What to do in Southwest Florida
From Bradenton down to Everglades City, this part of our state has lots for you to do.
Events to take note of:
Winter
Big Cypress Shootout- Enjoy a Seminole War re-enactment, alligator wrestling, snake shows, and more.
Everglades Seafood Festival- Held in Everglades City. Get ready for gator, stone crabs, and Seminole Fry Bread.
Spring
Big "O" Birding Festival- Held in Clewiston next year.
MLB Spring Training- See the Red Sox and Twins in Ft. Myers, the Reds in Sarasota, and the Pirates in Bradenton.
Summer
Fall
Annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival- Held in Ft. Myers.
Things to Do:
Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo Association- Several events to watch throughout the year.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures- Enjoy a swamp buggy tour.
Bass Pro Shops- Located in Ft. Myers. Didn't think we would forget one did you?
Billie Swamp Safari- Airboat and swamp buggy rides plus more.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium-
Captiva Cruises- Cruise Cabbage Key and Boca Grande.
Circus Sarasota- More than a circus.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center- 21 acre preserve in Naples.
Crystal Seas Kayaking- Several different trips into the Everglades are available.
ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization)- Looks kind of interesting if you are in the area.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates- Located in Ft. Myers.
Everglades Area Tours- Boat, kayak, hiking, and bicycle tours.
Everglades Day Safari- All-inclusive eco-tours.
Everglades Rentals & Eco Adventures- Day and overnight guided safaris.
Gaea Guides Kayak Tours- Paddle all the waterways of South Florida.
Gatorama- Biggest gators and crocs guaranteed. Located in Palmdale.
Imaginarium Hands-On Museum & Aquarium- Located in Ft. Myers.
IMG Academies- Great sports programs. Located in Bradenton.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens- On Sarasota Bay.
Mixon Fruit Farms- Tram tours of the grove, gift shop, deli, and more.
Mote Marine Laboratory- Brevard Zoo members get 1/2 off admission.
Naples Botanical Gardens- 33 acres including a Butterfly House.
Naples Zoo- Check out the monkey cruise.
PAL Sailor Circus- Sarasota's very own youth circus.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve- Kayak tours and much more.
Sarasota Bay Explorers- Eco-tours available.
Sarasota Jungle Gardens- Hand feed a flamingo.
Southwest Florida EcoTours- 1/2 and full day tours.
Southwest Florida Museum of History- Historic train depot housing many exhibits.
Tarpon Bay Explorers- Explore Sanibel Island.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum- Located on Sanibel Island.
The Museum of the Everglades- Exhibits about building a town deep in the Everglades.
The Shell Factory & Nature Park- Huge gift store, bumper boats, mini golf, and a restaurant.
Walk on the Wild Side Eco-Tours- Canoe, hike, and kayak in Sarasota.
Now a little something for Mom and Dad to do while traveling in South West Florida:
Eden Winery- The oldest operating winery in Florida.
Rosa Fiorelli Winery- Located in Bradenton.
More links for You:
Florida State Parks- Check out these State Parks when heading out; Cayo Costa State Park, Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, Gasparilla Island State Park, Mound Key State Archaeological Site, Myakka River State Park, Myakka State River, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, and Stump Pass Beach State Park.
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