If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot, the Florida southwest coast is for you. This area offers a wide range of natural attractions, such as Mangrove forests, Beaches, and Nature trails.
If you’re looking for something a little more secluded, head to the islands in the area. Sanibel Island is the perfect place to get away from it all, and it’s only an hour’s drive from Fort Myers.
Beaches on the Florida Southwest Coast
The beaches of the Southwest coast of Florida are low-key and natural, with dozens of sandy spots to choose from. From the mouth of Tampa Bay to Marco Island, you can spend your day in the sun at one of these beaches.
These are also some of the safest beaches in Florida and are some of the best places to collect shells.
Englewood Beach is a popular beach near Port Charlotte.
It features clean white sand and is a great spot for shelling. It also features a volleyball court and a fishing pier.
Keewaydin Island is another popular beach on the southwest coast, but it is only accessible by boat.
Some of the best beaches in Southwest Florida are scattered along the coasts of Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties.
These beautiful beaches are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
The beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel have been designated state parks and preserves.
The surrounding waters are rich with sea turtles and offer a great view of the sunset. The area is also home to some of the most beautiful sunsets in the state.
Lighthouse Beach is on Sanibel Island and has shallow water and interesting nooks. You can even find sand dollars here! The lighthouse is a historic site that dates back to the late 19th century.
It is a short drive from mainland Florida and is popular on weekends.
Nature trails
There are numerous nature trails on Florida’s southwest coast. For example, Shark Valley Nature Trail is a 15-mile self-guided bicycle tour that takes about two to three hours.
Along the way, you can see gators, sea turtles, birds, and more. You can also enjoy exhibits and learn about the local wildlife.
The CREW Bird Rookery Swamp trail, formerly tram roads, is a 12-mile trail through the Swamp. It features cypress trees and many species of birds.
The trail is welcoming for people of all abilities and has portable restrooms and benches along the first 1.5 miles! It’s also great for taking in all the beauty the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem has to offer.
Depending on the time of year, nature trails may be dry, or maybe completely covered with water.
While you’re hiking, you may see alligators and wading birds fishing in the small ponds.
The Strand is also home to a variety of tropical plants and trees, including bald cypress trees, royal palms, ferns, and bromeliads.
The Strand is also home to rare ghost orchids. Another way to experience this tropical oasis is to take Jane’s Scenic Drive, an 11-mile gravel road that has designated pull-offs along the way.
The southwest coast of Florida is rich in botanical beauty!
The peninsula stretches south from Tampa Bay to Naples and features numerous small parks and local beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
There are also several large public lands, including the Big Cypress Swamp and the Myakka River basin, which are the largest public lands west of Interstate 75.
In addition to the abundant public lands, there are many county natural areas. The surprising thing is that many of these natural areas receive light usage.
Mangrove forests
Mangrove forests are an important part of Florida’s ecosystem. Not only do they protect shorelines from storms and cyclones, but they also help mitigate climatic impacts and sequester carbon.
Without these natural systems, coastal communities would be devastated. Protecting remaining mangrove communities is critical to Florida’s future.
Mangrove forests are important habitats for brackish water and fish. Florida’s mangrove forests are threatened by climate change and other factors.
Currently, Florida is home to three species of mangrove.
- Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
- Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans)
- and White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
Climate change is projected to shift mangroves’ range northward, which could threaten their populations.
In 1981, Florida mangrove plant communities covered between 430,000 and 540,000 acres or 1,700 to 2,200 square kilometers.
They were located primarily in the southwestern part of the state, in Lee, Collier, and Miami-Dade counties. The state has been impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Irma, which blew many mangrove trees to the ground.
Tropical cyclones are among the major causes of mangrove mortality worldwide. Increasing storm frequency and intensity will accelerate the dieback of mangrove forests.
The resulting changes in coastal protection will be felt for months or even years.
However, mangrove dieback can be prevented and mitigated by reducing coastal storm damage. The key is to understand the causes of mangrove death and the mechanisms that lead to its recovery.
Art scene
There’s a thriving art scene along Florida’s southwest coast. More than three thousand works by over 100 artists are on display at The Baker Museum, one of the area’s most popular art destinations.
The museum’s collection includes works by modern and contemporary artists from both North and South America.
It plans to expand by 18,000 square feet in 2020. Its permanent collection features six surrealist paintings by Belgian artist Rene Magritte, some of which have not been seen in public in more than 50 years.
Another current exhibit is Ocean Gleaning, a collection of wall-mounted paintings made from plastics found in the ocean.
There’s also a vibrant art scene in Sarasota, a city that was founded on the arts in the 1920s.
Today, Sarasota’s arts scene attracts aspiring artists and world travelers with an eye for culture. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of art events and see cutting-edge institutions.
Naples is another art destination, with a year-round eclectic personality.
There’s a co-op gallery and an independent gallery. Local Color Artists Gallery has a collection of paintings, sculptures, and mailboxes inspired by the area’s culture. You can also browse the gallery’s unique selection of gifts.
Part of Florida’s Creative Coast, the Fort Myers Art Walk is an opportunity to celebrate the art of the area.
For example, a visit to the Leoma Lovegrove Gallery on Sanibel Island will give visitors the opportunity to admire colorful paintings and beautiful artwork. The gallery also hosts many cultural events throughout the year.
Art galleries
Southwest Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and exciting cultural events.
Golfing in Naples and sampling sea-to-table cuisine at Marco Island are just some of the things you can do in the area can enjoy.
And the art scene is booming!
Whether you’re looking for something a little different or looking for the perfect gift for a loved one, there’s a gallery in the area to suit your tastes.
The DAAS Co-op Art Gallery is one of the city’s top arts venues. Another award-winning venue is the Arts for ACT Gallery, a nonprofit, co-op art gallery run by the ACT domestic violence shelter.
The Baker Museum, located in Naples, is the leading fine arts museum in Southwest Florida. It features modern and contemporary art and is home to Dale Chihuly’s installations. It recently expanded to include an additional 18,000 square feet.
There are several other fine art galleries in downtown Naples.
For an even wider selection of galleries, visit Fifth Avenue South in Naples. You’ll also find several on Crayton Cove, near Naples City Dock.
Tiny house rentals
Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a family vacation, tiny house rentals in Florida can be an ideal vacation option.
They’re a great alternative to traditional hotels and Airbnbs. And, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly vacation option, you’ll be delighted to know that Siesta Key, FL has several pet-friendly options.
While tiny house communities have risen in popularity across the world, not everyone has the means to move in one.
Tiny house rentals are a great way to get a taste of tiny house living without compromising style or comfort. They are available for as little as $400 a month.
In addition to a screened-in porch, this tiny house has a queen-sized bed, a full bath, and a spiral staircase to the living and dining area.
Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen and dining area, as well as a Juliet balcony. The tiny home is just a short walk away from Seaside Square, a popular area for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Florida has recently passed a law that allows tiny homes in certain cities and towns.
While the tiny house concept may be difficult to implement in most areas, the state’s Building Code has adopted several rules that apply to this type of housing.
What Cities Are on the Southwest Coast of Florida?
If you’re considering relocating to Florida, the southwest coast is a great place to start. Its sunny climate and lush landscapes make it a popular destination for both residents and tourists.
Although this area is mostly flat, it does experience some flooding and storms, which can create problems for those who live there.
Fort Myers is another city to consider, which is known for its beautiful beaches. This city has been growing steadily in the past few years and has revitalized its downtown area.
It is close to other big cities but maintains a cozy feel.
It is also home to several world-renowned golf courses and a bustling downtown area.
Also Read: Cities in Orlando – 7 of the Best Places to Live.
Sarasota is a popular city on the southwest coast of Florida, and is one of the oldest cities in the country.
Cape Coral is another coastal city, known for its beaches and nature trails. It is also home to Black Island in Lovers Key State Park, where kayakers can explore mangrove islands.
Another city on the southwest coast of Florida is Lighthouse Point. This city is located in Broward County and is named for the Hillsboro Inlet lighthouse.
This city is home to approximately 16,400 people, and it is adjacent to the Pompano Beach area.
This is a great destination for families because it is dog friendly. The area features numerous beaches and parks, including the Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings. The area is also home to some world-class resorts.
Estero, the smallest community on the list, is situated between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or an urban, downtown lifestyle, there is something for you in Estero.
Bonita Springs is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, between Fort Myers and Naples. This area offers pristine beaches, and is a great place for families.
In addition to its beaches, Bonita Springs is home to Barefoot Beach State Park. It also offers plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
In Conclusion
The Florida Southwest Coast is full of natural attractions that are perfect for a family vacation.
With its white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush vegetation, the Florida Southwest Coast is a paradise for nature lovers.
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, be sure to add the Florida Southwest Coast to your list of potential vacation destinations.
So pack your bags and head on down to the Southwest Coast for some fun in the sun!
