Sarasota to Fort Myers, Florida Itinerary

Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast is a stunning stretch of paradise. We spent one week exploring the Gulf Coast from Sarasota to Fort Myers and Sanibel Island and didn't need to go to Orlando to find entertainment for our kids. :) We found beautiful beaches and lots of activities to keep them busy.

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The Southwest Gulf Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Siesta Key Beach, known for its powdery white quartz sand, consistently ranks among the top beaches in the U.S. Further south, the tranquil shores of Sanibel and Captiva Islands are perfect for shelling and watching breathtaking sunsets. Each beach offers its unique charm, from the bustling shores of Fort Myers Beach to the serene sands of Bonita Beach.

There are plenty of activities to keep families entertained on the Southwest Gulf Coast. The Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota provides fascinating insights into marine life. For a day of adventure, head to Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral, featuring waterslides, a lazy river, and a toddler-friendly area.

This was our first time visiting this part of Florida, and we were excited to check it out! We stayed in an Airbnb on Manasota Key. Manasota Key Beach is located along the Gulf Coast of Florida. This barrier island, close to Englewood, is known for its less crowded beaches, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway. We loved the location since it was centrally located between the areas we wanted to explore. It's a little isolated but still has enough food & stores, exactly how we like it!

Food lovers will enjoy the diverse culinary offerings of the Southwest Gulf Coast. Fresh seafood is a highlight, with many waterfront restaurants serving up the catch of the day. St. Armands Circle in Sarasota offers a mix of upscale and casual eateries. Visit one of the many local farmers' markets, where you can sample fresh produce and artisanal treats.

Day 1- Sarasota

We arrived at The Ringling at 10:00 a.m., right when it opened. The Ringling in Sarasota is a must-visit, featuring an art museum, the historic Ca' d'Zan Mansion, and beautiful gardens. The owner, John Ringling was one of the brothers who started the Ringling Circus. When visiting, you'll need a few hours to see everything. The grounds are massive, and there are several different buildings you can go through.

I purchased a ticket to go on a tour of the Ringling home... Ca d'Zan and the Circus Museum. Learning about its history and the people who lived there was so interesting. We went on a Monday so the Museum of Art was free. They also have a kid area where they can do different art and craft projects for free. I loved seeing Michaelangelo’s David and the dwarf garden; my kids enjoyed the play area, circus costumes, and miniature circus.

After leaving The Ringling, we picked up sandwiches to go and spent the rest of our day on Siesta Beach!

Nestled on Siesta Key, a barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, Siesta Beach is renowned for its stunning beauty, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters.

As the sign says, it's been voted the #1 beach in the USA. Unfortunately, it's crowded because it is a great beach! The gentle slope of the beach and calm, shallow waters make it ideal for families with children. Our girls had so much fun boogie boarding and playing in the sand.

Siesta Beach offers a wide range of activities, from volleyball courts and tennis courts to playgrounds and picnic areas. The beach also features convenient amenities, including restrooms, showers, concession stands, and ample parking.

Rent a bike or a scooter to explore the island, or take a boat tour to discover the local marine life, including dolphins and manatees. Fishing charters and parasailing are also popular activities, offering a different perspective of this beautiful region.

Siesta Key Village, located just a short distance from the beach, offers charming shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Visitors can stroll through the village, enjoying everything from boutique shopping and ice cream parlors to seafood restaurants and live music venues.

Day 2- Manasota Key Beach

Manasota Key is a great beach and not as crowded as Siesta Beach. It was peaceful, especially after the afternoon rain showers! We saw lots of turtle nests, shells, and even shark teeth.

Manasota Key features several notable beaches, each with unique attractions:

Englewood Beach is the most popular, offering ample parking, beachside rentals, volleyball courts, and nearby restaurants and bars for refreshments.
Blind Pass Beach is a favorite for shark tooth hunting, kayaking, and exploring nature trails through mangrove forests.

Manasota Key is notable for its conservation efforts, particularly for sea turtles. Manasota Key's beaches are nesting grounds for loggerhead sea turtles, and local organizations work diligently to protect these endangered species and their habitats.

Day 3-

The Seminole Wind Airboat Tours

The Seminole Wind Airboat Tours on the Peace River offer a range of thrilling and scenic experiences in Arcadia, Florida. These tours provide an opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Peace River. The brackish waters have alligators, manatees, and various bird species.

The tours are available, from half-hour and one-hour rides to private and night-time adventures. Each tour is guided by experienced captains who are great at spotting wildlife and ensuring a memorable experience.

We loved our Airboat tour on Peace River. Unfortunately, we didn't see any alligators. Our guide told us they hide when it's hot. Go earlier in the day if you plan to visit!

Port Charlotte

We had to stop and get a picture of Charlotte in Port Charlotte. And of course, we stopped for a quick swim at Port Charlotte State Park.

Day 4-

Stump Pass Beach State Park

On Manasota Key is Stump Pass Beach State Park. A sign in Stump Pass Beach State Park says, "Welcome to the Real Florida". It gives you a feel for what Florida would have been like many years ago. Stump Pass Beach State Park at the southern tip provides a mix of pristine beaches and nature trails. It's a prime spot for wildlife sightings, including manatees and dolphins, and offers activities like kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding

Stump Pass Beach State Park, is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park features 1.3 miles of trails where visitors can see a variety of animals, including gopher tortoises and snowy egrets. The adjacent Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve offers kayaking and bird-watching opportunities. This State Park was only a few minutes from the beach house we rented. We loved the location of our rental!

Day 5-

Babcock Ranch Eco Tours

Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours is in Punta Gorda, Florida, and offers a variety of immersive nature experiences. The most popular tour is the Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour, a 90-minute ride through the Crescent B Ranch.

Babcock Ranch also offers specialty tours. These include a photography tour on the first Saturday of each month and a "Sounds of the Night" tour on the last Saturday, which explores the ranch at dusk and highlights the nocturnal wildlife.

Visitors can explore the trails, visit the on-site museum, and enjoy southern cuisine at the Gator Shack Restaurant, which is known for its gator bites and key lime pie.

We took the Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour. The bus drives through swamps, where you see tons of alligators, hogs, deer, birds, turkeys, cows, and beautiful plants. We learned about the local history and saw more animals than people, which made for a relaxing tour. :) The highlight was touching a baby gator... we won't ever forget that!

After our Eco tour, we had a picnic at Ponce de Leon Park and then walked through the mangroves. We talked to some men fishing nearby, and they said they often catch and see sharks swimming by. We saw beautiful birds and a dolphin and barely made it to our car before being drenched in a Florida downpour!

Day 6- Fort Myers

Nestled along the picturesque Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a unique glimpse into the lives of two of America’s greatest innovators, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates span over 20 acres of beautifully maintained grounds, featuring historic buildings, lush gardens, and a wealth of exhibits. Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor known for the phonograph, electric light bulb, and countless other inventions, first purchased his estate in 1885. His good friend Henry Ford, the automotive pioneer, bought the adjacent property in 1916. The estates were frequented by both men and their families and used as winter retreats.

The estates are known for their stunning botanical gardens, which feature plants and trees from around the world. Edison was an avid botanist, and his experiments with various plants are evident throughout the gardens. One of the highlights is the massive Banyan tree, given to Edison by Harvey Firestone in 1925. This tree has grown to cover nearly an acre, creating a natural canopy.

One of the most interesting things to see at the estate is Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory, where he conducted experiments to find a domestic source of rubber. The lab has been preserved much as it was during Edison’s time, complete with original equipment and materials. The museum offers extensive exhibits on Edison’s and Ford’s lives, inventions, and lasting legacies. The museum features over 14,000 artifacts, including early light bulbs, phonographs, and Ford automobiles.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a variety of educational programs and guided tours tailored to different interests and age groups. Tours provide information on the history, inventions, and personal stories of Edison and Ford. Other tours are The Garden Tour and the Inside-the-Homes Tour. If you prefer exploring at your own pace, self-guided audio tours are available.

After stopping at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers we went shelling on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island is a premier destination on Florida's Gulf Coast, renowned for its pristine beaches, and seashells. The island is approximately 15 miles long and 5 miles wide. Watersports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing are also popular due to the island's marine life and calm waters. With 25 miles of bike paths, Sanibel Island is perfect for cycling.

Bowman’s Beach is a favorite spot for collecting shells, it offers amenities like restrooms, picnic areas, and grills.
Darling National Wildlife Refuge- 6,000 acres home to numerous endangered species.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse- While currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian, the surrounding area is typically a hotspot for shelling, fishing, and watersports.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is an excellent stop after shelling on the beaches.
Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens has a variety of tropical plants and local wildlife.

After shelling, we headed back towards Fort Myers for dinner. Fort Myers Beach is a very touristy area with hotels lining the beach... too touristy for us!

My favorite beaches from this vacation: are Siesta Beach (Shallow for kids and the sand!) & Manasota Beach (not crowded, not touristy & beautiful :))

⚠️ Florida Red Tide Warning: When planning your vacation to Florida, be aware of Florida Red Tide. It occurs almost yearly in the Gulf of Mexico between late summer and early fall. We visited at the end of June... it must have started early. Red Tide causes you to cough and isn't good for those with asthma. We also saw dead fish on the beach. Because of this, we didn't spend as much time on Manasota Key Beach as we would have liked, but we enjoyed all of the exploring we did because of it.

So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to discover the beauty and charm of Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast!