If you know Florida, then you very well know that there is more to the state than sun, sand, and golf. There are many things to do in Southwest Florida, especially in spring. Southwest Florida is a beautiful place known for its white sandy beaches, incredible wildlife, lush mangrove estuaries, and rustic coastal scenery. And who can forget the awe-inspiring Everglades ecosystem that you simply cannot miss?
It often happens that we get so busy in our daily lives that we miss out on checking out the incredible things to explore near us. So without any further delay, here are the top five things to do this spring in Southwest Florida.
1. Find Beach Treasures
One of the most exciting things to do in spring in Southwest Florida is to comb through the beaches looking for unique souvenirs. You can try your luck at Sanibel Island, or some of the other uninhabited islands further south near Marco Island. These islands are famous for shelling. Most of the Gulf beaches in Southwest Florida have many beautiful shells waiting for you to find. Both Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach are great places to search for some fossilized shark teeth if you’re in the mood to spend some time sifting through the water’s edge in perfect sunshine.
2. Look for an Endangered Manatee
Manatees are an endangered and protected species, but it is still possible to spot a few of these gentle giants in Southwest Florida. This is one of the top things for nature lovers to indulge in. While the best time to spot an endangered manatee is during the cooler, winter months, you might get lucky and spot one in the spring as well. Manatees generally like to live in the warm waters in canals, springs and rivers. Lucky kayakers and standup paddleboarders often encounter playful manatees in calmer waters.
And if you are unable to spot any in the open waterways, you can always head to the Parker Manatee Aquarium in Bradenton or the Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota. The Parker Manatee Aquarium is home to three adult manatees, and both aquariums offer underwater viewing windows to give the best views of these gentle creatures.
3. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise
The southwest coast of Florida, or the Gulf Coast, is home to some of the best views of the golden-red sunset. And there is no better way to experience the stunning views of the sky with the setting sun than from the bow of a big catamaran that rides the waves gently and quietly in the breeze. While you can opt for many other ways to get out on the water to see the sunset, one of the best and most relaxing ways is to take a sunset catamaran cruise to see the sky bathed in the colors of the breathtaking sunset. Other options for sunset tours are right out of Sarasota with The LeBarge Tropical Cruises, or aboard the Marina Jack II.
5. Encounter Florida’s Wildlife
One of the best things to do in spring in southwest Florida is to get closer to the wildlife here. There are many famous wildlife attractions and sanctuaries here, including the famous Everglades National Park. From hand-feeding a giraffe at the Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens to feeding flamingos at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens, there are so many things to do in southwest Florida in the springtime. You can even touch a stingray and feed a shark at the Mote Marine Aquarium and handle sea stars and sea urchins at the IMAG History and Science Center located in Fort Myers.
For butterfly lovers, there are two unique butterfly gardens located along the Lester Finley Barrier-Scherer State Park.
5. Airboat Adventures in the Everglades
Imagine zipping across the Everglades on an airboat safari – nothing can be more exciting than this. The air-driven boats run over the water without disturbing the wildlife. They can easily spin 180 degrees to turn back and catch sight of a nesting osprey or gator resting in the sun. The Everglades National Park is one of the best places to ride an airboat across the famous ‘River of Grass.’ The Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will get to see bald eagles, wading herons, numerous fish, turtles, and thousands of alligators in this swampy ecosystem.
Are you looking for more fun ideas this spring? Our team can help with suggestions! Simply contact us today.