Best Vacations Blog

Southwest Florida is a quiet tropical paradise that tops many bird enthusiasts’ bucket lists due to its diverse habitats that attract both migratory and resident bird species year-round. While Sanibel and Captiva Islands, especially the renowned J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, are well-known birding hotspots, lesser-known destinations like Naples, Fort Myers, and Cape Coral are hidden gems that offer equally rewarding bird watching experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned birder...

Southwest Florida is home to the only museum in the United States that’s dedicated solely to seashells and mollusks. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a natural history museum and aquarium located on Sanibel Island, in Southwest Florida, on the Gulf Coast. It showcases shells from all over the world and is home to marine wildlife, including octopuses, Giant Clams, and conchs. Children will love the hands-on touch...

One of the main reasons many choose to vacation along Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast is because of its beautiful beaches and tranquil emerald-turquoise waters. If you have children with you or you’re young at heart, you may be wondering how to build a sandcastle that will rival all other sandcastles. This guide on how to build a sandcastle on vacation in Southwest Florida will help you learn how to pick...

It can be fun to go on vacation and experience the tourist hot spots, but one of the best ways to soak up all that an area has to offer is to go where the locals go and experience how they live. Whether this is your first time vacationing in Florida or you come here every year, we have your guide to the best hidden gems in Southwest Florida so...

What is shelling? It’s looking for buried treasure on the seashore. Shelling is a popular pastime on Sanibel Island, and it’s easy to see why: The island’s unique geography makes finding and collecting these buried treasures easy and especially fun. It’s easy to understand what is shelling. In Sanibel Island and the rest of Southwest Florida, shelling is combing the seashore and beach, looking for the perfect seashells. The seashells...

Rainy days on Sanibel Island are remarkable for their calmness and beauty. They offer an opportunity to witness and experience Southwest Florida in a whole new way. You can take a relaxed walk on the sandy beaches, discover unique shells, or explore the charming boutiques and art galleries. Don’t be afraid to embrace the rain as a chance to explore the island like never before. You never know what kind...

For a thrilling escape to sun-soaked fun, watersports rentals in Captiva offer an aquatic experience like no other! Captiva Island is a great place to enjoy watersports year-round, but choosing the right type of watercraft at the right time will help you maximize your enjoyment. Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of watersports rentals in Captiva with a look at the different types of watercraft available, the best times of...

There is no question that Florida is one of the most popular vacation spots, not only for its pristine beaches but also for its variety of outdoor activities. If you’re looking to do something different than fishing or beaching, then hiking in Southwest Florida is a great activity that will not disappoint you. In fact, the Sunshine State has many extraordinary hiking trails in various spectacular parks and nature preserves....

It’s a fact: Florida is more than 18% water. Some of the most beautiful water features in Florida are our natural springs. There are nearly 900 natural freshwater springs in Florida, many of which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation that everyone in the family can enjoy. Let’s look at some of the best natural springs in Florida and the activities you can enjoy there. Some of the best natural springs...

What’s pickleball? It’s only the hottest and trendiest game in the world. Pickleball is considered the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., and that especially holds true in the Sunshine State. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner just picking up a paddle or an experienced pro, you’ll love hitting the courts in Florida. Pickleball is a sport that combines tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. You play with a net on a specially...