PLACES OF INTEREST IN FLORIDA
ROTARY PARK AND FOUR MILE COVE ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE
The Rotary Park Environmental Center and the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve both provide a glimpse of what Cape Coral used to look like. These wetland areas with their dense foliage and hidden fauna can easily be explored on foot along a boardwalk. A little trip into the past and a welcome change from many action-packed things to do in Cape Coral. Do not forget your binoculars.
PINE ISLAND AND MATLACHA
Matlacha is located in front of Pine Island – one might say, it’s a little island of its own – just a mile from Cape Coral. The colorful old fishing huts have been turned into art galleries, delighting art collectors and souvenir hunters alike. The best-known place is the Leoma Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens.
For good food with an unforgettable view, stop by Bert’s Bar & Grill. If you are lucky, you can watch fish and dolphins from your table while you wait for your food.
SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLAND
Sanibel Island and Captiva are islands left mostly in their natural state, with gorgeous sandy beaches full of myriads of shells.
You can reach the islands via the Sanibel Causeway (toll). It is a trip worth taking, as you’ll see the spectacular scenery from afar when you approach the bridge.
There is no mass tourism here. Men and nature live in harmony. This is the place to escape from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
We can very much recommend The Mucky Duck if you are looking for a restaurant. It is located right on the beach and offers the ideal spot to watch the sunset over Sanibel. This is Florida how you imagined it!
FORT MYERS - FLORIDA
Just a few miles from your vacation home is the City of Fort Myers. The closest airport is located here, Southwest Florida International Airport, plus you’ll find a number of shops and places of interest.
Worth noting in particular are the Edison Mall and the Bell Tower Shops with their numerous restaurants and stores.
On a more cultural note, do not miss a visit with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford at the Edison and Ford Winter Estate. Downtown Fort Myers is a great place for strolling and spending some time. Definitely worth a visit.
FORT MYERS BEACH
Enjoy the beautiful endless beach and recover from your shopping excursions by strolling along the Gulf of Mexico in Fort Myers Beach.
The bright sunshine invites you to wander along the promenade with its numerous restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. If the beach does become boring, take the car or motorcycle down Estero Blvd along the island. There are many hotels and homes that will catch our eye.
MANATEE PARK FORT-MYERS
A great spot to watch manatees in their natural habitat. In the winter months, manatees gather here when the Gulf water becomes a bit too cold. The park receives warm water from the power plant next door. It is beautifully landscaped, with walkways and detailed information about the natural surroundings and the manatees. There is no entrance fee, you only pay for parking ($1 - $5).
For an even closer look at these fascinating animals, you can rent a kayak and explore the area.
Check on the park’s official website whether manatees have been spotted that day.
NAPLES
The city, sometimes called the Sylt of Florida, is an upscale town with a population of around 22,000 and a huge number of shops, restaurants, bars and excellent golf courses.
The 300 m (985 ft) long Naples Pier is a landmark originally built in 1888. It serves as a popular spot for dolphin watching and fishing.
Shopping along South 5th Avenue and in Tin City Waterfront with its stores and restaurants is always a good option.
THE EVERGLADES
The Everglades National Park is a protected wetland area with hundreds of species, alligators, panthers, turtles, you name it.
You might spot several of these animals when driving along US 41 towards Miami, but in order to get an even better impression, why not take an airboat tour through the Everglades to get up close.
MIAMI - MIAMI BEACH
Immerse yourself in a city full of colors and lights. There is something for everyone.
Relax on the beach, or see and be seen on Ocean Drive. Over a stretch of 10 blocks, from 5th Street to 14th Street, numerous bars offer a pulsating nightlife, while modern hotels offer a place to stay, quite different from your average Days Inn or Best Western. You’ll also find the most photographed sight on Ocean Drive, the famous Versace Villa.
Miami is also a shopping mecca, best experienced perhaps in the Lincoln Road Mall. Not far from there is the American Airline Arena, where concerts and sports events are held regularly.
A particularly colorful spot is Miami Wynwood, one of the hippest parts of the city, well-known for its wall murals, chic boutiques and bistros. The Wynwood Walls Open Air Museum is located here, displaying huge paintings of the most popular street artists.
KEY WEST – THE PATH IS THE DESTINATION, ALONG THE FLORIDA KEYS
The southernmost point in the U.S. is always worth a trip. If you start heading down there, you’ll soon realize that the path is the destination, in the truest sense of the word. Driving from Cape Coral through the Everglades, make Miami your first stop.
The next morning, after breakfast, enjoy the leisurely drive over miles and miles of bridges towards Key West. Whether by car or motorcycle, the impression is that you’re gliding across the water. Unforgettable! If you are in more of a hurry, the Key West Express speed boat is another option.
Once you reach Key West, enjoy a slice of the famous Key lime pie, snorkel and dive at the world’s third largest coral reef, and visit the impressive Hemingway home and his six-toed cats. The highlight in the evening is watching the famous sunset from Mallory Square where many performers entertain. Do not miss it!
Duval Street is where it’s all happening. The street is lined with bars and restaurants. Enjoy a pleasant dinner and a glass of wine while watching the lively crowds. For a cold beer with cool live music, Sloppy Joe’s Bar is just the place.
WALT DISNEY WORLD - ORLANDO
With four theme parks and two water parks, Walt Disney World in Orlando offers something for every age group. It is a popular destination especially for families with kids.
One of the resort’s main attraction is of course the Magic Kingdom with the striking castle in the middle of the park. The nightly fireworks and the parade around the castle delight the visitors.
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is located on Florida’s Atlantic coast. Young and old will enjoy the numerous sights and attractions.
As soon as you arrive, you’ll be able to spot the Rocket Garden, which is impossible to miss. Many rockets are on display in the open air and provide a first glimpse of what’s to come. Continue to the main building of the Kennedy Space Center, where Atlantis, one of the original space shuttles, can be admired from every angle. Then hop on a bus for a tour of the NASA compound, with a stop at the old control room, past the launch pad 39 B to the final stop of the tour, the main exhibition hall. A Saturn V rocket is on display here as well as a moon rock, which you can actually touch.
Tickets are not on the cheap side, but a visit is absolutely worth it. It makes sense to book them online before you go and possible save a buck or two. You can book additional tours once you’re there.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - ORLANDO
Fans of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park or the Simpsons can experience exciting rides or just stroll through “Hollywood.” Universal Studios, Orlando is fun for the whole family.
