When you are looking for summer vacation ideas, look no further than sunsets, the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Southwest Florida is the perfect spot for a summer vacation for couples, families and even for parties of one looking to unwind. 

When you are looking for summer vacation ideas, you need to pick a spot that offers ideal weather, outdoor activities, parks, a downtown filled with activities, historic landmarks and vacation rentals that fit your needs. Southwest Florida checks all these boxes for the ideal summer vacation spot. 

Where Should I Go in Southwest Florida?

When in doubt, you head to the beach in Southwest Florida. The real question is where are the beaches and which ones should you visit? We have you covered with some great white sand beaches below: 

Sanibel Island Beaches

Make sure you visit: 

• Blind Pass Beach
• Lighthouse Beach Park
• Gulfside City Park
• Tarpon Bay Beach

Beaches with State Parks

Southwest Florida offers so many state parks with beaches that you must visit, including: 

• Cayo Costa State Park
• Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach
• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples

Collier County Beach Locations

Collier County is the county that all of your favorite Southwest Florida cities and beaches reside in. A sampling of Florida beaches you must visit includes: 

• Vanderbilt Beach in Naples
• Barefoot Beach Preserve in Naples
• Conner Park Beach in Naples
• Clam Pass Beach in Naples
• The North Gulfshore beach access in Naples
• Tiger Tail Beach in Marco Island
• The South Marco beach access in Marco Island

Relaxing Summer Vacation Spots in Southwest Florida

Summer vacation in Southwest Florida is the place to be. Kick back and relax in these relaxing summer vacation spots: 

• Fort Myers Beach offers seven therapeutic miles of gorgeous coastline to soak in the sun and walk along the calm Gulf coast shoreline. 
• Lovers Key State Park in Fort Myers between Big Carlos Pass and New Pass is a great place to take your loved ones to unwind and relax in a natural beach setting. 

• Enjoy brick-lined streets and reconnect with old city charm and nightlife in the Fort Myers River District. 
• Take in a spring training baseball game with the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, which come to town each February and March. 
• Learn a little history, stroll the garden and go back in time to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers. 
• Go shelling at relaxing Bowman’s Beach, which is littered with sand dollars, conchs and other shell treasures. 

What is the Best Month to Vacation in Florida?

This is such a tough question to answer because it’s always a good time to visit sunny Southwest Florida. The summer months are an ideal time to visit because it’s always a beach weather day. The best month to visit Florida is February for those visitors looking for days that are not too hot and not too cold.

If you asked us what the best stretch of time to visit would be, we would tell you it’s between February and May. The late Winter and early Spring months are the best of what Florida has to offer when you are considering temperatures in the 70s with a nice breeze. It’s the best time for going to the beach, golfing, shopping and anything else you want to do in the Sunshine State. 

Here’s a quick weather rundown for you to help you plan which month you want to visit: 

• February: Enjoy highs that hover around 75 degrees and lows in the mid 60s. 
• March: HIghs are around 77 degrees with lows still in the mid to upper 60s.
• April: You might see some low 80s a few days this month but the weather is still gorgeous for all activities. 
• May: If you like warm weather on the beach, May is the time to come enjoy the beach with 80 degree weather and still relatively low humidity in the air. 
• June through September: Warm during the day and it’s always beach and swimming pool weather. Enjoy nights that don’t even fall into the 70s. It’s always comfortable to jump in the pool or the Gulf this time of year without the water being too cold. 

What is Southwest Florida Known For?

Southwest Florida is the premier summer vacation experience. To give you an idea of everything there is available at your fingertips, take a look at this summer vacation checklist:

• Go fishing by planning a fishing charter
• Visit museums
• Enjoy animal life at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
• Go shelling on Sanibel Island and Marco Island
• Look for fossilized shark’s teeth on Caspersen Beach near Venice Beach
• Take a sunset walk along Sanibel Island
• Enjoy fresh seafood at a number of restaurants in the area
• Build a sand castle during your family vacation
• Relax and unwind with a drink and enjoy the Fort Myers River District nightlife scene

Where is a Fun Place to Vacation in Southwest Florida?

The real problem with this question is there are too many fun places to vacation and visit in Southwest Florida. It’s hard to list them all. Royal Shell has you covered though with where to stay, including Naples vacation rentals, Sanibel Island vacation rentals, Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals and more. 

When you are looking for fun places to visit, check out these spots when you come to the area: 

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

Plan a half day family friendly trip and head to the Naples Zoo with the whole crew. Once a private assortment collection of tropical plants, today the property is an accredited wildlife zoo. Enjoy a giraffe exhibit area and feeding station, a playground for the kids and a Primate Expedition Cruise. 

Admission prices are $22.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 3-12 and free children ages 2 and under. 

Naples Pier

You can’t come to Naples without taking a stroll on the historic Naples Pier. Best of all? The pier is less crowded in the summer months and it’s a perfect spot to catch a brilliant sunset while grabbing something from the concession stand. 

JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island

A federally protected wildlife refuge since 1954, the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must stop attraction while you are on Sanibel Island. Enjoy breathtaking views while spotting birds, turtles, alligators and more. 

You can also walk, bike or drive the beautiful 4-mile Wildlife Drive. Take a canoe or kayak trip to see the refuge from a different and spectacular viewpoint. 

Sanibel Island Farmers Market

Every Sunday, enjoy small town beach life at its finest by heading to the Sanibel Island Farmers Market. The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday and offers fresh seafood, fresh baked goods, live plants, fresh organic produce and more. It’s the perfect place to shop for a fresh seafood summer meal back at your vacation rental!

Captiva Chapel By the Sea

Captiva Chapel by the Sea on Captiva Island is the cutest little chapel you’ll ever see in an island setting. Take a canoe or kayak trip and make sure you visit this little slice of historic heaven. The church holds a service every Sunday at 11 a.m. and is also offering an online taped service. 

Fun Places in Southwest Florida for Adults

Are you looking for a short getaway in Southwest Florida for adults? The tranquil luxury studio apartment Bonita Beach vacation rentals at The Beach & Tennis Club in Bonita Springs is the place to go. These relaxing units are right across the street from the beach where you can enjoy a walk along the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico shoreline. 

Another fun and affordable place to relax and unwind is R+L Ambassador Suites in Fort Myers Beach. Enjoy cozy studio apartments that can sleep up to six people. These apartments are perfect for adult getaways right on Fort Myers Beach. 

Summer Vacation Ideas with Royal Shell

Now that you have summer vacation ideas for Southwest Florida, it’s time to book your vacation by choosing the perfect Royal Shell vacation rental. Whether you are looking for a Southwest Florida mini vacation or looking to stay awhile, we have you covered. 

Utilize our easy and secure Flexcation^TM options to book your summer vacation getaway today! Then you just have to know what to pack when you travel to Southwest Florida and fly south to paradise! Contact Royal Shell today to get started!