Florida welcomes over 110 million visitors ever year. With family entertainment in central Florida, beaches and nightlife in the most southern parts of the state, and coastal towns along the panhandle, there’s truly something for everyone. Check out this list of great trips in southwestern Florida and learn about what to do in Naples and some of the other wonderful cities in the area.
Marco Island
Beautiful sandy beaches, kayaking, and gorgeous lagoons welcome visitors to Marco Island. The lovely beaches are known especially for their colorful sea shells and sand dollars. The Ten Thousand Islands Wildlife Refuge is a park that protects about 35,000 acres of land. The park is home to many endangered species, including manatees, turtles, and dolphins. Visitors especially enjoy the lush mangroves. The park is almost entirely composed of watery marsh areas, so the park is truly a magnet for those most interested in kayaking, paddling and boating. For those less interested in wildlife and more interested in staying on the beach, Marco Island also offers relaxing spas, fishing, live music, and plenty of places for cocktails on the beach.
Naples
A charming pier welcomes travelers to the quaint city of Naples. Miles of sugar-white beaches, shopping, and attractions make Naples a city worth exploring. There are quite a few boat tours which are a popular option for adult travelers and families alike. Boat tours also take guests out into the water to spend time with the dolphins native to the coastal area. It’s also impossible to go hungry with all the great food options along the beach and down noted 5th Avenue.
St. Petersburg
Slightly further up the coast, St. Petersburg, also known as the “sunshine city” of the Sunshine State, offers a bit of a different experience. Specifically, St. Petersburg has a lively, thriving art scene. The Salvador Dali museum anchors the art community and allows guests to enjoy the surrealist work in a gorgeously designed feat of architecture. The museum features the largest collection of the artist’s work outside of Europe itself. Also off the beach, the Sunken Gardens attraction welcomes visitors to a botanical oasis of plants and butterflies. For those less interested in art and design, there are still plenty of beaches and golf courses to visit.
Sarasota
Similarly, Sarasota has a small but thriving art scene, too. The modern art galleries are flanked by more gorgeous beaches. Sarasota is best known for Lido Beach and Siesta Key beach, every mile more lovely than the last.
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