South West Florida Beach Trip Planning Guide

Florida is divided into six regions. They are South West, South East, Central East, Central West, North East and North West. The South West region of Florida offers subtropical climate, never ending sandy beaches, old Floridian charm, seafood and exotic wildlife.

South West Florida has five counties. As you travel from north to south, you will pass through Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Hendry and Glades. We will bring you to Lee and Collier counties’ beaches for our South West Beach Trip Planning Guide. In fact, both counties have the best beaches in South West Florida.

Let’s start with Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands in Lee County.

Fort Myers and Estero Island

Fly into South West International Airport, which is located 14 miles from Fort Myers city center. Renting a car for your trip could be the best way to travel if you want to explore more than one beach.

If you are driving, Interstate 10 from California will take you to Jacksonville, FL in the North East region, and you can connect with Interstate 95 to the south towards Miami and connect with Interstate 75. If you are from the Midwest U.S. you can easily take Interstate 75 all the way to Fort Myers. For example, it is possible to travel on a road trip all the way from Detroit to Fort Myers on I-75. It takes 20 hours 27 minutes, less than a day’s drive from snow to the beautiful sandy beaches with glorious sunshine.

The Fort Myers area has a variety of year round outdoor activities like sailing, fishing, water sports, golf and 64 beaches for beach enthusiasts. It is also a historical town and Thomas Edison and Henry Ford had their winter homes in the area. Visitors can still see the 1914 Model T, 1929 Model A and 1917 Ford Truck at the museum called Edison Ford Winter Estates.

We recommend Estero Island located 18 miles southwest of Fort Myers for your beach activities or stay. You will find an array of restaurants, accommodation and beautiful sandy beaches. This is one of the safest beaches in the country with shallow water, no undertow and family friendly resorts.

It is not unusual to see dolphins swimming around Estero Bay. For the area’s parks and beaches guide, please follow this link.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are two of the most captivating natural beaches in Florida. The islands’ white sand beaches are filled with thousands of shell and palm trees. It is as if you are being transported away to a remote island in the Caribbean. It is so unspoiled that the tallest building is as tall as the palm trees.

Enjoy a walk in the sand, beautiful sunset and dining in a selection of fresh seafood restaurants.

Sanibel and Captiva are barrier islands that connect with the mainland by a three-mile-long causeway. They are naturally protected and famous for the variety of shells especially on Bowman’s Beach.

Check out J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife National Park while you are there. This 7,600 acre wildlife refuge is home to 272 bird species, 60 types of reptiles, 35 mammal species and more (Source: Fort Myers)

For more information, visit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website here.

Naples and Marco Island in Collier County

This area is part of the Paradise Coast that extends from Barefoot Beach Preserve in north Collier County, Naples, Marco Island and Ten Thousand Islands in the South.

Marco Island can fulfill all your desires if they include year round sunshine, white sandy beaches, lots of beach activities, golf and fine dining. It is suitable for families, couples or solo vacationers.

We recommend Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort Golf Club and Spa as your one stop beach destination for Balinese-influenced spa treatments, relaxation and walks on the three mile long white sand beach, variety of dining experiences, 18-hole championship golf course and a large luxurious pool with a view of the Gulf.

If you are flying into South West International Airport and staying at Marco Island, your drive would be around one hour 7 minutes.

Getting away from the cold? South West Florida is only hours away on a road trip or flying. Where will your vacation take you next? Check out the beaches in Florida.