The area is served by Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Ft. Myers. Thousands of people visit and move to Southwest Florida to experience the beauty, the numerous outdoor recreational opportunities and relaxed pace of this region of Florida. That’s why we moved here!
Boating
Power boating or sailing Southwest Florida is a boater and sailor’s paradise. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico or Caloosahatchee River offer excellent opportunities for a delightful getaway. One can cruise the canals of Cape Coral, the back bays and estuaries of the coast or Pine Island Sound. Discover the delights and solitude of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key and the island of Useppa all accessible only by boat. Or spend some time anchored off world famous Sanibel Island.
Beaches
Southwest Florida is famous for its Gulf beaches and there is a wide variety to choose from. Somewhere between Captiva and Sanibel Islands in Lee County and Marco Island in Collier County is a beach that fits your mood. Shelling is also a popular pastime and an added plus to your beach experience.
Canoeing & Kayaking
The subtropical hammocks and mangroves of the peaceful bays, estuaries and nature preserves offer a multitude of opportunities for paddling and viewing manatees, bird life and dolphins. Paddle down the meandering waterways of the 87 mile Great Calusa Blueway, designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior and discover more of Southwest Florida’s hidden natural treasures.
Fishing
Freshwater, saltwater, offshore, inshore, lakes, rivers, canals, bays and estuaries…the opportunities abound. And the variety of fish will make a fisherman’s head spin. Hit the freshwater lakes and fish for Largemouth Bass and a variety of Sunfish (down here they’re called Bream). Fish for prized saltwater game fish such as Tarpon, Snook and Redfish or catch Seatrout, Mackerel and Crevalle Jack to name a few. And then there’s the tasty Grouper and Florida Pompano. If you fly fish (like we do!) you owe it to yourself to fish the salt with the long rod. Most of the fish in Florida can be caught on fly. We live on a saltwater canal in Cape Coral and have caught 12 species of fish on flies and lures from our backyard.
Golf
168 golf courses can be found within Lee and Collier counties with 65 courses open to the public. If Golf Course Resort living is your style, there are numerous developments with golf courses that have been designed by Greg Norman, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer just to name a few. Spectators can view two annual premiere professional tournaments featuring PGA players. The Franklin Templeton Shoot Out is held in November and the ACE Group Classic, the Champions’ Tour is in February.
Nature hikes, parks and refuges, birding, etc.
From the vast beauty of Everglades National Park, the biological diversity of Big Cypress National Preserve, the old growth hammocks of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, to the exceptional bird watching of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Refuge on Sanibel, Southwest Florida offers a host of opportunities to experience Florida as it was when the Calusa Indians resided here. There are also smaller local and regional parks to enjoy a day of walking, hiking, bike riding and picnicking.
Spring Training
Home to Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, spring training is the opportunity to get up close and personal with Major League players every February and March. The intimate ballparks of City Of Palms (Red Sox) and Hammond Stadium (Twins) make for an enjoyable day as you watch The Sox and The Twins play other Major League teams from the Florida Grapefruit League. And we’re within driving distance of spring training facilities of another 16 Major League teams.
The Arts and live Theatre
The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Ft. Myers is a venue graced with live performances from national recording artists such as Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, James Taylor and Paul Anka and other on stage performers like Lily Tomlin, Whoppi Goldberg and Bob Newhart. The Naples Philharmonic Center for the arts is home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, an internationally recognized ensemble. The Center also supports other events from dance to films to lectures.
Shopping
No shortage of opportunities here! From the upscale shops along Naples’ 5th Avenue South to the extensive malls and tasteful shops of Bonita Springs and Ft. Myers, whatever your budget you’ll find something to buy.
And…
Miami and Tampa are approximately two hours from Cape Coral/Ft. Myers, which is another reason living here is so terrific. If you want a big city fix, you’re not far from it. And the numerous attractions of Orlando are only about three hours away.