Just hearing the name Florida sparks wanderlust for many! And once you've been here, you'll want to return again and again.
When people think of Florida, they dream of sun, beach, ocean, and palm trees … 330 days of sunshine, palm trees, and plenty of water. Stunning sunsets, mangroves, and the tamed wildness of the Everglades make every day in this tropical paradise an unforgettable experience.
Florida, a peninsula stretching from the state of Georgia down almost to Cuba, fascinates with its natural and cultural contrasts. The "Sunshine State", bustling with life under the palm trees between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, is the southernmost state in the U.S.
Newspaper headlines about fog and snow don’t faze anyone lounging on the long white beaches or by the thousands of swimming pools. Geographically, Florida is nearly as flat as the sea itself, with its highest point just under 150 meters above sea level.
With 2,175 kilometers of pristine coastline, swamplands in the Everglades, and around 30,000 freshwater lakes inland, the region is full of natural wonders. Pelicans on the barrier islands and colorful seashells are just a few examples of the area's biodiversity.
Back in the 16th century, Spanish explorers were already captivated by the lush blooming flora they encountered. Enthralled, they named the peninsula "Florida" – Land of Flowers. And modern visitors would agree with their choice.
Diverse hardwood forests with hidden waterways where manatees – affectionately called “mermaids” – still live, mysterious swamplands like the Everglades inhabited by numerous alligators, and tropical mangrove thickets that serve as nurseries for birds and marine animals make this region truly unique.
The underwater world of the Florida Keys, shimmering in all colors, will thrill any nature lover.
And for those seeking recreational fun or simply entertainment, Florida is the perfect place. Nowhere else on Earth are there so many golf and tennis courses per square kilometer or such a variety of amusement parks as in Florida.
Walt Disney World with EPCOT Center and the Disney/MGM Studios, Busch Gardens, Sea World, Universal Studios, and many more attractions draw over 40 million visitors every year.
Another highlight is the Cape Canaveral spaceport and the Kennedy Space Center, which alone are worth the trip for many. If you're lucky, you might even witness a space shuttle launch.
Beyond nature, entertainment, and shows, Florida also offers significant historic and cultural attractions.
St. Augustine stands out – the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the U.S., with its quaint alleys and streets. No less picturesque is Key West with its lovingly restored “Conch” houses. Ernest Hemingway’s house is also open to visitors.
Art history lovers will be thrilled by a stroll through the Art Deco District of Miami Beach.
On the Gulf Coast, the art collections of circus mogul Ringling in Sarasota and the Salvador Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg attract many visitors.
Let’s not forget the many stunning, shell-covered coral sand beaches where you can swim year-round. Names like Amelia Island, Sanibel and Captiva Island, or Key Biscayne warm the hearts of beach lovers.
It’s not easy to put into words the subtle differences between the regions on the Gulf of Mexico.
Don’t miss out on this diverse delight—explore each place, beach, and island from Everglades City to Sanibel and Captiva Island. You’ll be amazed at the variety of experiences.
And above it all, the sun shines almost nonstop.
Southwest Florida is a magical place filled with dolphins, manatees, turtles, herons, pelicans, flamingos, and seashells. Its natural beauty is striking.
White sandy beaches as far as the eye can see, spectacular sunsets, mangroves, palm trees, and the untamed wildness of the Everglades make every day in this tropical paradise an unforgettable experience.
This region is painted with the blue of the sky, the sea, and the white ribbon of long beaches.
Beyond the dunes begins a symphony in green – trees and shrubs in all shapes and shades.
Untouched marsh landscapes showcase the Florida that many tourists never see.
Though descriptions may sound similar, each landscape is unique and different.
Don’t miss the chance to discover every place, beach, and island along the coast.
From Everglades City to Sanibel & Captiva – you’ll be thrilled by the endless variety.
You’re sure to find a spot where you feel at home and enjoy a wonderful time.
Accommodations offer something for every taste – from beach bungalows to luxury resorts.
For golf enthusiasts, there’s no place like it. There are more golf courses here than anywhere else in the U.S. And if you want to live in a golf community – this is the place for you.
Boating, swimming, water sports, tennis, cycling, hiking, fishing, and even airplane tours – the list of activities is endless, with something for everyone.
The state of Florida offers both a high quality of life and attractive leisure opportunities.
Since fall 1994, you can fly directly to Southwest Florida via the Fort Myers International Airport.
If you prefer to fly from or via Orlando, Tampa, or Miami to Naples, that’s no problem either.
The following descriptions of the different coastal areas in Southwest Florida will help you decide where to begin your journey of discovery.
Enjoy the experience!
Excursion destinations in Florida offers Excursion, destinations.