Southwest Florida: 5 hidden gems in the Sunshine State

Sanibel Island

Labelled the ‘Seashell Capital of the World’, Sanibel Island is just a 50-minute drive from Fort Myers and is a shell collectors paradise. With more than 400 types of shell washing up along 12 miles of stunning sugar-sand coastline, visitors can search for conch shells, tulip shells, coquinas, and the very rare brown speckled junonia. 

Once you are all shelled out, there's so much more to explore in this subtropical paradise. Choose from the many kayaking, paddleboarding or boating tours, and a visit to the J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must, the largest mangrove system in the US.

Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers

The clue is in the name, this destination in Fort Myers is as romantic as it gets. The stretch of two-mile white sand beach is enough for most visitors, especially while the sun sets. But those who venture beyond are rewarded with stunning nature trails stretching up to five miles long, where you will almost certainly experience total seclusion (other than the company of incredible wildlife).

Stroll through the beautiful butterfly garden with zebra longwings, swallowtails and many more butterfly species. See an abundance of birds, including herons, egrets and ospreys and watch out for the gopher tortoises which stop to chew on the luscious vegetation. You can take cut-throughs to shorten the trail to a 2.6 mile stroll, but continue towards the freshwater pond and you may even catch some gators having a sunbathe and swim.

Manatee Park, Fort Myers

Also called 'sea-cows' due to their seagrass diet, manatees flock to the warm waters of the Gulf during the winter months, making November-March the best time to catch them. The Manatee Park in Fort Myers offers the best chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, either viewing from the boardwalk or by renting a kayak out on the Orange and Caloosahatchee rivers – a chance to get close and really immerse yourself in the manatee world. Note, as they are non-captive, the changing temperatures mean your are not guaranteed to see a manatee, so it’s best to call up the park before you go to check there have been any sightings that day.

Tin City, Old Naples

Naples is notorious for its shopping and fine dining. But head beyond Fifth Avenue and you’ll discover the colourful and historic Tin City, set in a waterfront location. Once a local fishing hub, this stretch of corrugated-roof buildings now houses 30 independent restaurants and boutiques, where you can shop for a variety of items, from antiques and handmade jewellery to designer clothes and swimwear.

As for the food, tuck into one of Pinchers renowned crab dishes, delivered fresh every day from dock to table. Or perhaps grab a table with a view at the Riverwalk Restaurant, and experience authentic Florida seafood while gazing out to dolphins playing in the bay.

Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Spit, Marco Island

Marco Island is connected via bridge from Naples. With skyscrapers and suburban streets, at first glance it’s not easy to see how this developed island is home to some extraordinary wildlife wonders. But head to Tigertail Beach and you'll come across some of the most breathtaking beaches in Florida. Split in two by a lagoon, on the inner beach you’ll find a beach bar selling sandwiches, beers and wine and a selection of sunloungers. There's also a two-storey observation tower for keen bird watchers. In fact, Tigertail Beach has been noted as one of the most important birding sites in Southwest Florida, where you can see anything from pelicans and bald eagles to snowy and piping plovers. 

For those looking for a more secluded spot, wade through the warm lagoon water (if you're not brave enough to step on the squidgy lagoon floor, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard) and you’ll find a much more natural and quieter beach location with pristine sands and turquoise seas. This secret three-mile stretch is called Sand Dollar Spit and offers a piece of milky sand wilderness, where you can have close encounters with birds, crabs and dolphins, go shelling, and as the name suggests, find sand dollars.

Note: It's best to cross over to Sand Dollar Spit at low tide.