Things To Do In SW Florida

Southwest Florida has a large population of manatees, but they’re not always easy to see. That is why I’m sharing the best places to see manatees in Fort Myers as well as great spots for seeing manatees in Southwest Florida from Naples and Pine Island to Cape Coral and Estero.

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Southwest Florida is home to a large population of West Indian manatees, and during the winter months, they congregate in the warmer waters of local bays, rivers, and canals. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat, as they gather in large groups and often surface frequently to breathe.

As a Southwest Florida local, I have embarked along with my kids, on a mission to find the best places to spot and observe manatees in the area. Observing manatees is one of our favorite thing to do with kids in Southwest Florida because it’s something we can do outdoors, in contact with nature and that we can all enjoy as a family.

We have come to really love manatees and we even headed out to Crystal River a couple of years ago. Crystal River is the best place to swim with manatees in Florida. But you don’t have to travel far to see them. We have lots of great places to see manatees in Fort Myers and the surrounding areas from Sanibel and Pine Island. read more

I recently discovered that The Cheesecake Factory has an amazing happy hour that the whole family can enjoy. If you’re looking for a restaurant in Naples with delicious food and a fun atmosphere that won’t break the bank, The Cheesecake Factory is definitely the place to be. With a variety of signature small plates and appetizers such as Avocado Egg Rolls, Fried Macaroni and Cheese, and Buffalo Blasts, all priced at $9.95 or less, it’s the perfect spot for a family night out.

The Cheesecake Factory’s Happy Hour Menu

We went to The Cheesecake Factory in Naples, and we had a fantastic time. As soon as we saw the menu, the kids were excited to try everything, and honestly, so were we! We ordered the Avocado Egg Rolls, Buffalo Blasts, Roadside Sliders, and Pretzel Bites with Cheddar Cheese Fondue, and everything tasted great. The unique combination of flavors in each dish was a pleasant surprise, and the presentation was lovely. And at just $7.95* per dish, it’s a great value.

The Cheesecake Factory’s happy hour menu is available Monday through Thursday between 4pm and 6pm, and it’s perfect for families who want to enjoy a fun evening out without spending a lot of money. And if you’re in Florida, you can find happy hour specials at several locations, including Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Naples, Jacksonville, Sawgrass Mills, Orlando Park, and Clearwater. read more

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Cape Coral, Florida you have come to the right place. If you’re looking for things to do in Cape Coral, hitting the beach is surely at the top of your list. Home to breathtaking natural beauty and fantastic weather year-round, Cape Coral is located really close to some of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. Cape Coral is a boater’s paradise with over 400 miles of canals. And although there are not lots of beaches in Cape Coral I have included, along with the best Cape Coral beaches, other amazing Southwest Florida beaches that are  just a short drive away!

Spend a Day at a Beautiful Beach in Cape Coral

Southwest Florida is a popular vacation destination with its gorgeous coastlines and waterways and some of the most beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. And nested in Southwest Florida is Cape Coral, a friendly community that I am lucky to call home.

One of the best parts of living in Cape Coral is the easy access to water. The city is full of gorgeous waterfront spots perfect for boating, fishing, and kayaking. It has all the beauty you expect from Southwest Florida, but with a small-town feel that will enchant you as much as it has me! read more

Because we have so many beaches close by we really enjoy taking our dogs to the beach. Weather you’re enjoying a beach day on a hot summer day or taking a walk not the beach with your dog on the cooler winter months there are a few things that you should take into account if you’re taking your dog to the beach. 

A day at the beach can be a great way to enjoy time with your pet. But heading to the beach with your dog without preparing first may make things more difficult than enjoyable. Before taking a beach trip with your dog, consider these five simple tips for taking your dog to the beach.

Look For Dog Friendly Beaches 

The first thing to think about if you are taking your dog to the beach is to make sure that the beach you are heading to is dog friendly. There are a lot of dog friendly beaches in Southwest Florida but there are also lots of local beaches that do not allow dogs at all. It’s always best to check online first as most beaches, even if they are dog friendly, may have some restrictions.

Most beaches will require your pooch to be on a leash.  And many local Southwest Florida beaches require your dog to be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet, that means that you should not bring your retractable leash to the beach. Make sure to check out our favorite Southwest Florida dog-friendly beaches. read more

From glowing easter egg hunts, Easter parades and Easter coconut hunts to breakfast with the Easter bunny and Easter dolphin cruises celebrate Easter in Southwest Florida by joining in one of these fun Easter family activities! We have included the best Easter events in southwest Florida for families in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples and everywhere in between. 

Photo by Frank Zhang on Unsplash

Best Egg Hunts and Family Easter Events in Fort Myers

Easter Fest & Non-Stop Egg Hunt

• At: Springtime Farms Adventure Park

• When: April 2, 3, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 

• Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Address: 10761 Aqua Vista Lane, North Fort Myers

Celebrate spring with the Easter Bunny as he gets things hopping around the Farm! This

friendly event features all your favorite farm attractions, Non-Stop All Day Egg Hunts (Over 30,000 Eggs), Scavenger Hunt, Egg Painting, Food Truck and you will meet some of our brand new sweet fuzzy baby animals. It’s an EGG-citing way to start the spring season! Easter Bunny meet-and-greets take place each hour throughout the event. www.Springtimeplantfarm.com

Easter Bunny Parade & Party

• At: Edison Mall
• When: Saturday, April 6 
• Time: 10:30 a.m. – noon
• Address: 4125 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers

Oh hoppy day, the Easter Bunny is on his way! Edison Mall is welcoming the Easter Bunny April 6th! Join us for a bunny parade and party! Sensory-friendly bunny arrives on April 7. 239-939-5464 read more