Things to do in Southwest Florida | Florida Rambler

Southwest Florida

Southwest Broward is known for some of the best beaches in Florida, wildlife and birds, interesting historical spots and as a launching point to see the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands.

Here are some of our favorite places to begin your exploration of the area. Each of these stories contains links to places to kayak, hike, bicycle and fascinating historic sites.

Everglades City, a historic fishing village known for its stone crabs
Marco Island, a beach resort close to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands
Naples, a good basecamp for exploration of nature-rich region
Fort Myers Beach, an Old Florida beach town
Sanibel, an unspoiled island where seashells litter the beach.
Punta Gorda, natural beauty and historic charm
Venice, Mediterranean-influenced city with old world charm

We recommend:

Hiking: Myakka River State Park near Sarasota and Bird Rookery Swamp near Naples.

Biking: The Legacy Trail in Venice and the many bikes trails on Sanibel Island.

Kayaking: The little known Shell Creek near Punta Gorda and the joys of paddling with manatees in winter on the Orange River in Fort Myers.

Camping: There’s tent camping on the beautiful wild island of Cayo Costa State Park. One of our favorite campgrounds for both tents and RVs is Camp Venice on the Myakka River.

Interesting Old Florida spots: Historic Smallwood Store near Everglades City and Koreshan Historic State Park near Naples.

The following are recent stories about Southwest Florida.

Manatee at Imperial River Bonita Springs

Imperial River: Nice kayak trail through old Bonita Springs

by Bonnie Gross

The kayak trail through old Bonita Springs on the Imperial River is worth discovering for its scenery. If you’re lucky, you may see manatees.

Central Florida, Festivals, Southwest Florida

Go for the orchids. Stay for a stroll in the garden.

by Vicki McCash Brennan

Selby Garden contains the most diverse living and preserved collection of of orchids and bromeliads in the world with thousands of species represented.

Beaches, Southwest Florida

Outdoor things to do in Naples, Florida: Nature, beaches, boating

by Bonnie Gross

Naples is a wealthy enclave with lush, tropical neighborhoods and lots of natural beauty close and accessible. Here’s a guide to things to do outdoors in Naples and surrounding areas.

Koreshan historic building: The Planetary Court by Mwanner

Funky, Historic, Kayak & Canoe, Southwest Florida

Koreshan State Park preserves wacky Florida history

by Bonnie Gross

Florida’s wackiness goes back to its first settlers, and Koreshan State Historic Site celebrates one of our earliest eccentrics. Thanks to this cult leader, though, a lovely wooded site on the Estero River was preserved through the years for us to enjoy. So go enjoy it.

Camping, Southwest Florida

Best camping near Fort Myers and Sanibel

by Bob Rountree

There are dozens of nice RV campgrounds near Fort Myers. Here are six that stand out above the rest.

Stone crabs from Triad Seafood, Everglades City

Everglades, Southwest Florida, Unique eats

Stone crab season begins, and Everglades City is ready

by Bonnie Gross

Stone crab season starts Oct. 15 and Everglades City, a small, isolated fishing village south of Naples, is a place to feast on this Florida favorite in an authenic Old Florida atmosphere.

Festivals, Southwest Florida

Naples fest Oct. 26-28 kicks off stone crab season

by Bob Rountree

This Gulf Coast community’s annual Stone Crab Festival marks the beginning of Florida’s stone crab season while showing off the city’s historic center and bayfront attractions. Let’s get crackin’.

Bike & Hike, Southwest Florida

Sunflowers in Florida: ‘Stunning’ fall scene in Immokalee preserve

by Bonnie Gross

Miss the change of seasons? Here’s fall in South Florida: Fields of blooming sunflowers! You can see the sunflowers in an Immokalee preserve and other sites statewide. This sunflower only blooms in Florida and Georgia and can be seen roadside in early fall.