Things to do in Southwest Florida

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.
A large, yellow colonial-style house surrounded by lush greenery and tall palm trees.
A beach with white sand, clear blue water, and a tree with yellow leaves.
A pink building with 'marissa collections' signage.
A street lined with palm trees and buildings with arched windows and balconies.

Southwest Florida Attractions

Discover the best sights in Southwest Florida with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of { fun activities in Southwest Florida fun activities in Southwest Florida}. We have free cancellation and no added fees, so you can relax and channel your energy into planning the ultimate vacation.

Things to do

Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise

Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise

$61
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Palm Beach: Sightseeing Catamaran Cruise
West Palm Beach Private Boat Cruise and Tour with a Captain

West Palm Beach Private Boat Cruise and Tour with a Captain

$290
per traveler
West Palm Beach Private Boat Cruise and Tour with a Captain
Scenic Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach

Scenic Hakuna Matata Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach

$66
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Scenic Hakuna Matata Sunset Cruise in West Palm Beach
Private Snorkeling Adventure with the Ultimate Local Expert

Private Snorkeling Adventure with the Ultimate Local Expert

$110
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Private Snorkeling Adventure with the Ultimate Local Expert
Green sea turtle swimming by the snorkel trail

Guided Snorkel Tour Phil Foster Park (HIGH TIDE ONLY-FREE VIDEOS)

$75
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Guided Snorkel Tour Phil Foster Park (HIGH TIDE ONLY-FREE VIDEOS)
Parasailing Activity in West Palm Beach

Parasailing Activity in West Palm Beach

$120
per adult
Parasailing Activity in West Palm Beach
Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour

Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour

$65
per adult
Cruise the Palm Beach Intracoastal on a 90 minute Tour
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Southwest Florida must see attractions

1. Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Beach has earned a reputation of being among the most beautiful in the United States. The beach is known for its crystal-clear water and powdery white sand, made almost entirely of pure white quartz. The soft, clean sands are reflective so it’s never too hot underfoot, despite the warm Florida sun. Siesta Key’s public beach is equipped with all the amenities necessary for a full day of relaxing on the soft sands and splashing around in the clear, shallow water.
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A lifeguard tower with an American flag, a green flag, and a signboard on a beach with people sunbathing and umbrellas.

2. Lido Beach

Lido Beach on Sarasota’s Lido Key is close to popular St. Armands Circle with its selection of fine stores and dining establishments. The beach extends 3,000 feet (914 meters) overlooking Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Coordinate a beach trip to coincide with a waterski show that happens on Sunday afternoons from February to May.
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A beach with lifeguard towers, clear turquoise water, and people sunbathing.

3. Venice Beach

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf of Mexico lies Venice Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand for outdoor relaxation. Find your perfect spot on the shoreline, kick off your shoes and feel the warm sand between your toes, waves lapping at your feet. If you want to do more than just laze around, you’ll find lots of fun activities.
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A crowded beach with people swimming and walking along the shore.

4. Fifth Avenue South

Fifth Avenue (South) Shopping District has been the main shopping area in the Old Naples district since the 1920s. The long road is filled with shops, boutiques, antique stores, restaurants and galleries. Browse, shop, dine and stroll along palm tree-fringed boulevards.
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A bustling street with palm trees, a yellow building, and people walking.

5. Fort De Soto Park

Off the western coast of Florida, Fort De Soto Park is a picturesque set of five islands with an intriguing military history. These scenic landmasses were used for fortifications and today contain structural ruins and a museum that explains the history of these battlements. Embark on various hiking trails to appreciate the natural majesty of these islands.
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A beach with white sand, clear blue water, and palm trees.

6. St. Armands Circle

St. Armands Circle in Sarasota, Florida, is interesting and delightful to walk around practically any time of day or night. Side-by-side stores, restaurants and art galleries line the 360-degree attraction so you’ll find plenty of retail experiences and dining opportunities to fill part of a day. Stop and listen to sidewalk musicians who often entertain in parts of the circle. Go to its center where abundant lush vegetation and benches welcome you to take time out for yourself.
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A statue in a plaza with palm trees, a building with a red-tiled roof, and a white building with a green awning.

Recommended things to do in Southwest Florida

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Southwest Florida

Free Things to Do in Southwest Florida

Vacationing on a lean budget in Southwest Florida? Spend time, not cash, on great experiences.

Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center - This is a terrific place to get your culture fix and learn more about the local arts scene.

Dunbar Park - You can't go past this attraction if you're looking to kick your heels up and join in on the fun.

Lee Cancer Care Center - Make room in your itinerary to have a look at this site of local significance.

Dunbar Park - Grab your blanket, pack some food and find a cozy area to be at one with nature.

Things to Do in Southwest Florida with Kids

There are plenty of amazing experiences in Southwest Florida that the whole gang will get a buzz out of. Here are a few of the top family friendly experiences around.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Southwest Florida? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Southwest Florida attractions

A lifeguard tower with an American flag, a green flag, and a signboard on a beach with people sunbathing and umbrellas.

Siesta Key Beach

9.6/10 (4,113 reviews)
Siesta Beach captivates with its unique quartz sand that stays cool even on hot days. Sink your toes into the powdery white shoreline while gazing at the clear turquoise waters that make this beach a favorite.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Southwest Florida

A marina with numerous boats docked, surrounded by buildings and palm trees.

Bradenton

A river with a boat, a sandy beach, dense greenery, and several high-rise buildings in the background.

Bonita Springs

A historic district sign with detailed information about Arcadia's history.

Arcadia

A waterfront resort with multiple buildings, palm trees, and a marina.

Cape Coral

A yellow lifeguard tower with an American flag on a beach with people and umbrellas.

Siesta Key

A sandy beach with gentle waves, a clear sky, and a distant shoreline with trees and buildings.

Ellenton

A crowded beach with people sunbathing and swimming.

Fort Myers Beach

Florida life -Englewood (Manasota Key)

Englewood

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Southwest Florida on a sunny day?
What is Southwest Florida famous for?
No stay in Southwest Florida is complete without checking out Arcadia Rodeo Arena and Arcadia Opera House Museum.
What should I not miss in Southwest Florida?
Put these things toward the top of your sightseeing list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Venice Beach
  • Siesta Key Beach
  • St. Armands Circle
  • Barefoot Beach

Are there cheap things to do in Southwest Florida?
What can you do in Southwest Florida for free?
You could store your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions will cost you nothing at all:

  • Arcadia Opera House Museum
  • Venice Beach
  • Siesta Key Beach
  • St. Armands Circle

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