Visiting Southwest Florida Gulf Coast

Naples, north of Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts and admirers of nature. White sand beaches abound between Naples and Marco Island twenty miles south. Parks like Naples Municipal Beach & Pier and Vanderbilt Beach Park, offer parking and facilities, while more unpopulated beaches are accessible through public access points. Nearby barrier Islands, accessible only by boat, offer the most remote and unspoiled beaches. The Naples area is just the beginning of the magic of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Unspoiled beaches, waterways and islands mixed with the urban cultures of Naples, Fort Myers, Venice and Sarasota.

The gulf coast is home to Florida’s Great Calusa Blueway, a 190 mile kayak trail. Starting south of Fort Myers in Bonita Springs, paddlers along the trail wind around Estero Bay north between Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, then paddling around Pine Island, Captiva and Sanibel and up the Caloosahatchee River. There are miles of tributaries to explore while enjoying the wildlife and natural wonders of Florida.

Looking for a festive Fourth of July? The Fort Meyers area is your destination. Arrive a few days early with the family, for the Kid’s 4th of July Fishing Tournament. The 2012 tournament is June 30th at Bonita Bills. On the 4th, pick your morning parade. Bonita Springs, 30 miles south of Fort Myers on Interstate 75, hosts its 2012 parade along Old 41 Road beginning at 9. Sanibel, 20 minutes west of Fort Myers begins their parade at 9:30 am, with and Fort Myers starting at 10am.

The Cape Coral Bridge and Cape Coral Parkway shut down at 4pm on the fourth of July for the annual Red, White and Boom. Hosted by the City of Cape Coral, the fun features two stages with live entertainment, kids entertainment and over 100 booths with food and craft vendors. As the evening culminates with fireworks shows along the gulf, none are better than Fort Myers Beach. Spend the day at your choice of events in the greater Fort Myers area or relax at the beach, but be sure to stake our your spot for the 9:15 pm fireworks show that lights up Fort Myers Beach and the waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

After a great summer of training, test your fitness at the 2012 Galloway Captive Tri, September 15th and 16th. The Captiva Tri is a sprint length event beginning with a ¼ mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, followed by a 10 mile bike course on Captiva and a 5K run along Red Fish Pass and the South Seas golf course. Events feature two kid’s age group triathlons on Saturday, September 15th. Bring the entire family and enjoy the weekend on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Hotel Map