Sink your toes in the sand and feel the warm Gulf breeze across your face along Florida's southwest coast. As voted by TripAdvisor readers, some of the best beaches in America are found in the Fort Myers and Sanibel area. Sunbathe, paddle or go shelling -- a popular pastime on Sanibel and Captiva islands.
Try stand-up paddleboarding and glide through parts of the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile water trail that weaves through scenic coastal bays and islands. You may find gentle manatees and playful dolphins escorting your journey. Experienced guides and local tour companies can assist families and first-time kayakers and canoers.
Beyond the palm trees, explore Jurassic-like nature parks and preserves that make you forget you're in Florida. The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,400 acres of wetland in Fort Myers, home to a variety of wildlife. Journey into the Everglades ecosystem at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and its 2.25-mile boardwalk.
Considered the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World, this slice of Florida is an angler's paradise. Whether it's inshore or offshore, saltwater or freshwater, options abound for fishing pros and novices alike. Some of the best fishing can be done off local bridges and piers such as Matlacha Bridge.
Southwest Florida's diverse wildlife is a draw unto itself. Plot out a wildlife safari in Fort Myers and Sanibel that includes migratory birds, alligators, bottlenose dolphins, manatees and sea turtles. Stumbling upon these animals in their natural environment, sometimes just outside of your hotel room, beats visiting a zoo.
