50 Things to Do in Southwest Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List
Looking for things to do in Southwest Florida worth a top spot on your bucket list? We’ve got you covered in this comprehensive list!
Southwest Florida is a special part of the Sunshine State, sun-drenched and salty for most of the year — an abundance of riches we have at our doorstep.
It’s a beautiful place with rustic coastal scenery, incredible wildlife, white sandy beaches, lush mangrove estuaries and the breathtaking Everglades ecosystem.
Add to that incredible shopping, dining, and other attractions and it’s no wonder Southwest Florida is one of the top vacation spots in Florida.
The tourism-based local economy certainly has a lot to tout, but as the old saying goes it ain’t bragging if it’s so!
With so many unique things to see and do in Southwest Florida when you’re here, where do you even begin?
With this Big SWFL Bucket List — activities you have to do in a certain place, must-see sites, top places you need to visit.
In short, these are the 50 best things to do in SWFL!
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1. Go Shelling
Southwest Florida is known for great shelling, and there are a few places shelling lovers and treasure hunters should make a beeline for when they arrive. Sanibel Island, where everyone can be seen doing the famous Sanibel Stoop — hunched over on the lookout for that next perfect shell — is an excellent place to go shelling.
Further south, closer to the Ten Thousand Island and Everglades, lies Marco Island where the shelling is premier, and pure unadulterated SWFL fun!
2. Take a Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Sunset is a big deal along Florida’s Gulf Coast and there’s no better way to experience it than from the bow of a big catamaran riding gently and quietly on the breeze.
There are many ways to get out on the water, but there’s nothing like a relaxing sunset catamaran cruise to put you in the island vibe.
3. Go Tarpon Fishing in Boca Grande
In Florida, there’s fishing, and then there’s fishing for tarpon in Boca Grande, the Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World.
You may have seen these guys on TV, and the anglers too, doing their best to land one in their boat!
If you dream of saltwater fishing, this is the place to do it,
4. Take Your Dog to the Beach
Most of the city and county beaches in Southwest Florida don’t allow dogs on the beach.
But if you want your four-legged friend to enjoy some fun on the beach along with you, head for Dog Beach on the south end of Lovers Key in Lee County, or Keewaydin Island in Collier County, two of the only dog-friendly beaches in the area.
5. Shop ‘Til You Drop in Naples
If you’re passionate about shopping you’ve come to the right place — shopping in Naples is some of the best in Southwest Florida.
Top choices in Naples are the beautiful Waterside Shops, the Village Shops on Venetian Bay, 5th Avenue South, Third Street South and Mercato.
All of the shopping districts offer high end shopping in beautiful walkable pedestrian-friendly settings.
But value shoppers don’t despair. Naples has fabulous consignment stores and an entire Trail of Treasures along 10th Street to find those hidden thrift and consignment gems!
6. Visit Colorful Matlacha Florida
Artsy, funky, quirky — all of these describe Matlacha, the most unique and colorful small town in southwest Florida.
Browse artisan galleries like Leoma Lovegrove’s gallery, Wild Child Art Gallery, and more.
With a day’s worth of shops and salty places to dine on fresh seafood, get your art on in Matlacha.
7. Kayak Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay is the largest expanse of primordial wilderness between Naples and Marco Island, and one of the best places to get out into nature in southwest Florida.
Its protected ecosystem is also amazing to explore by kayak.
Take a guided kayak tour through mangrove tunnels, small hidden bays, and across active mud flats, or a guided boat tour to hidden spots on the Bay.
The Good Fortune offers sunset boat cruises as well.
8. Take an Everglades AirBoat Tour
There’s no better way to see the habitat of the Florida Everglades than gliding across the water on an Everglades airboat ride.
Several good tour operators on the western side of the Everglades south of Naples can give you the thrill of your visit while educating you on Everglades wildlife and the waters of the Glades.
9. Belly Up to A Tropical Beach Bar
You know the kind we mean — the one where bare feet are not only welcome but encouraged.
After a long day on the beach, in the boat, or even on the links, there’s nothing better than catching a tropical buzz from a cold beer or fruity umbrella drink in one of the local beach bars and watching the sun go down from your tiki hut. Responsibly of course.
10. Catch Sunset from the Naples Pier
A long standing tradition for visitors to Naples is to watch fiery sunsets from the Naples Pier.
One of the longest piers in Florida, visitors flock to the Pier in Naples to put a peaceful touch and applaud the end of another day.
Don’t worry if you don’t get there on time.
In Southwest Florida there’s a sunset every day of the week and they can go on forever.
PIN FOR LATER!
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11. Paddle JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel is well-known for its pristine beaches and incredible shelling. But exploring this unique wildlife refuge is one of the top things to do on Sanibel. Rent a kayak or canoe at the visitor’s center and slip into the mangroves. Egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, and kingfishers are waiting around every bend.
12. Hunt for Fossilized Shark Teeth
The first time you hear the words “Florida snow shovel’ you might think it’s a joke, but this wooden-handled contraption with a mesh basket attached to one end actually works to help you find some unique treasures from the sea.
Along with good shelling, at Blind Pass Beach and Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood up to Venice, you’ll also find handfuls of prehistoric fossilized shark teeth sprinkled in. How cool is that!
13. Visit Koreshan State Historic Site
A visit to Koreshan State Park and Historic Site offers not only fascinating local history on Estero, but a relaxing hike along one of Naples walking trails as well.
Dating to 1893, this site is what remains of an intrepid group (mostly women) who settled here at the turn of the 20th century. They believed in the Hollow Earth theory and followed an eccentric physician from New York to start their New Jerusalem in SWFL.
Located off Rt. 41 in Estero, the park is what remains of that early settlement and features well-preserved original buildings and furnishings — one of SWFL’s more unusual sites and definitely worth a visit.
14. Cabbage Key and the Dollar Bar Saloon
Looking to explore some of Southwest Florida’s coastal islands? Start with a visit to Cabbage Key off the coast of Pine Island.
The water taxi from the Pine Island Marina will get you to there and the fun will have already started at the Dollar Saloon.
Enjoy good food, a fun crowd, a cold beer, and the rustic coastal environment of the island.
15. Attend the Naples Swamp Buggy Races
Tag this one as #OnlyinNaples! The world famous, and a lot noisy, Naples Swamp Buggy Races are held every Fall at Florida Sports Park.
No two machines are alike and this is the only place in the world to see buggy races. It’s good fun and exciting to watch.
16. Have Dinner on the Naples Princess
Leave the dock in time for sunset with reserved seating on the Naples Princess for the dinner buffet with a view. Two cash bars will make you a well-crafted cocktail.
Cruising on the Naples Princess is always a favorite thing to do in Naples and a great way to enjoy a relaxing dinner and sunset.
17. Take a Dip in Warm Mineral Springs
At a consistent temperature of 85°, Warm Mineral Springs in North Port is the only “warm” mineral spring in Florida, and a sort of throwback to the outdoor leisure wellness spas of days gone by.
With a high mineral content, the spring is therapeutic and offers some passive recreation options.
Plus it’s just the kind of retro experience you don’t see much of in Florida anymore.
18. Be Part of a Dolphin Research Project
Considered the best dolphin eco-tour on Marco Island, the Dolphin Explorer is a long-term study of dolphins in the local waters around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands.
On your tour you can help with the research by referencing photos of resident dolphins while taking some of your own.
Take this fun and interesting tour once, and you’ll want to do it again to follow your favorite dolphin.
19. Take a boat to Don Pedro Island State Park
You’ll find the remote Don Pedro Island State Park park on a 129-acre barrier island in Charlotte County, north of Naples.
Accessible only by private boat or ferry, the mile long beach and State Park is a paradise for sunbathers, swimmers, snorkeling, and shelling.
Hike any of several trails and enjoy a picnic lunch at the large pavilion.
20. Drive Jane’s Scenic Drive in Fakahatchee
An old railroad bed is now an unimproved narrow dirt road, or mud road during the wet season.
The road along Jane’s Scenic Drive in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve gives you access to a portion of Florida’s last remaining subtropical wilderness.
Fresh Florida stone crabs as a bucket list item? For food lovers, there’s nothing better!
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21. Eat Your Weight in Stone Crabs
A classic Florida delicacy, fresh Florida Stone Crabs with the porcelain-like shell are a sustainable and delicious Florida food.
Since only one claw can be removed during the harvest and the crab is put back into the sea to regrow the missing claw, it makes eating a few even more delectable.
Most good seafood restaurants have stone crabs available during the season (mid-October through mid-May) — a real sweet treat in southwest Florida.
22. Visit Clyde Butcher’s Photography Gallery in Ochopee
You might be thinking an art gallery in the Everglades isn’t quite a bucket list item, but then you’ve probably never seen the work of acclaimed black and white, large format photographer Clyde Butcher.
If you love the epic scenic landscapes of south Florida, we think you’ll agree that no photographer captures the beauty of Southwest Florida better than Clyde.
23. Paddle Manatee Park in Fort Myers
Going kayaking in Fort Myers is made even better when you’re almost always guaranteed a manatee sighting or two at Manatee Park.
During the cooler winter months, the outflow of water from the nearby Florida Power and Light Power Station heats up parts of the Caloosahatchee and Orange Rivers, keeping them safe from the cold.
They’ll be as curious about you as you are about then so keep your camera handy.
24. Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers
Since 2001, Norman Love Confections has been creating edible bite-size works of heart not to mention being named the best premium chocolate maker in the US six times!
The chocolates are as delicious as they are beautiful. The company has its signature chocolates and always offers unique and much-anticipated limited edition holiday flavors too.
25. Watch for the Green Flash at The Green Flash
It doesn’t happen every night, but when it does, you’ll never forget seeing the elusive Green Flash. A great place to anticipate the Flash is at The Green Flash Waterfront restaurant in Captiva Island.
Enjoy an excellent meal served dockside as you anticipate the big event. And if it eludes you today, there’s another sunset guaranteed tomorrow.
26. Kayak the Pine Island Fish Shacks
One of the most historic places in Southwest Florida, the Bokeelia fish shacks, also known as the Pine Island fish shacks, are a throwback to a simpler time when the fishing industry and local fisherman worked hand in hand to store the day’s haul.
Kayaking around them near Pine Island is one of the more unforgettable southwest Florida things to do.
27. Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers
Two of Fort Myers’ must-see attractions are the famous winter home of Thomas Edison and that of his good friend Henry Ford just next door.
The Edison Ford Winter estates house a historical museum with interesting artifacts, and a 21-acre botanical garden you can tour adjacent to the homes.
Edison invited Ford to visit at his estate named “Seminole Lodge” and Ford loved the area so much that he purchased the home next door.
When visiting southwest Florida this should be on your bucket list. You’ll love it here as much as they did!
28. Go Camping in the Everglades
Everglades camping is an amazing experience for outdoor lovers. The western portion of the Everglades has some very nice campgrounds for RVs as well as tent campers.
Some are with a guided kayak tour to camp on the sand, and others are open to the public.
For a truly unique experience, kayak to one of a dozen or so chickee huts and camp overnight on a raised covered platform above the water.
29. Tour the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum
This lighthouse near Boca Grande got its start as the Gasparilla Island Light Station in 1890.
The house-like structure has five rooms — three rooms are set in chronological order starting in 12000 BC.
The fourth room is a “please touch” room and great for kids, and the fifth is the station’s gift shop where you can treat yourself to a memento of SWFL.
30. Take a Private Helicopter Tour
Splurge on a luxurious romantic getaway or take the family on a trip they’ll never forget, and charter a helicopter with a private aviation firm.
Several local companies can arrange private helicopter tours over the local landscape or to the more exclusive and remote barrier islands off the coast like Useppa Island.
The sinking dome houses at Cape Romano off the coast of Marco Island
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31. Visit the Sinking Sunken Dome Houses on Cape Romano
If you like finding the quirky side of wherever you travel, a boat ride to the Cape Romano dome houses is one of the fun things you can do in Marco Island.
Bring your camera because no one back home will believe you. About 300’ off the southern shore of Marco Island are 6 modular domes that were originally built on dry land.
Now abandoned and mostly sunk by Hurricane Ian in 2022, the underwater domes make a cool photo op totally unique to SWFL.
32. Cycle Gordon Drive in Naples
Southwest Florida has a reputation as being home to many well-to-do, and Naples certainly has its share.
You’ll find many of their beautiful multi-million dollar homes along a well-manicured stretch of Gordon Drive in Port Royal.
Head south on Gulf Shore Blvd which will take you to Gordon Drive for a sneak peek at the lifestyle of the rich and famous.
Bike shops around town can set you up with rentals and a biking map showing the miles of designated bike lanes through Olde Naples.
33. Go Shelling on Keewaydin Island
This barrier island of Keewaydin between Naples and Marco Island is one of the best beaches in Naples and the local favorite place to go for a great day of shelling or just beaching it.
The pristine island is only accessible by boat which makes even more enticing for those seeking some peace and quiet.
Take a boat tour, shelling cruise, look for Florida sea turtles, or rent your own boat for the day.
34. Ring in the New Year at the Naples Pier
Everyone looks forward to ringing in the New Year’s Eve with fireworks from the Naples Pier. Bring your beach chairs or blanket and a picnic, and find a spot on your favorite beach.
The show starts once the sky is dark, usually around 9pm. For the best fireworks views Naples Beach is the best, with Lowdermilk Park a close second.
35. Go Pole Boating in the Everglades
Airboats are loud enough to warrant ear protection on a tour but step into the days of Old Florida and experience the tranquility of the Everglades on a guided pole boat tour in Big Cypress.
This traditional mode of transportation was used by many a Gladesmen, and many still do. The ride is quiet and relaxing with the sounds of nature all around you.
36. Catch a Performance at Artis-Naples
Artis-Naples is a top rated venue featuring the Naples Philharmonic, the Naples Ballet, individual virtuosos, live musical concerts and dance performances.
A real treat is The Hit Men made up of members from some of the most famous rock bands ever. No matter what gets your groove on, Artis-Naples has the right selection for you.
37. Go Fossil Hunting on the Peace River
The Peace River in southwest Florida is a virtual graveyard for prehistoric creatures that inhabited this area eons ago.
Fossils of the giant megalodon ( the carcharodon shark that grew to 55-60 feet in length) can be found if you know where to look — it’s one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda!
Shark teeth are the most sought after prizes but you can also find fossilized remnants of the mastodon, mammoth, camel, bison, whales, and alligators too.
You can go fossil hunting any time of year by renting a canoe or kayak, or take a tour with an experienced fossil hunter.
38. Take a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour
Who better to lead an eco-tour in SWFL than the country’s first completely solar-powered community.
The 90-minute tour at Babcock Ranch through four unique Florida ecosystems including Telegraph Cypress Swamp will have you sighting wildlife galore.
39. Catch a SWFL Christmas boat parade
If you think the holidays can only be festive with snow and Santa in his sleigh, we have news for you — Santa also drives a boat! Christmas in Naples and Marco Island is filled with holiday cheer when November and December roll around.
Local communities throughout Southwest Florida deck the halls, trim the trees, and fly little flecks of white “snow” and everyone looks forward to the holiday boat parades. There’s even some friendly competition among the participants, each trying to create the best and most festive boat display. It’s a wonderful sight to see.
40. Spend the Day at Cayo Costa State Park
This remote Southwest Florida barrier island of Cayo Costa is heaven on earth for nature-loving beachgoers and anglers — and one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida.
The island is a former fishing ground of the Calusa native Americans and has nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, and birdwatching. Explore along several walking and cycling trails that wind their way through the island’s interior.
The best part? It’s only accessible by boat — which means this pristine natural setting will stay this way forever.
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41. Catch Sunset at Bunche Beach
Part of the 731 acres of San Carlos Bay between Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, the Bunche Beach Preserve is home to pristine forests of mangroves in a serene natural environment of salt flats, forests and sandy beaches.
But you really need to watch the sunset here. Often ankle deep for hundreds of yards in either direction, the shallow water makes for spectacular reflection photo ops, and is an ideal place to paddle around.
42. Attend the Everglades Seafood Festival
Plan your visit in February and attend the Everglades Seafood Festival, an annual seafood festival in Everglades City with fresh Florida seafood, country music, carnival rides, crafts booths and more.
The three day event is always a huge draw with close to 50,000 seafood lovers in attendance eagerly awaiting their own plate of succulent shrimp, oysters, stone crabs and more.
43. Take a Day Trip to Key West
Departing from both Ft. Myers Beach and Marco Island, the Key West Express can high-speed you to Key West in just three and a half hours.
The 170’ jet powered catamaran is a smooth ride across Florida Bay offering snacks and a spacious sundeck and makes a great day trip from Naples or Marco Island. Return the same day or even better — reserve your return trip in a day or two. It’s one of the best boat tours from Fort Myers Beach to the Southernmost Point in the USA.
44. Catch an Exhibition at the Baker Museum
The 3-story Baker Museum at Artis Naples is a perfect place to view paintings and sculptures by renowned contemporary and historic artists.
Featured exhibits change from time to time but they’re always world class. Don’t miss the compelling sculpture Dawn Forest in Hayes Hall, an iconic work from the museum’s own collection.
45. Drive McGregor BOulevard to Historic Downtown Fort Myers
McGregor Boulevard, the traditional entry point for Fort Myers, the City of Palms, is lined with tall royal palm trees and makes a spectacular sight for visitors.
You’ll pass the historic summer homes of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison and other interesting sites as you make your way to Downtown Fort Myers.
46. Ride the Murder Mystery Train in Fort Myers
Become a super sleuth as a comedic murder mystery show unravels as you enjoy a 5-course meal on the Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train every Wednesday through Sunday.
The three-and-a-half hour trip takes you north through the backyards and warehouse tracks of Fort Myers, then over the scenic Caloosahatchee River on a 75-foot drawbridge into the coastal countryside of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
47. Paddle in a Glass Bottom Kayak
You know the Gulf of Mexico must be beautiful when there are so many Glass Bottom kayaks rentals to be had.
Several good tour companies in Punta Gorda will take you out or you can rent your own. It may take some getting used to at first and you may get so engrossed with what’s swimming below you and forget to look around, but it’s a fun and unique experience in SWFL.
48. Catch the Holiday Lights at Naples Botanical Garden
If you’re planning a visit to Naples over the holidays November through January, you must visit the Naples Botanical Gardens for Night Lights in the Garden.
While the gardens are lush and beautiful year round, you’ll be in awe when it’s all dressed up in holiday lights. Colorful spotlights on sculpture and native trees and plantings transform the gardens into a magical wonderland.
49. Revs Institute
Revs Institute is a fascinating and hidden gem in the heart of Naples, but you don’t have to be a classic car buff to appreciate it.
On display are expertly restored and preserved automobiles of historic significance. You’ll learn how these cars influenced our culture and there’s also an excellent collection of digital archives.
50. Visit the Smallwood Store
Established in 1906, the Ted Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee is a Southwest Florida Historic Site — no longer a store but a small and unique gem of a museum with much of the store still preserved as it was when the doors were closed.
Launch your kayak here and explore the surrounding mangroves for an authentic glimpse of Old Florida.
We told you there were so many great things to do in Southwest Florida — enough to have 50 bucket list items at the very top!
Did we miss anything? How many of these have you seen?