It can be fun to go on vacation and experience the tourist hot spots, but one of the best ways to soak up all that an area has to offer is to go where the locals go and experience how they live. Whether this is your first time vacationing in Florida or you come here every year, we have your guide to the best hidden gems in Southwest Florida so you can fully immerse yourself in paradise and create lasting memories with your loved ones that you’ll talk about for years to come.
The area is the ideal escape because there are things to do in Southwest Florida for couples, kids, and adults. Choose your perfect vacation rental, pack your bags, and come experience the best hidden gems in Southwest Florida. We promise it won’t take long to see why we love it here.
Things To Do in Southwest Florida that Only the Locals Know
One of the best ways to experience Southwest Florida is to discover its unique landscapes that you truly can’t find anywhere else. These hidden gems in South Florida give you a taste of the local lifestyle. You may love it so much, you may even consider moving here.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a nature lover’s paradise. The National Audubon Society sanctuary is located north of Naples and east of Bonita Springs, but no matter where you’re staying, it is certainly worth the drive. A nearly two-mile boardwalk weaves through stands of towering bald cypress and pond cypress trees, pine flat woods, marsh, and wet prairie ecosystems. If you love bird watching, the sanctuary is also a gateway site to the Great Florida Birding Trail. You may see the endangered wood stork, painted bunting, great egret, or even a swallow-tailed kite if you’re here during the summer. The best hidden gems in Southwest Florida are the beautiful surroundings that we’ll always be able to carry with us in our minds. The sanctuary is located at 375 Sanctuary Rd. W. in Naples.
Shelling
Shelling is also a favorite pastime for locals and they know just where to go to find the best treasures. Some of our Southwest Florida vacation rentals are located near the best beaches for shelling on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. You can certainly find beautiful shells across Southwest Florida, but you’ll undoubtedly find the best souvenirs on Sanibel Island. What makes it the ideal spot to find unique shells is that the island curves perpendicular to the coastline and the southern currents help all kinds of shells wash up on the island. The east-west torque of Sanibel’s southern tip also acts like a shovel to scoop up seashells the Gulf of Mexico brings from all over the world and deposits on the islands’ shores. Look for these treasures with the kiddos or make it a fun adult scavenger hunt. Everyone in your group will enjoy the experience.
Hidden Gems in Southwest Florida for Couples
If you ask anyone what hidden gems in Southwest Florida there are, they will say the beach, but few locals will give up their favorite spot or the secret to snagging a great parking spot.
If you’re all about the sunset and you’re staying near one of the more popular beaches like the Naples Pier, Fort Myers Beach, or Lovers Key, you’ll want to make sure you get there an hour before the sun sets so you can find the best place to watch the sunset before the crowd arrives.
Bunche Beach Preserve in Fort Myers on the way to Sanibel and Captiva Islands is a great hidden gem in Southwest Florida for couples looking to enjoy a romantic sunset date. The preserve is located at 18201 John Morris Rd. in Fort Myers. It’s usually never too crowded.
While it may be a bit of a drive if you’re staying in Fort Myers or the islands, the Naples Botanical Garden is one of the best places to go for a special getaway with your loved one. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Southwest Florida for couples because you can take your time strolling through all of the unique gardens that feature plants and flowers from Asia, Brazil, the Caribbean, and more, and still feel like you have something to discover next time you’re here. Get lost in the romance of the garden and don’t forget to check out the Fogg Café when you’re done. The garden is located at 4820 Bayshore Drive in Naples.
of when you go, look for the bench in the home’s backyard and take in the view of the Caloosahatchee River, especially if you’re there for the sunset. The estates are located at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in Fort Myers.
Southwest Florida Vacation Rentals Near Hidden Gems
Some choose a Southwest Florida vacation rental that is easy to access all of the things to do in the area, and some prefer something more tucked away and secluded. Where you stay sets the tone for your trip, and Royal Shell has got you covered. Enjoy all of the hidden gems in Southwest Florida and come home to your own little paradise at the end of the day. We can’t wait to hear what your favorite part of your trip was!
