one of the most secluded beaches in all of Southwest Florida? Then be prepared to wade through a saltwater lagoon to reach this pristine beach front. If you have young children or lots of beach equipment to haul, make sure you go at low tide.
Once you reach this dreamy destination, you’re almost certain to spot a sand dollar or two – thanks to Tigertail’s geographical location. The island is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, so make sure to bring your binoculars.
13. Spend the day at St. Armands Circle
St. Armands Circle is considered the “Jewel of Sarasota,” and it’s easy to see why. This round-about shopping district and garden feels like something straight out of Europe.
Explore over 140 elegant boutiques, galleries, and upscale restaurants before heading to Circle Park. There, you can luxuriate in a manicured park filled with palm trees. Okay, so it’s not 100% like Europe.
14. Take a sunset cruise on The Gulf
Whether you take the Naples Princess or a catamaran out of Fort Myers, you’ll want to add this one to the top of your bucket list. The beach is great, but there’s no better way to discover the beauty of Southwest Florida than by boat.
Consider booking a sunset cruise for a birthday or other milestone celebration. This activity is best shared with friends. So make it a party, and raise a glass of Champagne to the best views in the state.
15. Explore Old Naples
As someone who spends every day of her life in Southwest Florida, I still get a thrill going down to Old Naples. This charming area south of 5th Avenue pairs upscale boutiques and restaurants with lush promenades and multi-million dollar homes.
Experience the historic Third Street South to its fullest by booking a dinner reservation at
D’Amico’s The Continental. Just be prepared to share the parking lot with a Bentley or two.
16. Fish at Boca Grande Pass
Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m not a fisherman by any stretch of the imagination. But if sport fishing is your thing, there’s no better place to go than the southern tip of Gasparilla Island State Park. As one of the deepest natural passes in Florida, it hosts plenty of marine life – including dolphins and sharks.
Supposedly, sport anglers from all around the globe flock here for goliath grouper, snook, and tarpon. Rent a charter or fish right on the shoreline. Just make sure to have your fishing license in order. You don’t want to cap off the perfect day in the sun with a fine.
17. Kayak Rookey Bay
This National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples is one of last undisturbed mangrove estuaries in all of North America. You’ll find upland hammocks, scrub, 150 birds species, and many endangered animals.
There’s no better way to explore the corridors of mangrove tunnels than by kayak. You can even book a sunset tour with one of the biologist guides for an absolutely unforgettable experience. So better start that weight-training regimen sooner than later. Kayaking is not for the faint of heart.
18. Go Fossil Hunting in Venice, Florida
The water activities continue with a trip to Venice. No, not the Venice with gondolas and Bellinis. I’m talking right here in Southwest Florida.
Known as the “Shark tooth capital of the world,” Venice is one of the best places to search for these fossilized treasures. Make sure to go during during the morning at low tide. If you can swing it right after a storm, even better. You can find some great tips from the Fossil Guy here.
19. Soak in the Warm Mineral Springs at North Port
The Sunshine State has changed A LOT in the last few decades, but you can still capture the spirit of “Old Florida” at the Warm Mineral Springs at North Port. As the only natural warm spring in the state, this marvel is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Bring your noodle, and spend the day soaking in the soothing waters. While you’re at it, bring a cooler and make it a full day trip. Just make sure to save the adult beverages for once you get home. Bummer, but hey, you should probably be hydrating anyway. That Florida sun is no joke.
20. Spend the day at Cayo Costa State Park
You might be starting to see a pattern here. Southwest Florida is home to many state parks, and this one definitely tops the list. Cayo Costa State Park boasts nine miles of untouched beaches – with wind-shaped trees, dunes, and nesting turtles.
Don’t just limit yourself to lounging on the sand. You can also enjoy snorkeling, fishing, and hiking and biking on the picturesque trails. Is there anything better than a day spent in nature?
21. Soak up the sun at Siesta Key Beach
There’s another dominant pattern afoot. Clearly, Southwest Florida is home to some fabulous beaches. Siesta Key Beach tops the list. The TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards™ ranked this stretch of paradise the #9 best beach in the world and #2 best beach in the U.S.
Visitors love the fine, powdery sand and aquamarine waters. You’ll also find cozy waterside bistros, so you can enjoy this beautiful part of the world long after sunset.
22. Book a stay at Gasparilla Inn & Club
A stay at this historic seaside inn on Gasparilla Island will whisk you back to the days of “Old Florida.”
With Victorian-style gable roofs and a pale yellow exterior, the hotel feels straight out of a movie set. Plus, you’ll enjoy access to the Pete Dye Championship Golf Course with its spectacular Gulf views. Trust me, you have to see it to believe it.
23. Feel the sea breeze at Tin City
Southwest Florida might have the usual chain restaurants that you can find all over the country, but when you want to experience something that’s unique to the area, you head to Tin City.
These colorful waterfront restaurants and shops rest right on the Gordon River. Watch the fishermen bring in their fresh hauls to the harbor, and make sure to grab a bite to eat at Pinchers for some al fresco dining.
24. People watch at the Blue Martini in Mercato
Head to the Blue Martini in Mercato, and you’ll feel like you stepped onto the set of a reality TV show. Before 10 p.m., you find an older crowd with money to spend and romance on the brain. Once the DJ arrives, it’s officially party time. Every young person in Naples shows up for a wild night on the dance floor.
Word to the wise: Show up for happy hour, and get your drinking in then. This place attracts the well-to-do for a reason.
25. Sip a brew at Crazy Dingo Brewing Co
Another way to experience the beauty of “Old Florida” is by heading to Crazy Dingo Brewing Co. This idyllic farm serves locally crafted brews and often has live music.
You can even walk through the vegetable gardens and pet the farm animals – with your beer in hand. It’s easy to feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere here. Only, nowhere feels pretty perfect.
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One response to “Discover the Best Things to do in Southwest Florida: Ultimate Bucket List Ideas”
Thank you! This is awesome.