Pier in Fort Myers, Florida
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and The Keys capture most of Florida’s tourist draw. But the sheer size of the state means that there’s a lot more to explore than just the southeast. Here are a few of our favorite can’t-miss spots on your next Gulf Coast day trip from Miami:
Search for Fossils in the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World”
Every Florida beach has a specialty — something it’s best known for. Some are ideal surf spots; some are great for shelling and beachcombing; and some are perfect for just doing nothing. Venice’s Caspersen Beach Park is known as “the shark tooth capital of the world”. The remains of countless sharks who lived in the previous underwater space now occupied by Florida’s land mass continue to wash ashore by the tens of thousands every year. Fossil hunters gather from far and wide with cat scoopers and purpose-built tools to sift through the sandy shoreline. The shark’s teeth aren’t difficult to spot, however, and even novice hunters will likely stumble on a tooth or two.
Beach in Fort Myers
Beachcomb at Englewood
Travelers looking to escape Miami’s opulent glitz and glamour will find their antidote in Englewood. This tiny dot of a town 50 miles north of Fort Myers offers a taste of quiet, “old world” Florida. It’s a glimpse of the state’s slower pace of beach life — much the way it used to be several decades before southern Florida became the well-known tourist hotspot it is today. Blind Pass Park is an ideal spot to while away a few hours on the sand. The area’s fishing and watersport opportunities are also among the best in the state, rivaling even The Keys.
Book a Private Dive Charter from Cape Coral
The Gulf of Mexico rivals almost any spot on Florida’s east coast with some truly amazing shipwreck diving. Booking Viator’s Private SCUBA Dive Trips from Cape Coral guarantees a most intimate experience with a limited number of divers. Divemasters will take guests on a tour of the USCGC Mohawk — a wreck that rests in 90’ of water less than 30 miles off Fort Myers. The stunning, 165-foot World War II US Coast Guard Cutter ship is now home to scores of sea turtles, rays, and massive Goliath Groupers. For the more adventurous, large parts of the ship’s interior are open to explore as well.
Wreck Diving in Florida
Spot Manatees at Lee County Manatee Park
Few marine mammals are as beloved in Florida as the adorable, docile manatee. “Sea cows” as they’re affectionately known can be found in inlets and brackish waterways throughout south Florida. However, the aptly named Manatee Park in Fort Myers virtually guarantees a sighting or two. The best time to spot them is in winter when they flock to the warm water discharge from the adjacent Florida Power and Light (FPL) facility. As an added bonus, there’s a butterfly garden nearby. Tip: a few hours north, in Crystal River, lies the only place where visitors to Florida can legally swim with endangered manatees. It’s a stretch for a Miami “day trip”, but it’s worth it for the unique, bucket list experience.
Step Back in Time at Manatee Village Historical Park
The land now occupied by Florida has a long and fascinating history. Manatee Village Historical Park is an outdoor museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century life along the state’s Gulf Coast. The outdoor exhibits collectively tell the story of what life was like before the arrival of “modern” conveniences like electricity and cars. A working steam train, a vintage grocery store, and an old schoolhouse are among its most interesting relics. Placards throughout the park provide a timeline of the area’s evolution. It’s a quiet, family-friendly destination to while away a few hours while learning about Florida’s past.
Wine Cork
Sample Unique Wines at One of Florida’s Few Vineyards
Given Florida’s extreme, often unpredictable weather, the state isn’t exactly known for wine-making. However, that makes a visit to Fiorelli Winery all the more intriguing. For almost 20 years, the vineyard and winery has battled the harsh terroir to produce some truly memorable vintages. The Muscadine grape is predominant throughout its lineup, in particular in its award-winning Dry Red Noble and Muscadine Blush. The Standard Tour is priced at just $10, while themed tours (Cheese & Cracker Tour and the Sandwich & Salad Tour) are available for $25. All are bookable in advance through the company’s website.
Find Inspiration in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is perhaps the west coast’s best known urban hub. But it is most famous historically as the home of “The Friendship Gate” — the well-known fence that separated the homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. More than a century ago, Edison built a home and laboratory on McGregor Boulevard. Twenty years later, Ford followed suit, moving in next door and opening the world’s first Ford car dealership nearby. The area has since been a hub of technological innovation and both homes are now open to the public. History buffs will appreciate the tour of Edison’s property, in particular, as it reveals some of his less famous inventions.
Day Tripping: Exploring the Best of Florida’s West Coast from Miami Things to Do
