Florida just celebrated 180 years, and there’s no better place to see why the Sunshine State continues to sparkle than Southwest Florida. From the invention of key lime pie and Gatorade to pioneering frozen orange concentrate, Florida has always served up flavor with flair. Southwest Florida keeps that tradition alive, straight from paradise with endless stretches of sandy coastline, vibrant music festivals, artsy galleries and fresh honey and Gulf seafood. From stone crabs to dockside oysters and shrimp—adventure, culture and sunshine meet beneath every swaying palm.
Southwest Florida isn’t just a destination; it’s a state of mind.
Gators, grapefruits, and glorious legends
History, wildlife, and art converge in SWFL. Step back in time at the Naples Historical Society Museum, opening this fall, or explore Punta Gorda’s Military Heritage Museum. The America’s Military and First Responders Museum at Naples Airport showcases over 10,000 artifacts spanning the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts. Wander the Edison & Ford Winter Estates—where the inventor’s 1886 home and laboratory sit amid fragrant gardens.
Nature and beauty abound at the Naples Botanical Garden, home to more than 1,000 plant species across 170 acres. Stroll through the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens or the tropical trails at Wonder Gardens, admiring at flamingos and exotic birds. Meet vibrant iguanas, snakes, turtles and gators at Punta Gorda’s Iguana Land.
Taste Florida straight from the grove with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and swirls of orange ice cream at Sun Harvest or pick your own berries at local family farms like Blueberry Bunch and Farmer Mike’s U-Pick. While thrill-seekers can glide across swamps on airboats, spotting gators and even follow the trails of the elusive Swamp Ape.
Sunny beaches come alive as sand sculpting competitions transform the shoreline into temporary galleries. This year, the 35th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship returns to Fort Myers Beach, drawing over 15,000 attendees to celebrate world-class artistry, creativity and community spirit. From Nov. 20-24, visitors can marvel at the awe-inspiring work of Master and Advanced Amateur Sculptors from around the world, each bringing their extraordinary visions to life in sand.
Upcoming Highlights:
- Naples Stone Crab Festival – Naples, Oct. 2025: Fresh seafood, live music, and family fun.
- Charlotte Harbor Paddle Festival – Charlotte Harbor, Oct. 2025: Kayaks, eco-tours, and wildlife exploration.
- Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival – Fort Myers, Nov. 2025: Waterfront dining with local tunes.
- American Sand Sculpting Championship – Fort Myers Beach, Nov.2025: International artists create ephemeral masterpieces.
Burgers, bubble rooms, and food truck frenzy
SWFL’s culinary scene is as playful as it is flavorful. With over 150 new restaurants and over 34 breweries and taprooms, there’s always a new spot to explore. Downtown Fort Myers heats things up at Sip and Sizzle with shaken martinis, while hidden gems like Escondido Lounge—a speakeasy behind a frothy door— and the moody Hogwash provide a spirited nightlife escape. Margaritaville and Sugar Shack offer sunsets with live steel drums and tropical drinks, the perfect soundtrack for the Gulf Coast’s breezy evenings.
Naples is buzzing with bold flavors and culinary surprises this season. The Rooster Food + Drink caught national attention when Guy Fieri featured it on a November 2025 episode of “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” with its inventive take on seafood and comfort classics, including the standout Texas Reuben. At The 239, cocktails are made to impress—with resh-pressed juices, sprinkled rims, and garnishes of tiny rubber ducks on dried grapefruit lily pads. Pair them with flavored popcorn and shareable small plates for a Naples night equal parts coastal and creative.
In Fort Myers, Swamp Cat Brewery pours adventure into every pint, with beers inspired by Navy veterans’ travels and Florida-famed panther. Enjoy the tangy Wild Blood Orange or the dreamy Everglades Misty Hazy in the beer garden, where individual food kitchens satisfy every craving served to the rhythm of live music.
SWFL’s food scene mixes old Florida charm with playful twists, from Florida Burger Boy’s Swamp Stomper Burger and Key Lime Pie Shake to the return and resilience of the retro Bubble Room on Captiva with towering desserts. Food trucks line Celebration Park in Naples, Riverside Rooftop in Bonita Springs offers cocktails with a view, Backyard Social in Estero blends fun and flavor, and the new Slipway Food Truck Park & Marina in Cape Coral lets guests dock and dine right on the water.
Upcoming Bites & Sips:
- Port Charlotte Food Truck Festival – Nov. 2025: Street food and live entertainment.
- Bonita Springs Craft Beer & Food Truck Fest – Dec. 2025: Local brews paired with gourmet bites.
- Naples Winter Wine Festival – Jan. 2026: Premier wine auction and chef-curated dinners.
- 68th Annual Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival – Mar. 2026: Parade, carnival, and live music.
Nature, noises, and national awards
Florida’s 175 state parks span over 815,000 acres and have earned four National Gold Medals for excellence. From mangroves to beaches, SWFL is alive with exploration. Kayak through the winding mangroves at Lovers Key, wander bamboo trails and admire historic sculptures at Koreshan State Park, or paddle through tidal marshes at Charlotte Harbor Preserve. Hikers can explore Seminole State Park or the vast wilderness of Big Cypress National Preserve, where the iconic Florida panthers, ghost orchids, and native wildlife roam.
Don’t miss the electrifying lightning shows over SWFL’s parks, with Florida earning its reputation as the Lightning Capital. Meanwhile, shell-covered beaches invite you to stroll the shoreline or recline in the sun, offering award-winning spots for collecting seashells and soaking up the perfect park-side retreat.
Seafood lovers can celebrate the region’s bounty at Stone Crab Festivals in Tin City, St. James City and throughout the Everglades. Known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, claws are locally caught from nearby waters, served chilled and complemented by Florida-famous mustard dipping sauce or a side of melted butter. The festivals clamp onto visitors and locals alike, pairing fresh stone crabs with lively tunes that keep the celebration going long after the sun sets.
Music thrives in lush settings, from the Naples Botanical Garden’s Music in the Gardens and the Naples Jazz Festival to the Fort Myers Music Walk and free outdoor concerts across Bonita Springs, bringing melodies to the sunshine.
Nature Highlights:
- Lovers Key Mangrove Adventure Week – Nov. 2025: Guided walks, birdwatching, and sunset cruises.
- Wonder Gardens – Bonita Springs, year-round: Historic gardens and wildlife sanctuary.
- Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda Home & Garden Show – Oct.2025: Family-friendly demos and trends.
Shop, splash and swing
SWFL effortlessly blends style, adventure, and relaxation. Bell Tower Shops, Coconut Point, and Miromar Outlets showcase over 140 designer stores along open-air promenades, where shoppers can discover the latest fashions and chic resort-style designs. Downtown Naples and Punta Gorda Mercantile add a local flair, offering boutique treasures, handcrafted goods, and vibrant art for a truly unique shopping experience.
Dive into the newly opened Brightwater Lagoon in North Fort Myers, a six-acre paradise featuring lazy rivers, twisting slides, and swim-up bars perfect for soaking up the Florida sun. In nearby Punta Gorda, Sunseekers offers a rooftop pool retreat where chilled beverages and sparkling views set the stage for ultimate relaxation.
Anglers will find their paradise in SWFL, where the shimmering waters of Cayo Costa and Pine Island Sound are teeming with snook, redfish, and tarpon.
For land lovers, the region hosts more than 150 public and private golf courses, offering lush greens and challenging fairways for players of every skill level. Beat the heat with a round of movie-themed mini golf at HappyLand inside Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in the Mercato, then let the breeze carry you on the 90-minute Fort Myers Pirate Adventure along Fort Myers Beach — perfect for pirates-in-training of all ages.
Buckle up for a double dose of adrenaline and excitement in Florida. First, soar into thrills at the Florida International Air Show, a volunteer-run nonprofit that brings the skies to life. Over multiple days, nationally renowned performers dazzle crowds with jaw-dropping aerial maneuvers, while static displays of aircraft and military vehicles offer a hands-on look at aviation and space. Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a history buff or just looking for an unforgettable family outing, Florida International Air Show delivers high-flying thrills and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of flight.
Then, get ready to rev your enginesat the 22nd Annual Cars on 5th Concours, rolling into 5th Avenue South in Naples in February, hosted by the Naples Automotive Experience. As Naples’ largest one-day car event, it will showcase over 400 luxury rides—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, Corvettes, and more— filling the avenue with high-octane style and performance. Two spectacular experiences, one unforgettable adventure.
Upcoming play dates:
- Florida International Air Show – Nov. 2025: Thrilling aerial displays.
- Naples Golf & Food Classic – Nov. 2025: Tee off with gourmet pairings.
- Classic Cars on 5th Concours d’Elegance – Feb. 2026: Exotic and vintage collector cars.
- 37th Annual Christmas Boat Parade – Dec. 2025: Festive lights on the water.
- Collier County Fair – March 2026: Carnival rides, games and live entertainment.
Why SWFL is simply irresistible
With 180 years of history, Southwest Florida is a sun-soaked haven brimming with charm, flavors, and adventure. From golden beaches to hidden mangrove trails, every corner offers something to explore, taste, and remember. Visit and experience it for yourself—Southwest Florida isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. Come for the sun, stay for the soul.
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