Where is Southwest Florida?
Southwest Florida is the Gulf Coast region anchored by Naples (Collier County) and Fort Myers (Lee County). It stretches roughly from Marco Island in the south to Boca Grande in the north, including the barrier islands of Sanibel, Captiva, and Estero (Fort Myers Beach). The region is known for white-sand Gulf beaches, world-class golf, fishing, and a year-round outdoor lifestyle.
The Beaches
Naples Beaches
Naples Pier (walkable from Old Naples), Vanderbilt Beach (North Naples, family-friendly), Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (natural, uncrowded), and Clam Pass (boardwalk-accessed, mangrove approach).
Marco Island
Crescent Beach (the main resort beach), Tigertail Beach (quieter, with a lagoon), and Hideaway Beach (private, gated).
Barrier Islands
Sanibel for shelling and the Ding Darling Refuge, Captiva for sunset views and exclusivity, Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island) for seven miles of accessible Gulf beach, and Bonita Beach at the southern tip of Estero Island.
Golf
Collier County has 80+ golf courses — more per capita than any other county in the United States. Notable courses and clubs include Tiburón (Ritz-Carlton), Quail West, Pelican Marsh, Bonita Bay (five courses), Talis Park, and Fiddler's Creek. Private, semi-private, and public options span every price point.
Dining & Shopping
- Fifth Avenue South (Naples) — historic downtown, fine dining, galleries
- Third Street South (Naples) — boutiques, restaurants, weekly farmers' market
- Venetian Village (Park Shore) — waterfront dining and shopping
- Mercato (North Naples) — mixed-use lifestyle center
- Coconut Point (Bonita Springs) — major regional shopping
- Fort Myers River District — historic downtown, breweries, galleries
Outdoor Recreation
- Boating — Gulf access from Naples Bay, Marco River, Estero Bay, Cape Coral canals
- Fishing — inshore (tarpon, snook, redfish) and offshore (grouper, snapper)
- Kayaking & paddleboarding — Ten Thousand Islands, Estero Bay, Cocohatchee River
- State parks — Delnor-Wiggins, Lovers Key, Koreshan, Collier-Seminole
- Cycling — Sanibel paths, Naples bike network, Gordon River Greenway
- Tennis & pickleball — Naples is the unofficial pickleball capital of the U.S.
Airports
- Southwest Florida International (RSW) — Fort Myers, the regional gateway
- Naples Municipal (APF) — general aviation and private jets
- Marco Island Executive (MKY) — general aviation
- Punta Gorda (PGD) — discount carriers (Allegiant)
Healthcare
NCH Healthcare System (Naples), Physicians Regional (Naples and Collier), and Lee Health (Fort Myers and Lee County) anchor SW Florida medical care. Specialty centers serve cardiac, oncology, orthopedic, and women's health.
Explore by Destination
Ready to dig in by location? See our Southwest Florida Destinations page for a city-by-city breakdown of Naples, Marco Island, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, and Estero.