You know you’d like to vacation somewhere warm, fun, and tropical. You’ve settled on a place with something for everyone and chose Southwest Florida on the Gulf Coast. When it comes to the question of where should I stay in Southwest Florida that will set me up for a memorable vacation, Royal Shell has you covered. We know the ins and outs of the region, and we can help you find all of the area’s hidden gems and must-visit destinations.
There are plenty of family-friendly cities and vacation rentals in Southwest Florida. We’ll help you select the one that checks off all the boxes on your list. Cape Coral is perfect for families, especially ones who are into boating. Bonita Springs is centrally located and perfectly captures the vibe of Old Florida. Fort Myers is where the fun is, and Naples, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva are known for their beaches and beach resorts. Which one sounds like your next vacation?
What is Considered Southwest Florida?
When some think about what is considered Southwest Florida, one or two cities may come to mind, such as Sanibel or Fort Myers. Southwest Florida includes Charlotte, Collier, Lee, and Sarasota Counties. Southwest Florida is anything south of Tampa Bay, west of Lake Okeechobee, and includes some of the Everglades.
Naples is located in Collier County, and it has been one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country for decades. Cape Coral in Lee County is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and Sanibel and Captiva Islands (also in Lee County) are home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
There is so much to see and do here; it might take a few trips. Cape Coral is an excellent option if you’re looking to stay in an area with a lot to do but is also close to the region’s other cities.
If you still ask yourself, “Where should I stay in Southwest Florida?” we are happy to help you narrow it down. Our agents live and work here, too, and know the ins and outs of the area.
What is the Largest City in Southwest Florida?
If you’re looking for some hustle and bustle and wondering what is the largest city in Southwest Florida, the answer is Cape Coral. It’s also one of the youngest. Founded in 1957, it is known as a water wonderland since it has more than 400 miles of navigable waterways and canals. Many of our Cape Coral vacation rentals’ backyards are lined with canals and offer quick access to the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding bays for year-round fun in the sun. It’s also near Fort Myers’ airport, Southwest Florida International Airport.
If you’re a nature lover, the city has 1,500 acres of parks, including Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Rotary Park, and Jaycee Park. Visitors love to spot wildlife and enjoy the area’s unique flora and fauna. As a bonus, Rotary Park is also home to a butterfly house open a few days a week. For the kiddos, there is also a playground and observation tower.
The Sun Splash Family Waterpark is always a favorite among visitors and locals for helping cool off, especially during the summer. When ready for more fun, you can head to Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park for zip lining, mini golf, paintball, and more.
The adults in the group will love downtown Cape Coral. Located on Cape Coral Parkway, it’s home to a variety of unique and local establishments, such as Nice Guys Pizza with its specialty pizza offerings and punk-themed décor, No. 3 Craft Brews & Beer Bar with its satisfying selection of beers and ciders (many of which are from local breweries), and Palace Pub & Wine Bar, home to some of the best wine you can only find there. Most of the wine is also available in bottles if you want to take home a souvenir from your vacation rental for a cozy night.
Does Cape Coral sound like the answer to your question about where I should stay in Southwest Florida? If so, we have agents who specialize in this area, and they’ll be able to find the ultimate vacation home to set you up for a memorable trip.
Is Southwest Florida Considered Tropical?
According to the National Weather Service, Southwest Florida is located in the Subtropics, between the Temperate Zone to the north and the Tropical Zone to the south. Climatically, Southwest Florida is considered tropical.
When we think of a tropical vacation, Southwest Florida has it all. A tropical vacation destination doesn’t always have to be near the equator. The clear, light blue waters off Captiva Island will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. The laidback lifestyle on Sanibel and Captiva Island (within driving distance from one another) will undoubtedly make you feel like you’re on a tropical trip. After all, island time is vacation time.
Naples also has some top-rated beaches that will make you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway. When you’re done spending an afternoon at the beach, you’ll want to be sure you visit downtown Naples. Its Italian and Spanish-influenced architecture will make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to Europe for a fancy dinner and luxurious night out on the town.
Each beach town on Southwest Florida’s coast can be considered tropical and has something unique.
Is Naples Considered South Florida?
We get asked this frequently. Is Naples considered South Florida? The answer is no, and here’s why. Naples is in Southwest Florida, but Southwest Florida can sometimes get confused with South Florida because locals refer to Southeast Florida as South Florida.
South Florida consists of cities in Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
If you’d like our humble opinion, we think the West Coast is the best! There is something for everyone and every type of vacationer in Southwest Florida.
How Do I Find the Best Southwest Florida Vacation Rental?
If you’re still not sure about where you should stay in Southwest Florida and what’s right for your next vacation, any of our agents are happy to answer any questions and ensure that you find the best Southwest Florida vacation rental that meets all your requirements and checks all the boxes on your wish list.
If you’re interested in staying on Sanibel or Captiva Island to enjoy the beaches and laid-back atmosphere but want to head over to Naples or Fort Myers for the last part of your trip, we can arrange that, too! Let us know what works best for you, and we will get started finding the best Southwest Florida vacation rental so you can create lasting memories with your favorite people. Browse our rentals today to start planning your next getaway.
