Wide sites. Residential parts didn't look trashy. Clubhouse overlooking the river. Has a boat ramp…read more Didn't have time to try out the pool. The downside is if you want to do laundry it requires actual quarters. We didn't do any. We enjoyed the area and Punto Gordo area is very nice and quaint. It's being built up and eventually will get over crowded but for now enjoy the small town feel overlooking the bay. Plenty of places to eat and still close enough to Ft Myers n any beaches you may want to visit. About 45 minutes out. Depending upon traffic n tine of day. Lots of artist n musicians tend to come to Ft Myers n other cities along the coast. We definitely enjoyed our stay. Side note the whole area does not have cellular tower so internet is either slow or you're in a dead zone. Even with Starlink we were able still work remotely and watch streaming shows. Just depends on how cloudy the day is.

Nice park with good amenities. Convenient location, easy to get to from I-75…read more Power poles could use updating though. I can run my air conditioner, but if I add the microwave, it trips the power. I have a 30 amp rig and that should not be happening. This is the only place I've been to this year that it happens.

This is such a picturesque park. We went over the holidays, and man... was it packed. The line…read moreto enter went out onto route 72. We waited about 15 minutes to get into the park. That being said, the park didn't feel crowded. We did do the canopy walk... that was a little crowded but moved right along. The swing bridge to cross over sides is always fun. The view from the top... so pretty! There weren't as many alligators the day we went, but still a sight to see. The hikes and drives through the trees is great too!

My grandkids wanted to see alligators while they were visiting, and a friend told us about this…read morepark. We saw numerous alligators, it was great! We went on New Year's Eve and it wasn't overly busy. We were able to park right on the other side of the bridge, and walk back onto the bridge where we could stand to look at the many alligators on the banks of the river. We drove through the park and stopped at a few places where we could park and get out and walk. The kids got to walk on the swinging bridge while this Oma sat on a bench that was conveniently close by. I hope to make visiting this park a tradition for many years to come.

Siesta Beach Experience…read more Overview: Siesta Beach is widely recognized as the number one beach in the United States. During our visit, we found the beach area to be exceptionally clean, featuring powdery white sand that added to the overall appeal of the location. The unique sand texture and well-maintained environment contributed significantly to our enjoyable experience. Parking and Arrival Tips: We parked near the Snack Bar and Gift Shop at the northern end of Siesta Beach. Although there is a substantial amount of parking available, the spaces tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak times. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a parking spot, as finding a vacant space can become challenging later in the day. Water Quality and Shoreline Experience: The water at Siesta Beach was exceptionally clear, offering excellent visibility. Near the shore, the depth was shallow, making it easy and comfortable to relax in the low points. The waves were gentle and calm, creating an inviting environment for lounging and wading. During our stroll along the beach, we discovered several shells, adding an enjoyable element to the shoreline experience. Beach Access and Amenities: Reaching the water requires a lengthy walk across the beach. To assist visitors, mats are placed at certain locations on the beach, making the walk easier and more comfortable. The Snack Bar offers a variety of food and drinks, providing convenient options for refreshments. Adjacent to the Snack Bar is a Gift Shop, which sells a range of beach-themed items and clothing, enhancing the Siesta Beach Experience. They do have a QR code they you can order food, drinks, beach chairs and some other items to be delivered to you behind the life guard stands on the Beach in case you forget your own, kind of cool, I think. Overall Impression and Rating: Based on my experience at Siesta Beach, I confidently rate it 5 out of 5 stars. The exceptional cleanliness, powdery white sand, clear water, and convenient amenities all contributed to an outstanding visit. After seeing firsthand why Siesta Beach holds the distinction of being the number one beach in the United States, I wholeheartedly agree with its reputation. Gulf Coast Terry

Visited Siesta Key Beach this past weekend and you know it's starting to warm up in Florida when…read moreyou see the beaches completely packed and you can't find parking. We drove around for about 20 minutes, looking for parking till we finally found a couple that was leaving. No matter what time you visit it's busy but the beach itself it's definitely worth it. !! A little warning it was a bit of a walk to get to the water. This is my favorite kid friendly beach. The water doesn't dip off like Venice and You can actually walk out comfortably with children. Another pro is that there's plenty of shower areas throughout the beach line. Ps: On Sundays they have a drum circle which is always a good time to see people drumming and dancing.

Went to Cabbage Key on Easter Sunday. The highlight of the trip was the voyage to and from Cabbage…read moreKey thanks to Capt.Glen as well as crew members Michael and Mike! They were a wealth of information on history and pointing out areas of interest. I most likely will not return to Cabbage Key, but will book King Fisher Fleet for other destinations.

A perfect way to start the holiday season. No better way to see Punta Gorda's excellent canal side…read moreChristmas decorations, while enjoying their popular holiday concoction, "Jingle Juice". Kingfisher had three boats operating and the coordination between departures and returns was very efficient and accommodating. The boarding process could not have been easier or better. Capt. Glenn and mates, Susanne and Robbie were excellent hosts. Money well spent.

Love it here. One of our favorites for sure!! This essentially sits right on the beach. Well…read morecared for. Picnic area and grills available. Nice camp host met us when we arrived. Good email communication from Sarasota County. Gated. This is a very tiny campground so it's difficult to get a reservation unfortunately. There's a size limit on the campers as it is fairly tight getting into your site. You must pack your patience when coming in and going out due to there being only one single road with the sites situated on each side of the road. Your vehicle is a tight fit as well. Tents welcome. Safe for kids. Bathhouse used to be available and it was quite nice but they had to remove it after hurricane damage. Now there are bath/shower trailers. There's a very lovely park next door with a new playground, kayak rentals and a boat ramp.

Beautiful place to relax sunset is gorgeous. Take some chairs and something to munch on sit back…read moreand enjoy

Now the road is closed down after the Hurricane but from Venice you can walk down to this beach and…read moreit's a nice walking and along the way you can definitely find shark teeth and beautiful sea shells. PS: if you come during midday, please be prepared that the sand is extremely hot walking towards the ocean. Especially in the summer!! We came here this past weekend and stayed until sunset it was a beautiful view, and the water was perfect. Probably found about 50 short teeth, sifting, and walking on land. It's a great beach for the kids as long as the water is not too rough.

A friend and I brought the kids here for a beach day in hopes to find some sharks teeth. We showed…read moreup a little later so parking wasn't too difficult. I was warned it would be hard to find parking, but we lucked out. We walked to the part of the beach we wanted then stepped on the sand. In our sandals. The sand was so hot. Not a little hot so just keep moving and you will be fine. It was so hot that two of the kids refused to run across the sand the 15 feet to the water. I was surprised none of us had blisters from the hot sand touching our feet. Somehow we made it to the water and all rejoiced in the cool water soothing our skin. Once we all started feeling better, we walked down to a part of the beach that was not as populated and set up camp. After an hour of swimming, we started looking for sharks teeth. It is harder than it seems. Then again, I wasn't into it as much as the kinds. We did find a dozen or so small teeth which made the kids happy. 03.02.25

We drove from Lakeland--about 2 hours and 40 minutes, mostly straight highway--and it was totally…read moreworth it for a perfect day trip. Even if you're a few hours away, don't hesitate. If you love shells, beach walks, wildlife, or sunsets--this place is magic. Arrival & Parking: We arrived around 10 AM on a Tuesday in November and had no problem finding parking. The lot is bigger than some reviews claimed--easily fits 40-50 cars--and I noticed there was also a secondary parking lot nearby. At the entrance, there's a pay station where you can pay by the hour (card or phone). Super easy, and you can extend your time right from your phone. You even get a 15-minute alert before your time is up--so helpful! There are clean restrooms and outdoor showers right near the parking area. From there, you follow a walking path toward the beach, and you cross a bridge over a little river. Look in the water--there were manatees swimming! We also saw turtles, pelicans, and other birds along the trail. Such a beautiful start. On the Beach: Once you step onto the sand, it feels like you're in a shell collector's dream. Just like all the YouTube videos and blog posts--you really do find beautiful shells everywhere, especially medium and small ones. The beach is large--both in width and length--so even though there were a lot of people, it never felt crowded. Everyone had plenty of space to relax. Dogs are allowed on leash (we brought ours), and we saw several other friendly dogs too. Bring water for them--it gets hot fast. There is no natural shade on the beach. Trust me--bring a pop-up tent or canopy and a rolling beach cart if you have one. We had a big lay-down tent and it made a huge difference. If I go again, I'd definitely bring a rolling cart for our gear. Things You Absolutely Want To Bring (Mandatory): -Zinc sunscreen (Florida sun is no joke--even in November). -Water shoes or sturdy sandals (shells in the water can be sharp). -Bug spray (my friend got sand flea bites, I didn't--but it's possible). -Lots of water and snacks for you and your dog (heat + humidity = quick dehydration). -A spray mister bottle to spray my dog. I was worried about heat exhaustion. So glad I brought him, though! He had the best beach day EVER. -Tent or shade structure. The sun and humidity was intense, even for November. I wouldn't ever go with a tent. -Blanket to sit on -Wet wipes for hands -Rolling beach cart if you're carrying gear. Would have been helpful. -Cooler, food, towels, sunglasses. Facilities & Environment: The property is very well maintained--clean bathrooms, multiple shower areas to rinse off sand, trash cans everywhere (please use them--everyone else seemed to be doing a great job keeping the beach clean, which I appreciated). Everything felt thoughtfully designed. Departure & Sunset Experience: After spending the day shelling, walking, and relaxing at Bowman's Beach, we drove all the way to the end of the island (about 15-20 minutes) to watch the sunset--and I HIGHLY recommend doing the same. The sunset looked just like California (I'm from the Pacific coast)--gold, peach, purple, pink, and soft cotton candy blues, all reflecting on the water. You can literally watch the sun melt straight into the ocean. It was breathtaking. Final Thoughts: Bowman's Beach is peaceful, beautiful, full of shells, wildlife, and space to breathe. It felt like a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're there for a day trip or a full vacation--go prepared, bring shade, water, sunscreen, and let the day work its magic. 110% worth the drive. DREAM SHELL TRIP!

Bowman's Beach is a beautiful beach on the tip of Sanibel Island that's left greatly untouched by…read morehuman hand. You'll also definitely get your steps in here as the parking lot of property ~.5 miles to the actual beachfront & water, disclosing walking around to stake out a spot. The biggest reason to come here is for the shelling, which can be fortuitous during the right time of year and even the right area on the shoreline. Honestly, were it not for the shelling it probably wouldn't be a beach I'd come back to. It's nice, of course, but doesn't have that gorgeous cerulean water and ultra soft sand that some of the gulf coast beaches are known for. It does have a lot of amenities on the walk between the parking lot & beach shore, such as bathrooms & changing rooms, rinse stations, a picnic area, educational signs, and even a playground. You also have to pay for parking- and the lot has quite a lot of parking, but if you don't get there early enough on the wrong weekend it could still be tough to find a spot.

Very well thought out…read more What I camped here for one night with friends. Environment The campsite was fairly large, we were able to fit 2 cars in comfortably. There is a table and plenty of space to set-up tents. There is an outlet and water access. There are lots facing water, but some places can be spotty as there are mangroves. There are also various spots where you can launch kayak/paddleboards which makes it convenient. The bathroom and shower area was very clean and big. The showers I thought was a little inconvenient. (Maybe I am not to this). There are no hooks to hang my towel.. or even clothes.. There is also a dayroom nearby where you can rest if it is too hot in the campsites. In terms of accessibility - everything was easily accessible. I like that there is a bike path that you can ride from the campsite to the North beach. Niceness of all I haven't had a bad encounter, everyone was nice.

This campground is so nice! We really enjoyed our experience there. Check in was easy, the sites…read morewere well maintained and it's close to the beach! Bikes are a must if you like to bike. Boats and jet skis are welcome, the boat ramp is close. The beach areas are beautiful and there's fishing. If you want to have a fire you can bring your own fire ring or rent one at the camp store (online only). Two cars per site along with two tents. There's a charcoal grill on each site. At the fort there are bathrooms, a small shop they have food, drinks and bait.

This is a beautiful resort. The sites are spacious, with great landscaping. They have so many…read morethings to do at the resort. The staff are friendly and helpful. We recommend this place.

Do Not Stay Here! They dont deserve a single dollar of your money! It seems that even if you break…read moredown, get stuck in traffic, or go into labor, you CANNOT arrive past 5PM, so your screwed, period! And oh yeah, no refund! What kind of policy is that? I dont need a babysitter to walk me to my spot and not having an afterhours option at 6pm is an absolute joke!

If you want to change from beach scenery to more nature theme setting, try Caloosahatchee Regional…read morePark (CRP) in Lee Country along the Caloosahatchee River in Alva. You can set up camp, ride mountain bike and Equestrian trails or hiking in CRP. For mountain bike and equestrian trails, go to Parking Lot #3 known as North Park Entrance. For hiking, go to Parking lot #2 or Main Park Entrance. For camping go to Parking Lot #1 or Campground Entrance! You must register for camping and have a campsite assigned to you or your group! BBQ pits and benches are available. There is a lodge with a kitchen and ice machine that can accommodate up to 80-100 participants. Before you go to CRP, make sure you call and plan out your activity ahead. Some trials may not be available in the raining season. Check your mountain bike to ensure they are in excellent working condition as there is an advanced or more difficult biking trials. No dogs or alcohol are allowed in the park! Caloosahatchee Regional Park is a hidden gem in Lee County! Bring plenty of water and enjoy the nature, hiking or camping!

Beautiful trails. Comfortable lookout areas over the river. A large covered area with several…read moretables. Very well maintained. Clean restrooms.