Cape Coral Holidays, Florida, United States of America Relatively young, Cape Coral was developed in the 1960s as a waterfront community across the Caloosahatchee River. Today, it is one of the nation’s fastest growing cities. Cape Coral is best explored through its 400 miles of canals. Shops and restaurants line Cape Coral Parkway. With two-dozen rides, the Sun Splash Family Waterpark is one of the largest aquatic theme parks in Southwest Florida.
Captiva Holidays, Florida, United States of America Accessed by bridge via Sanibel Island, Captiva is smaller and less developed than its neighbor. Turner Beach, also known as Blind Pass, is popular among fishers and shell collectors. Captiva Beach is a popular spot to watch the sun set. Dolphin cruises depart from Captiva’s docks.
Estero Holidays, Florida, United States of America Estero’s lifeblood is the water. For centuries, Native Americans and—eventually—Spanish settlers fished from the Estero River and the Estero Bay. Today, the waterways form natural habitats, including Lover’s Key and Mound Key Archeological state parks. Estero’s other highlights include the Germain Arena and Koreshan State Historic Site, once a utopian colony. Everglades National Park is nearby.
Fort Myers Holidays, Florida, United States of America In the early 1900s, the City of Palms sealed its vacation reputation when Thomas Edison and Henry Ford built winter homes in Fort Myers. The two neighboring estates are now museums. Downtown’s Harborside Event Center hosts conventions. Nearby, the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a 105-acre refuge for birds. The Imaginarium Hands-On Museum allows kids to see and touch science and nature.
Fort Myers Beach Holidays, Florida, United States of America Decidedly less ritzy than other Florida seaside towns, Fort Myers Beach is a favorite destination for families. Area singles, too, also pass the time here, especially at Lynn Hall Memorial Park and at Time Square’s bars, restaurants, and shops. Casino gambling is mostly illegal in Florida; a Fort Myers Beach-based casino cruise flouts this ban by floating just beyond the long arm of the law.
North Fort Myers Holidays, Florida, United States of America North Fort Myers is a traditional suburb with parks, golf courses, and commercial areas. Its best-known tourist attraction sells seashells on North Tamiami Trail. The Shell Factory & Nature Park claims the world’s biggest collection of rare and common shells and corals. Nearby, alligators and panthers roam free amid four ecosystems at Babcock Wilderness Adventure, situtated on a 90,000-acre ranch.
Sanibel Island Holidays, Florida, United States of America The beacon at Lighthouse Beach is one of Sanibel Island’s the most photographed landmarks. Nearby, artsy Old Town Sanibel retains its low-slung buildings. The island has strict rules on development; here, palm trees are the tallest things. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge takes up nearly half of the island. The park is home to 220 bird species, including the iconic pink flamingo.
