DISCOVER NATURE’S HIDDEN GEMS

Every corner of Southwest Florida calls out to the adventurous spirit. From the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico to hidden trails winding through lush wetlands, this region is a playground for nature explorers. Discover a few of the natural gems nearby:

DISCOVER NATURE’S HIDDEN GEMS

A MEMBERS-ONLY BEACH CLUB

Residents of The Island are fortunate to enjoy West Bay Club’s private Beach Club on Little Hickory Island. This exclusive retreat offers easy access to powder-soft sands and azure waters, with valet service and custom beachside setups. The chic indoor/outdoor dining venue features imaginative Florida cuisine, capturing the essence of Key West.

West Bay Club Beach Club, Little Hickory Island

TWO PAWSOME DOG PARKS

Island residents can enjoy fun adventures with their four-legged friends at two woof-worthy dog parks. The Island’s park features a refreshing water station and a convenient washing room for after-play cleanups. Meanwhile, West Bay Club’s dog park boasts separate areas for large and small dogs, creating thrilling spaces for pups to run and play.

KORESHAN STATE PARK

This state park in Fort Myers provides a glimpse into the lives of a unique and eccentric pioneer community. Visitors can explore a historic settlement with 11 Koreshan-built structures dating back to the late 19th century, wander along distinctive bamboo-lined hiking trails, and enjoy over 60 campsites.

Koreshan State Park, Fort Myers

Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Estero

ESTERO BAY PRESERVE STATE PARK

The Estero River Scrub entrance to the park features four trails perfect for birdwatching. Visitors can hike and bike through 10 miles of pine flatwoods and tidal salt flats, leading to the Estero River. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, and a diverse array of bird species.

BONITA BEACH DOG PARK

Who says your furry friends can’t join the fun on local adventures? This beach park in Bonita Springs, just south of Lovers Key State Park, lets dogs roam off-leash along its picturesque shoreline. Here, they’ll enjoy the freedom of running and playing in the shallow, calm Gulf of Mexico waters.

Lovers Key State Park, Fort Myers Beach

LOVERS KEY STATE PARK

With over 40 bird species recorded, including 17 on the designated species list, Lovers Key is a birdwatcher's paradise. This barrier island park in Fort Myers Beach features active osprey nests, roseate spoonbills, snowy egrets, American kestrels, and a variety of other fascinating birds.

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS

These islands are renowned for their shell-strewn beaches and tranquil natural beauty. On Sanibel Island, explore extensive bike trails and observe diverse wildlife in the mangroves of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Meanwhile, Captiva Island offers a charming small-town ambiance with boutique shops and cozy eateries.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island

Bonita Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs

BONITA WONDER GARDENS

Established in 1936 in Bonita Springs, the Wonder Gardens are a historic zoological park set amidst lush botanical gardens, banyan trees, and vibrant plantings. The park is home to over 300 rescued animals, including flamingos, macaws, turtles, and Chinese Golden Pheasants.

NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDENS

This 170-acre gem is one of the few tropical gardens in the United States. Its immersive collections range from vibrant rainforests and striking succulent displays to serene waterlily pools and flowering trees that burst with color against lush green backdrops.

Naples Botanical Gardens, Naples

AUDUBON’S CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY

This natural gem, at the heart of the Everglades ecosystem, covers over 13,000 acres of protected wetlands. Journey along the Sanctuary’s renowned 2.25-mile boardwalk, which traverses pine flatwoods, wet prairies, and North America’s largest old-growth bald cypress forest.