SW Florida Outdoor Adventures to Explore This Summer

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just looking to get out of the house or office, the Southwest Florida area has just what you need to get that fresh air fix. Many people sink into the lull of everyday life and forget they live in the beautiful sunshine state. Don’t forget that, even though you’re not a tourist, that doesn’t mean you can’t still live like one! Here are nine Southwest Florida outdoor adventures to put on your must-do list this summer.

1. Boating

One of the most popular ways to have a day out is to take the boat out. Whether you’re going fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or just out for a leisurely ride, getting out on the open water helps you escape the stresses of land. Boating gets the whole family out of the house and into some vitamin D (and vitamin sea!).

2. Paddle Boarding

This trendy new leisure sport is made for the Fort Myers area. There are countless rivers and backwater adventures that are great paddle boarding trails. There’s also plenty of beaches with calm waters to explore. Paddle boarding gets you up close with Florida wildlife like dolphins and manatees. If you’re looking to make it even more interesting, try combining paddle boarding and fishing – just be careful hooking a big one!

3. Exploring Lovers Key State Park

This beautiful park is perfect for catching a glimpse of the local wildlife. It’s home to manatees, bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, and more. At Lovers Key State Park, you can also look for many of the beautiful shells that can be found in the Southwest Florida regions and they are more likely to be untouched because of the exclusivity of the island. It’s a great getaway for lovers and adventurers.

4. Freshwater Fishing

Looking to take a break from the usual saltwater fishing grind? There are a few places to get in some freshwater fishing and one of the most popular is Lakes Regional Park. The park is home to 158 acres of gorgeous freshwater lakes to get that bass fishing fix. It also has two and a half miles of kayaking trails that are popular for fishing.

5. Manatee Watching

One unique thing to do in Southwest Florida is see the manatees! There are many places around the area that manatees like to frequent. One of the favorite local spots to see them is Manatee Park. Manatees are attracted to places with warmer waters and are most populated in the winter months. Although it is exciting to see, it is encouraged not to engage with or touch the manatees.

6. Sailing

Sailing is always a classic way to make the most of the sea. It allows the adventures of sea travel with a little more elegance. It’s an exciting date night idea or just a way to explore the area from a creative point of view. If you enjoy boating, sailing is a great new perspective and adventure to explore.

7. Hiking in the Everglades

The Everglades are the outdoor adventurers’ complete package. They feature it all from majestic wildlife to miles and miles of breathtaking hiking and scenery. The Everglades are a gem of the Southwest Florida area and should be at the top of the list for locals and tourists alike. This one-of-a-kind environment is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

8. Camping at Cayo Costa

The best way to escape from the crowds is to plan a visit to one of the many islands off the Southwest Florida coast. Cayo Costa is just one example. It’s a 2,400-acre state park with over nine miles of quiet, stress-free Gulf Coast beaches. The only way to reach this island is by private boat or ferry, so bring your gear and make a weekend of it.

9. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling are a must-do in Southwest Florida. What better way to cool off and explore our beautiful oceans? This underwater activity allows you to be one with the environment and have firsthand experiences with the local marine life. There really is no better way to see what the ocean has to offer.