From water to wilderness, Southwest Florida makes it easy to explore everything the outdoors has to offer. With our mild winters and warm climate, outdoor fun is available any time of year. Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can enjoy all year long in the Southwest Florida region that includes Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel/Captiva.
1. Beaches & Water Activities
Ø Beach days & shelling — soft white sands and calm Gulf waters make beaches like Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, Lowdermilk Park in Naples, and Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or shelling.
Ø Swimming, snorkeling & paddleboarding — explore nearshore reefs and sandbars or rent gear for paddleboarding in calm bays.
Ø Kayaking & canoeing in mangrove tunnels — paddle through scenic mangrove waterways in Rookery Bay, Estero Bay, and the Great Calusa Blueway.
2. Guided Boat & Wildlife Tours
Ø Sunset cruises & dolphin watching — From an elegant cruise on the Naples Princess to the casual excursions of the Sweet Liberty, early evening cruises are spectacular along the Gulf Coast, and dolphin-watching tours are a favorite year-round activity.
Ø Eco tours & nature boat trips — Rookery Bay and other reserves offer guided eco-boat tours focused on wildlife and conservation. These include Marco Island Eco Tours, as well as Manatee Sightsee & Wildlife Adventures and All Water Excursions, both in Naples.
3. Hiking, Trails & Parks
Ø Gordon River Greenway in Naples features a multi-use paved trail for walking, biking, and jogging along the river.
Ø Regional parks, such as Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers and other preserves offer scenic biking and walking paths.
Ø Boardwalk nature trails — places like Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and Clam Pass Park integrate raised boardwalks through unique wetland and mangrove habitats.
4. Wildlife Viewing & Nature Preserves
Ø Birding & wildlife watching — Southwest Florida is home to abundant bird life year-round in preserves such as Six Mile Cypress Slough and Naples Preserve.
Ø Nature centers & trails — Calusa Nature Center in Fort Myers has nature trails and exhibits with native animals, while J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States.
5. Fishing & Boating Adventures
Ø Fishing charters & backwater fishing — from inshore flats to deeper Gulf waters, fishing is a year-round staple here with species like snook, tarpon and snapper. Quality Backwater Fishing & Shelling Charters offers private backwater trips focused on snook, redfish, trout, and family-friendly shelling combos. If you’re looking for a deep-sea adventure on a larger boat, try Capt Marvel Charters in Naples.
Ø Kayak fishing or boat rentals — you’ll find some excellent kayak rentals in Southwest Florida, especially around Marco Island, Naples, and the Ten Thousand Islands where you’ll find calm backwaters, mangrove tunnels, and tons of wildlife.
6. Scenic Sunsets & Picnics
Ø Sunset watching — Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast sunsets are world-famous — perfect from a beach, boat, or waterfront park. Enjoy colorful sunsets from Barefoot Beach and Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples to Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel/Captive.
Ø Picnicking in parks & beaches — many parks and shoreline spots are ideal for packing a lunch and spending the day outdoors. Some of the best parks include Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Lover’s Key State Park, and Centennial Park, a ten=acre community park located in historic downtown Fort Myers.
7. Markets, Festivals & Outdoor Events
Ø Farmers markets & festivals — Southwest Florida is celebrated for its abundance of farmers markets, stretching from Marco Island to Sanibel. Enjoy local markets that feature everything from fresh local food and homemade artisan goods to art and handmade items.