Visiting Southwest Florida Gulf Coast

As the weather cools, life on southwest Florida’s gulf coast gets increasingly active. Seasonal visitors flock to the beautiful communities along the Gulf of Mexico including Naples, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, as well as paradise isles like Marco Island and Sanibel. Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve separate the peace and quite of Florida’s Gulf Coast from the bustling night live and excitement of Miami, South Beach and Fort Lauderdale. A drive west on Alligator Alley rewards visitors to southwestern Florida with the magic of the Gulf Coast communities and a fresh crop of shells for beachcombers to discover each morning.

Former winter home of the rich and famous, Fort Myers preserves the 20 acre Edison and Ford Winter Estates for visitors and events. Located on McGregor Boulevard in Fort Myers, the Thomas Edison and Henry Ford homes and estates are now National Register Historic Sites. Enjoy Holiday Nights at the homes and gardens to enjoy the beautiful Holiday decor - either self-guided or guided tours are available. For 2011, be sure to visit the Edison caretaker’s house for the “Creative Cottage” featuring old Florida traditional decorations and special art exhibits.

With well over 40 golf courses in the Fort Myers area alone and year round golf weather, Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. Great public courses like Fort Meyer Beach's Crown Colony on Winkler Road or Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Fort Myers are among the many options for visiting golfers. Start exploring golf courses in the Fort Myers and Naples area and soon it will be spring.

The Edison Festival of Lights is a three-week celebration of the life and contributions of Thomas Alva Edison to the modern world. Look for festival events January and February 2012. The festivities begin with the Day of Discovery at Florida Gulf Coast University, featuring science and engineering fairs and the new Discovery Village. Alico Arena hosts the fairs with Discovery Village outside featuring exhibits, entertainment and educational presentations. The Edison Festival of Lights continues through January and February with a 5K run, parades and car shows.

Naples 35-miles south of Fort Myers is near popular Marco Island and home to Edison State College. Take your pick of culture or outdoor activities in Naples. The Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, located on the Edison State College Campus, hosts a delightful calendar of performances and shows. Broadway show fans can see productions of Shrek the Musical into December, and for the holidays Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Bring in the New Year with the musical Rock of Ages.

Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Hotel Map