For anyone looking for a quick and breezy beach vacation, or an alternative to Miami, the southwest coast of Florida hosts some of the state's most beautiful beaches and state parks. Flights to Fort Myers are quick and cheap. You can rent a car inside the airport and be in paradise in under an hour. Bam!
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Sanibel and Captiva Island
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Sanibel/Captiva Island is a barrier island, accessible by bridge, less than 30 miles from Fort Myers Airport. This sleepy little community keeps things light. Bikes, shells, beaches and sunsets is all they care about. I recommend renting a beach-front cottage and bikes for the duration of your stay.
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LODGING
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Blue Dolphin Cottages
4227 West Gulf Drive
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Beachview Cottages
3325 West Gulf Drive
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
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ACTIVITIES
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Finnimore's Cycle Shop
2353 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel Island, Fl 33957
Sanibel Sea School
414 Lagoon Drive
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Adventures in Paradise
2019 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
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NECESSITIES
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Jerry's Foods Supermarket
1700 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Sanibel Bean
2240 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Timbers Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Road
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
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Naples
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South of Fort Myers Beach you will find this swanky, elegant, mini city. Stunning beaches, epic sunsets, and fine dining make it the perfect big city escape.
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LODGING
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La Playa Beach and Golf Resort
9891 Gulf Shore Drive
Naples, FL 34108
If your budget allows, want for nothing at this luxurious golf resort. You will need a car or taxi, should you want to visit 5th Avenue to shop or dine. Many travel to the hotel to enjoy Baleen, their beachfront restaurant.
Naples Bay Resort
1500 5th Avenue South
Naples, FL 34108
Just seconds from Naples main drag and minutes from the beach, the Bay Resort offers the best of both worlds. Four pools, three restaurants, a spa/fitness center and bay front peace and quiet. Perfect for anyone traveling with their boat.
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DINING
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5th Avenue Coffee Company & 6th Street Diner
599 5th Avenue
Naples, FL 34102
The best breakfast in Naples. Grab a table outside, enjoy your bagel with a shmear and Cafe Au Lait.
Sushi Thai Too
898 5th Avenue
Naples, FL 34102
Decor aside, this chain serves fresh sushi and delectable curry. Few bells and whistles, and they'll have you out in under an hour.
Pazzo Cafe
853 5th Avenue
Naples, Fl 34102
Pazzo has fantastic pizza, pasta and salads. An inspiring wine list and unforgettable, homemade desserts.
Cafe Lurcat
494 5th Avenue
Naples, FL 34102
This exquisite two story restaurant is the perfect place to spend your evening. Sit at the bar and enjoy the lighter fare, which is served until late. Or dine on the second floor balcony, overlooking 5th ave.
Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro
865 5th Avenue
Naples, FL 34102
A testament to the glamorous nature of Naples, Bha Bha pleases all your senses. Vegetarian friendly, open for lunch and the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine in the evening.
Kilwins
743 5th Avenue S.
Naples, FL 34102
A south Florida staple, Kilwin's is a desert boutique. House made fudge, chocolate, toffee, caramels, brittles and taffy. Most popular is their hard ice cream, served in colossal cones.
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ACTIVITIES
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Conservancy of Southwest Florida
1450 Merrihue Drive
Naples, FL 34102
I definitely recommend the Conservancy over the zoo. This hands on science museum has everything from a bird hospital to nature trails. Check out their website before you visit, for boat tour times and lectures.
U-Topia Spa
4077 Tamiami Trail N.
Naples, FL 34103
Most of the hotels in Naples have their own spa. This totally unsuspecting spa offers a lot more for the money and in a less formal setting.
Naples Museum - Philharmonic Center for The Arts
5833 Pelican Bay Blvd.
Naples, FL 34108
The Phil, as its called, is a South Florida mecca for the arts. Check out the museum by day and the orchestra by night.
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Marco Island
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Thirty minutes south of Naples, and an hour from Fort Myers Airport, you will find beachtopia. Marco Island is made up of a strip of condos and high rise hotels sitting cheek to cheek along the islands pristine beaches.
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LODGING
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Hilton Marco Island Resort and Spa
560 S Collier Blvd
Marco Island, FL 34145
The Hilton offers nice rooms and polite service, a pool and beach. The spa has saunas, a hot tub, and a stay as long as you like policy. It's one of those nothing is included hotels (beach chairs, internet, parking), but it's close to everything.
Marriot Crystal Shores
600 S Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL 34145
If your a family traveling with kids or a group, Crystal Shores has 2 and 3 bedroom villas, poolside cabanas, and a req room. Feels more like high end time shares than a hotel.
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DINING
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Davinci's Restuarante Italiano
599 S Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL 34145
Dont let the strip mall locale dissuade you. This true Italian eatery will live up to NY standards. Spiedini, zuppa di pesce and tiramisu, to name a few.
Stilts
600 S Collier Blvd.
Marco Island, FL 34145
This tree fort style restaurant couldn't be more proximal to the beach. Go for lunch, toast to sunset, stay for dinner.
Snook Inn
Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, Fl 34145
This bayfront, marina adjacent, seafood restaurant is popular with locals and tourists. Whatever it lacks in quality it makes up for with it's way down in Kokomo feel. Bring in your catch of that day and they will fry it up for you!
Quinns on the beach
400 S Collier Blvd
Marco Island, FL 34145
The southern most spot on the beach, Quinns is the spot for sunset drinks.
Stan's Idle Hour
221 Goodland Drive
Goodland, FL 34140
If the power walking and shell picking has you going stir crazy, go enjoy some fried clams, gator and ice cold beer at Stans Idle Hour, ten minutes away in Goodland,FL.
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ACTIVITIES
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Collier Seminole State Park
Tamiami Trail
Naples, FL 34114
About 15 minutes east of Marco, this state park has canoe rentals for $5/hour. Depending on the time of year, you are likely to see alligators and manatees, in addition to a whole host of unusual birds. They also have hiking trails and picnic tables. Well worth the visit.
South Beach Yoga
South Beach
Marco Island, FL 34145
I think this picture speaks for itself.
Marco Island Kayak Adventures
951 Bald Eagle Drive
Marco Island, FL 34145
All the hotels in Marco offer kayaking in the Gulf, which is perfect for novices. If you want to explore 10,000 islands and beyond, try these folks.
