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Hello Boca Grande vacation explorers! GRANDE ESCAPES wanted to give you some options to explore some off island beach towns. Before heading off island, don`t forget to read our 10 Ten Things to do On Boca Grande. This blog series will feature options for a one day road trip from Boca Grande. Fort Myers is a great spot to begin your adventure, only about an hour drive off Gasparilla Island, Fort Myers is filled with sunshine, palm trees, and sand. It is not only a vacation beach town, but also the surrounding area has so much to offer such as shops, boutiques, restaurants, museums, and more.
To start your day you should peruse the sandy shoreline of Fort Myers Beach. Seek out those perfect seashells while your feet enjoy the warmth of the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Myers is also home to many boat rental facilities, for the avid water adventurer or the fisherman who prefers to catch dinner. Explore nearby Pine Island and you will notice that the water will not get deeper than 10 feet making it that much easier to enjoy an abundance of wildlife above and below the water. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities vacationers love to do in southwest Florida and how could you not love our crystal clear blue-green waters. Also, it is common to see dolphin, manatees, sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish are just some of the amazing marine life you can see.
Cayo Costa State Park: There is nothing better than an island without cars, traffic, and noise. That island is Cayo Costa. Just on the south side of Boca Grande Pass is the uninhabited pristine island. Cayo Costa spans 9 miles long and is only accessible by private boat or ferry. It is the perfect place for shelling, snorkeling, or enjoying a picnic under the shade of the pine trees. There are plenty of hiking trails around the island, and you can stop at the amphitheater and learn about the islands ecological system and history. Visitors will love the quietness of Cayo Costa. Uncrowded beaches, playful dolphins, manatees taking a slow stroll by, and beautiful pelicans gliding across the surf.
Cabbage Key: After exploring you will surely get hungry so why not head to Cabbage Key for it`s a one of kind restaurant. When you step inside the restaurant you will be surprised to know that the entire interior from floor to ceiling is covered by dollar bills. All the bills were left by customers. Through the years the bills have lined the walls as wallpaper and it is estimated to have $100,000 in it. Local folklore says that the Jimmy Buffet classic song `Cheeseburger in Paradise` was inspired by the Cabbage Key restaurant.
If your one day road trip from Boca Grande has seen enough sunshine you can always head indoors to enjoy Fort Myers' many museums. GRANDE ESCAPES has listed the top museums visited the most every year.
Edison Ford Estate: On the banks of the Caloosahatchee River you can spend some time with Henry Ford and Thomas Edison at the stunning Edison Ford Estate. Both men had their winter homes in Ft. Myers. Explore this amazing historical museum, and the 21-acre botanical gardens. Here you will discover a large variety of trees and plants from around the world.
Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library: This wonderful military museum is the largest in southwest Florida. The museum is dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served and are currently serving this great country. Lined with military artifacts, books, papers, and so much more.
Just a few other places recommended by Grande Escapes: Shell Factory & Nature Park Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Imaginarium Space & Science Museum Railroad Museum of South Florida Fleamasters Flea Market Six-mile Cypress Slough Preserve Butterfly Estates
If you have any questions or comments, please don`t hesitate to contact us at Grande Escapes.
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