Florida West Coast Road Trip: The Scenic Route

Honeymoon Island State Park – This secluded beach is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a quieter retreat. It features unspoiled shorelines, nature trails, and opportunities to spot wildlife like dolphins, ospreys, and eagles.

Anna Maria Island – A charming barrier island located just south of Tampa Bay, Anna Maria Island is known for its cozy beach town vibe and stunning sunsets. The island has several public beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal.

Caladesi Island State Park – Accessible only by boat or ferry, Caladesi Island State Park is a pristine and secluded beach that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can relax on the soft, white sand, explore the island's hiking trails, or go fishing in the surrounding waters.

Anclote Key Preserve State Park – Accessible only by boat or ferry service, this picturesque park features an 1887 lighthouse. Be sure to bring your own water and food since there are no services on the island.

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – This lovely historic state park offers something unique: live “mermaids” perform in a natural spring here. The park also offers caves to explore and rides for the kids.

Downtown Tampa – Downtown Tampa is a vibrant and bustling area with plenty to see and do. Take a stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk and enjoy stunning views of the Hillsborough River and the downtown skyline. Visit the Tampa Bay History Center and explore the city's rich past through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Catch a show or concert at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts a range of performances throughout the year.

Busch Gardens – This African-themed amusement park is home to thrilling rides, exotic animals, and live shows that the whole family will enjoy.

The Florida Aquarium – Explore over 20,000 aquatic plants and animals at this award-winning attraction, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.

Ybor City – This historic district is known for its vibrant nightlife, delicious Cuban cuisine, and unique shops and boutiques.

TECO Line Streetcar – Ride the vintage streetcar from Ybor City to Channelside Bay Plaza and enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Tampa along the way.

Amalie Arena – Catch a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game or a concert at this state-of-the-art arena located in the heart of downtown.

Lowry Park Zoo – Meet over 1,500 animals from around the world at this award-winning zoo that's been voted the #1 zoo in the U.S. by Parents Magazine.

Glazer Children's Museum – Let your kids stimulate their curiosity and creativity through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities.

Professional Sports – Tampa is blessed with four professional sports teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL), Tampa Bay Rays (MLB), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL), and the Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL). Catch a game if you like!!

St. Pete Beach – With miles of pristine coastline and an abundance of activities, St. Pete Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors. The beach boasts soft sand, calm waves, and a range of water sports options, including parasailing, jet skiing, and kayaking.

Downtown St. Pete – Downtown St. Petersburg is a lively and vibrant area with plenty of cultural attractions and entertainment options. Visitors can explore world-class museums, stroll through beautiful parks, dine at trendy restaurants, and enjoy shopping and nightlife.

Clearwater Beach – Known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters, this beach is a popular destination for families and tourists alike. It offers plenty of amenities, such as beach cabanas, water sports rentals, and beachside restaurants.

Fort DeSoto State Park – This park consists of over 1,000 acres of five interconnected islands, or keys. Fort Desoto Park's nature trails is where you'll also find one of Florida’s finest beaches.

Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge – Located on the nearby island of Egmont Key just southwest of Fort DeSoto Park, this refuge is only accessible by boat or ferry. It is an amazing place to relax and collect shells along secluded beaches.

Fairgrounds St. Pete – This interactive art museum invites visitors to become part of its narrative by searching the museum for clues to decide its outcome. An imaginative experience suitable for young and old alike!

Salvador Dali Museum – Known as “The Dali,” art lovers and the casually curious will witness incredible artwork by one of the most prolific and sometimes controversial modern artists of our time. Located in downtown St. Petersburg.

Other Museums – Check out the St Petersburg Museum of History, the Imagine Museum, the Florida Holocaust Museum, and the Dr Carter G. Woodson African American History Museums.

Performing Arts – Pick from more than eight performing arts venues including operas, orchestras, dance, poetry, comedy, and musical concerts.

Tropicana Field – Catch a Tampa Bay Rays (MLB) game at this domed stadium from March through October. The stadium is easily accessible from downtown St. Petersburg. Consider a behind-the-scenes tour!

Tarpon Springs – Experience Greek culture in nearby Tarpon Spring. Delicious Greek eateries line the waterfront along Dodecanese Blvd, where Greek sponge divers settled in the early 1900s. Renowned for its sponges, Tarpon Springs also boasts the highest population of Greek Americans in the U.S.

Siesta Key Beach – This award-winning beach is known for its soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, play beach volleyball, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore.

The Ringling Museum – Experience the legacy of circus magnate John Ringling at his former grand estate-turned-museum. Experience art, architecture, and circus exhibits. Don't miss the stunning Ca' d'Zan mansion and the beautiful gardens.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens – Explore lush gardens and tropical landscapes at this botanical oasis in the heart of Sarasota. The gardens are home to over 20,000 plants and offer a range of educational programs and events. Visit the Spanish Point where you can learn about Sarasota's pioneer past at this historic site that features archaeological exhibits, a pioneer-era homestead, and beautiful gardens.

Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium – Get up close and personal with marine life at this aquarium that features over 100 species of fish, sea turtles, otters, and more. Visitors can also learn about conservation efforts and research initiatives.

Myakka River State Park – This expansive park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can spot alligators, deer, and a variety of bird species.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens – Discover exotic animals, lush gardens, and entertaining shows at this family-friendly attraction. Visitors can feed flamingos, pet baby goats, and even hold a parrot.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – Catch a Broadway show, concert, or comedy performance at this beautiful waterfront venue that hosts a range of live entertainment year-round.

Sarasota Art Museum – Art lovers will adore visiting any of the galleries around town, but this one boasts 15,000 square feet of gallery space to explore.

Sarasota Farmers Market – Shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more at this bustling farmers market every Saturday in downtown Sarasota.

Asolo Repertory Theatre – Experience world-class theatre productions at this professional theatre company that presents a range of plays and musicals throughout the year.

Blue Spring State Park – Enjoy an exciting outdoor adventure at this beautiful park. Visitors can swim alongside manatees in their natural habitat and experience other exciting outdoor activities like kayaking.

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park – About 45 minutes south of Sarasota, this state park is an ideal spot for hiking, fishing, and paddling. Visitors should stop by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center where guided hiking tours allow visitors to discover more of its fascinating geology.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary – Visit the adopted home of various rescued animals such as lions, bears, primates, and more. If you prefer marine-oriented experiences, then Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium offers close encounters with sharks!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens – This private garden contains over 10 acres of botanical plantings along with bird and animal shows. With a petting zoo and educational adventures, this is a must-do for the kids.

Sanibel Captiva Visitor Welcome Center – Begin your visit here to gather valuable local knowledge. Situated next to the causeway bridge that links Sanibel and Captiva, it offers plenty of useful information including an observation tower as well as abundant wildlife on the island.

Shelling on the Beach – The beaches on Sanibel Island are protected by a large underwater shelf, perfect for producing shell-laden currents. As a result, the shelling here is among the best in the world.

JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Discover Florida's natural ecosystems that house an array of fauna and flora. Great for kayaking.

Sanibel Lighthouse Park – This peaceful park is home to the iconic Sanibel Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1884 and has served as a navigational aid for over a century. The park also offers a boardwalk that winds through the mangroves and provides a great opportunity for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Additionally, visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, or simply lounging on the beach at the park's shoreline.

Captiva Island – At the very end of Sanibel is funky and small Captiva Island. It’s so narrow in places that you can see the ocean from both sides. Small restaurants, shops and beaches abound. No trip would be complete without a visit to the iconic Mucky Duck Restaurant filled with fun Christmas memorabilia and good food. Given its narrow roads, we suggest taking a car (or small RV) to see Captiva.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates Museum – Nearby Ft. Myers has one of the top museums in the country which showcases the winter homes and contributions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visitors can tour the homes, gardens, and laboratory of these two famous inventors and learn about their innovations and contributions to society. The museum also offers hands-on educational programs, events, and exhibits centered around science, technology, and history.

Vanderbilt Beach Park – Located in north Naples, this popular beach park is known for its soft white sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Visitors can swim, sunbathe or enjoy water sports.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens – The zoo features exotic animals from around the world and includes a boat ride through a tropical rainforest. Many old timers remember this now city-owned zoo as “Jungle Larry’s.”

The Naples Pier – A fishing pier that is a great spot for watching dolphins, manatees, and other marine life as well as beautiful sunsets. The pier was damaged by 2022 Hurricane Ian but is being rebuilt to an even better standard. Portions of the pier remain open during the re-build. The pier offers public restrooms as well as a concession area for beach supplies and snacks.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park – A serene and natural beach with an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. Kayaking, paddling, fishing and hiking are great options here.

Naples Botanical Garden – A 170-acre garden with various ecosystems, rare plants, and a butterfly house.

Old Naples – Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South – This high-end, pedestrian-friendly shopping district in south Naples offers upscale boutiques, more than 100 great restaurants, and galleries. It’s great people watching and a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Prices tend to be quite high here, so you may want to just walk around. Enjoy some of the charming turn-of-the century bungalows as well as the multimillion dollar homes and estates.

Tin City – Originally built in the 1920s as a hub for the local fishing industry, Tin City has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction that celebrates Naples' rich maritime history. The complex (which is adjacent to Old Naples) features several locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in colorful tin-roofed buildings along the Gordon River. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, take a sightseeing cruise, rent a boat or enjoy fresh seafood while watching the boats pass by. With its picturesque setting and charming atmosphere, Tin City is an essential stop for any Naples.

Artis-Naples – See what is on the schedule at this wonderful performing arts center that hosts musicals, ballet, opera, and other shows. Check out its top-notch art museum, The Baker Museum, which displays contemporary and modern art exhibitions.

Marco Island – South Marco Beach – About 20 minutes from Old Naples lies Marco Island which has a distinctly more casual vibe. This beautiful public beach with soft white sand and clear waters, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Take a Dolphin Watching Tour – You will have no trouble finding a dolphin tour in Naples or Marco Island Enjoy seeing dolphins and other marine life in their natural habitat.

Boat to Keewaydin Island – Spend an afternoon at this secluded island accessible only by boat, known for its quiet beaches and abundant wildlife including sea turtles, manatees, and seabirds. On weekends, boats will be lined up (docked on the sandy backwater shore) with music blaring and beer cans popping!

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – This nature preserve is home to the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The sanctuary spans 13,000 acres and includes a 2.5-mile boardwalk through a pristine wetland ecosystem. Visitors can hike along the boardwalk and observe a diverse range of flora and fauna, including alligators, otters, wading birds, and rare orchids. The sanctuary also offers educational programs, guided tours, and birdwatching opportunities throughout the year. With its breathtaking natural beauty, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Lovers Key State Park – Famed for its two-mile beach that consistently tops lists of Florida state parks, this is an ideal location for building sandcastles, swimming, and picnicking. There's also a wonderful estuary path and bike trails suitable for runners to use here.

Bird Rookery Swamp Trail – Outdoor enthusiasts looking for an incredible hike should definitely visit this unspoiled wilderness area. It is an absolute birdwatcher's dream, and you may even spot alligators.

The Naples Depot Museum – This small but charming museum in downtown Naples, offers engaging experience for history enthusiasts and families. Once known as a Seaboard Air Line railway station, this attraction has been completely renovated to serve as an educational resource on frontier life, complete with restored train cars and Seminole dugout canoes. Plus, kids can ride a miniature railway around the museum!

Collier County Museums – These museums are an excellent way to discover Naples' history, from prehistoric saber-toothed cat skeletons and early Calusa Indian settlements to Spanish exploration. Relocated historic buildings and an expanded Seminole village are on display.

Naples Pickleball Center – Pickleball Center of the World – If you love pickleball, this place is for you. This public facility is the single largest dedicated pickleball facility in one location and has a whopping 80 courts. Novice to pro players will enjoy this. The center arranges casual games on the spot. It is also home to the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships each spring.

Everglades National Park – The closest entrance to Everglades National Park from Naples is the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, which is in Everglades City, Florida, approximately 40 miles southeast of Naples. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is a gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands area of the Everglades, where visitors can experience the unique ecosystem of the Everglades by taking a boat tour, paddling a kayak or canoe, or hiking one of the many trails in the area. The visitor center also offers educational exhibits, ranger-led programs, and other amenities for visitors.