CONTACTS:
Nancy Hamilton, Lee Rose (239)338-3500
Fifty ways to de-stress and reconnect this summer with a family vacation on southwest Florida’s Lee Island Coast
LEE ISLAND COAST, FL – Discover the Lee Island Coast this summer with 50 not-to-be-missed tips for planning a memorable family vacation getaway. Learn to disconnect from day-to-day stress and reconnect with family and friends! Award-winning beaches, nature, history, wildlife adventures, art, shopping… make this easy.
Unwind.
Get close to nature. Hit the
beach. Explore pirate legends.
Paddle through “old Florida” waterways.
Browse unique boutiques and galleries.
Pick up great shells. Getaways and vacation packages are available and
tailored to all interests. Go to www.LeeIslandCoast.com to plan a detailed
itinerary and make reservations for a stress-free vacation on the Lee Island
Coast! Don’t forget to check out
the “Hot Deals” section for special offers and discounts.
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Explore unspoiled treasures and natural attractions. Bird watching. Hiking. Kayaking. Biking. More than a million acres of wilderness sanctuaries. Adventure into natural Florida.
Go
natural!
At Sanibel Island’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
footpaths, winding canoe/kayak trails, and a four-mile scenic drive are lush
with seagrape, wax and salt myrtles, red mangrove, cabbage and sable palms.
Nearby Tarpon Bay Recreation conducts narrated tram and kayak for
exploring the refuge. The refuge is highly-rated for birding and paddling.
Something
to C.R.O.W. about!
Take a tour of the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) on
Sanibel and learn how injured and orphaned wildlife are cared for on the Lee
Island Coast.
Canoe
on the wild side
Meander through a lush
mangrove forest at the Commodore Creek Canoe Trail. Take a stimulating walk with a naturalist.
Canoe or drive. See white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, manatees, wood
storks, bald eagles, ospreys, and herons. Maybe
even a loggerhead turtle or American alligator. Many endangered species reside here!
Lights
out!
Each May through October, female loggerhead sea turtles weighing up to 300
pounds come ashore at night to dig nests above the high tide line along the Lee
Island Coast beaches. Sixty days
later a miracle occurs: hatchlings break out of their eggs and make their
journey in the dark to the sea. Because
both mother and babies navigate by the glow reflected off the horizon of the
Gulf waters, there is a lights out policy during this period.
The Lee Island Coast is home to one of the world’s largest populations
of these amazing creatures, and visitors can participate in turtle monitoring
activities.
Check
out some Florida natives
At the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, visitors see more than 100 Florida
animals, as well as touring (via rustic boardwalks) 105 acres of subtropical
environment that includes an Audubon aviary and Indian village.
Go
wild . . . have a wilderness adventure
See how man and nature live in harmony while experiencing the “real
Florida” with Babcock Wilderness Adventures.
A swamp buggy ride on a 90,000-acre ranch with a naturalist on a voyage
through beautiful woods and slow-moving waters of the Telegraph Swamp reveals
alligators, panthers, American bison, native birds, wild turkeys, snakes and
other animals in their natural settings. Or
take a nine-mile, off-road Eco-Bike tour. Both are best early morning
adventures!
Walk
the trails. Learn about
conservation. Touch nature . . .
During a visit to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF Nature
Center). Located on 260 acres of
the 1,800 acres owned and managed by the foundation as a wildlife preserve, the
center encourages visitors to walk four and a half miles of trails, climb an
observation tower, experience a butterfly exhibit and a live marine touch tank.
Trail tours and shoreline discovery walks are available.
Get
to know the locals
The Lee Island Coast and its warm Gulf waters are home to one of the world’s
largest populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Visitors experience these playful creatures in their natural
environment as they kayak or canoe. Rentals
are easily available from Lovers Key State Park south of Fort Myers Beach.
Also plan to meet at a distance: alligators, armadillos, bald eagles,
burrowing owls, crocodiles, West Indian Manatees, Florida wild cats, gopher
tortoises, grouper, deer, lizards, sea turtles, sea bass, swordfish, tarpon, and
more than 300 species of birds.
Follow
in the wake of early explorers . . .
Take a sunrise excursion with Captiva Kayaking. Tunnel through mangroves. Travel
through the heart of Buck Island, site of an early Calusa Indian fishing
village. Watch dolphins play. Experience
the beauty of natural Florida.
ESCAPE TO A TROPICAL ISLAND(s) GETAWAY
Leave all your cares behind. Start a shell collection. Relax away the hours.
Watch exotic wildlife. Learn why Anne Morrow Lindbergh was inspired to
write her best-selling book, A Gift from the Sea, while visiting Captiva Island.
Leave
your cares on the mainland!
Once you cross the magical Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel and Captiva islands,
worries vanish! The view from the
three-mile structure offers a sneak preview of why the beaches of Lee Island
Coast receive accolades.
For
the best in family beaches
Families give high marks to Lee Island Coast beaches because of the calm waters,
gentle slope of the Gulf bottom and the easy beach access. FamilyFun magazine recently named the area’s beaches number
one in the southeastern U.S. The
Travel Channel recently named Sanibel Island and Lovers Key to its list of
“Florida’s Top 10 Beaches.”
Perfect
the “Sanibel Stoop”
It’s a fact: More than 50 miles of sandy, sparkling beaches provide world
class shelling with more than 400 species of seashells!
Visitors pick up one shell and soon are hooked.
It is fun to watch shellers doing the famous “Sanibel Stoop.”
You will soon be one of them!
Connect
with your inner pirate: Hunt for treasure
A lot of “sea treasure” washes up on the white sand beaches as visitors from
all over the world search for beautiful, rare shells. There is no better way to disconnect than on a shelling
cruise to Cayo Costa, known for its award-winning shelling. Captiva Cruises takes visitors on a short ride to the island
with shelling, swimming and sunbathing on a secluded tropical beach.
Rare
finds
Shellers learn about their finds with a visit to the Bailey-Matthews Shell
Museum by exploring a collection of shells from local beaches (and from around
the world). There is also a
Children’s Learning Lab and a gift shop that should not be missed.
Rent
a boat! Make some memories!
Rent a powerboat from Pine Island’s Four Winds Marina. Take a half-day family excursion to Boca Grande on
Gasparilla Island. Stop for
fishing. Dock at Uncle
Henry’s
Marina and explore the island’s restaurants, shops, lighthouse and beaches by
bike or golf cart. Stop for
homemade ice cream at the Loose Caboose.
Dive
right in!
Join a dive charter that takes visitors to some of the best artificial reef and
wreck diving on the Lee Island Coast. (Equipment
rental is available). Check out a
400-foot British steamer and its current crew of tarpon, barracuda, reef fish
and soft corals; a Honduran freighter and other locations.
Captain Eric Osking with Essex Marine heads the offshore expedition.
Not a diver? No problem.
Enjoy exploring with a mask and snorkel off the beaches at Lovers Key State
Park, Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel and around Cayo Costa and Boca Grande.
Life
is a day at the beach!
The only problem for visitors is the many choices!
One guarantee: the Lee Island Coast faces west and enjoys a beautiful
sunset each evening. Be sure to
check out some of the highest rated family beaches. On Sanibel Island:
Gulfside Park with great shelling and a short hike from the historic
pioneer cemetery, mid-island Tarpon Bay Beach has parking for recreational
vehicles, Lighthouse Beach goes from Gulf to bayside offering spectacular views
and a historic lighthouse (be sure to stop for ice cream or a snack in one of
the local establishments). On Estero Island: South
Fort Myers Beach is one of the most beautiful in the area with a range of
recreational activities, Lynn Hall Memorial Park has a fishing pier centered
around an active hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment known as Times
Square.
Bring
beach toys and a picnic
The beautiful strip of beach along the Sanibel Causeway is perfect for a family
picnic, fishing, water sports and more. It
is a great place to spend the day with space for parking and boat ramps for
launching small boats and personal watercraft.
Unwind.
Have a cheeseburger in paradise!
And leave a dollar at Cabbage Key’s historic inn where the walls are covered
with thousands of signed dollar bills (a tradition that began when a thirsty
fisherman left a bill taped to the wall to make sure he would have a cold drink
during his next visit). Built atop
a Calusa Indian shell mound, the island has cottages for rent but don’t look
for telephones or TVs!
Gotta
love this beach!
Grab the family and a
picnic lunch and head for Lovers Key for a visit to Florida’s newest state
park. A tram takes visitors across
estuaries of ospreys and spoonbills. It
is as far from the crowds as visitors can get and for an added treat, rent a
kayak and paddle into Estero Bay’s dolphin territory.
Fishing,
snorkeling, camping
Cayo Costa is one of the worst kept shelling secrets in the area!
But the state park is also popular with day visitors for its snorkeling
and fishing opportunities. Heartier
souls enjoy the primitive overnight camping in small cabins.
No electricity. Close to
nature.
Can’t
get enough of shells?
The world famous Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers is a
“must” stop, with its more than five million shells.
Visitors tour the aquariums and other displays for free.
For a small admission fee there are bumper boats, miniature golf, glass
factory and wildlife zoo. Plus
inexpensive dining!
THIS SUMMER IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY FUN!
The Lee Island Coast offers many ways for families to take
a vacation and have quality time that is just plain fun!
Many hotels and resorts offer special programs packed with activities for
children.
Summer
means affordable activities on the Lee Island Coast!
Who needs crowded theme parks? Recharge physically and spiritually on the beach and away
from the beach. There are lots of
activities that appeal to families and make a vacation here easy on the
pocketbook.
Keep
your cool!
At Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral.
Waterslides of all sizes and a kiddy water playground.
Cross
the bridge to Cape Coral’s family attractions!
In addition to Sun Splash, check out great neighborhood attractions:
BMX Park, Children’s Science Center, Cape Coral Historical Museum and
Four Mile Cove Ecological Park.
Push
some pedals!
Rent bikes and explore 23 miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel Island.
Meander through shopping areas, past beautiful gulf homes, tour through
diverse parts of the island. Quaint
shops and restaurants provide “rest stops.”
Chill out!
Take a break
from the sun and try ice-skating at TECO Area in Estero or Fort Myers Skatium
downtown.
In
the extreme!
Two skate parks with ramps and half-pipes for roller bladers and skateboarders.
Slic’k Sk8 Park in south Fort Myers close to Fort Myers Beach and
Sanctuary Skate Park in downtown Fort Myers.
Fun
Factory . . .
Provides endless activities for kids ages 3 to 11 geared to recreation, the
environment and education. These
fun and action packed programs are available at South Seas Resort on Captiva
Island, Sundial Beach Resort and Sanibel Inn on Sanibel Island.
The Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach offers its younger visitors a
“Kidds Kamp.”
Where
science and fun come together . . .
At the Imaginarium Hands-on Museum in Fort Myers.
Touch a baby alligator. Get
really close to a Pacific octopus.
All
“fore” kids
Regarded as a golfer’s heaven, the Lee Island Coast even offers it youngest
visitors an enjoyable day on the links. Admiral
Lehigh Golf Resort & Spa in Lehigh Acres features lessons for 8 – 16 year
olds, providing correct fundamentals for a lifetime of rewarding golf.
Kids
for “sail”
Two of Captiva Island’s most popular properties, ‘Tween Waters Inn and South
Seas Resort, are teaching children the fundamentals of sailing, teamwork, and
boating safety. Fun and learning
await young sailors ages 8 and older at the New Moon Sailing school at ‘Tween
Waters Inn, while Offshore Sailing School at South Seas Resort provides ages 7
– 11 a Junior Captains course.
Kid’s
Only Klub
At Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, supervised programs are
offered for kids ages 5 - 12 and include treasure hunts, nature hikes and
crafts. In the evening, look for
pizza and movies.
Local
secret: the best breakfast in the world is here!
Voted the Best Breakfast in Lee County and considered the best in the world, the
Lighthouse Café on Sanibel serves malted, blueberry, granola wheat and lots of
other choices . . . for $3.95.
See
creepy crawlies
At the Children’s Science Center in Cape Coral.
There are live iguanas and tarantulas and the kids can play with strange
science gadgets.
Reach
out and touch for free
The Ostego Bay Marine Science Center on Fort Myers Beach educates the public
about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems with its touch tanks
and aquariums. Charge: None.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE PAST
Explore living history at the homes of
American icons, burial mounds of native Indians,
and museums that tell the story of developing the southern frontier of Florida.
Explore
our most popular attraction!
Visit the beautiful homes (Edison & Ford Winter Estates) of famous next-door
neighbors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Located
on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers.
Tour botanical gardens, Edison’s laboratory and a museum with the
world’s largest collection of his inventions and memorabilia.
The
restored Atlantic Coastline Railroad Depot
Houses the Southwest Florida Museum of History in Fort Myers.
See how the area developed from an 1850 army outpost to an elegant resort
area. See artifacts from the Calusa Indians and early Spanish settlers.
Go
back 1,500 years in time
At the Randall Research Center in Pineland, as scientists from all over the
world study the huge shell mounds that overlook the waters of Pine Island Sound
and the many centuries of Calusa Indian village life that existed before the
arrival of the Europeans. Remnants
of an ancient canal that reached across Pine Island are found in the complex and
sand burial mounds stand secluded in the woods. Walking and kayaking tours are available.
When
claw foot tubs were modern
Stroll through Centennial Park along a promenade by the Caloosahatchee River in
Fort Myers and take in the historic turn-of-the-century Burroughs Home.
Enjoy a “Living History” tour of the Georgian Revival mansion and
oak-shaded grounds.
A
utopian community
Was located at the Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero at the turn of the
century until it became extinct in the 1960s.
Today visitors tour a unique aspect of the area’s history.
Take a stroll along the Estero River and view the old bakery, cottages,
planetary court and art hall. Self sufficient and devoted to the arts, the
Koreshans believed that the earth is concave and everything including the sun
and stars exists inside. Fishing, camping, nature study, boat launch and canoe rentals
are available.
Explore
the Great Calusa Blueway
The Lee Island Coast offers hundreds of paddling opportunities for beginners and
experts alike. Open in time for summer: The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is
comprised of 40 miles of marked paddling trails between Bonita Springs at the
southern end of Lee Island Coast north to Punta Rassa in Fort Myers.
Explore calm waters. See
spectacular birding. Experience
dolphin in the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.
Take in
Mound
Key State Archaeological Site, believed to have been the capital of the Calusa
Indian nation.
OFF BEACH DIVERSIONS
Eventually there is a need to come in out of the sun! Visitors find plenty to keep them occupied in galleries, unique shops and memorable dining experiences.
Mermaids
rule!
At Katie Gardenia’s Kitchen and Mermaid Club on Sanibel. Let’s just say that there are mermaids everywhere and Katie
claims she was one herself. Anyway,
tasty seafood stews, pan-fried snapper and plantation crusted mahi make this
funky stop on the schedule a must.
It’s
just silly!
But the Bubble Room on Captiva Island is an experience that will not be
forgotten. Electric trains run
amok, there are miles of Christmas lights and a tree, 2,000 movie star photos,
Superman in a phone booth. Waiters and waitresses are dressed as bubble scouts.
There is more, but it has to be seen to be believed.
Super sized portions and huge desserts are legendary.
For
the best sunset view
The
Mucky Duck at the north end of Captiva is a favorite with visitors and locals.
Dartboards, cold beer in heavy mugs and a lively singer/piano player who regales
the crowd nightly. Aside from
British dishes like steak and sausage pie and fish 'n' chips, the menu also
boasts Florida favorites including grouper sandwiches and Key lime pie.
Casual
and tasty
For a very informal lunch or dinner in a nautical atmosphere, the Lazy Flamingo
is a popular favorite, featuring seafood specialties. Two locations on Sanibel Island and one in Bokeelia.
Children love the
novelties of The Fish House Restaurant on Fort Myers Beach.
While youngsters wait for their meals served on actual Frisbees, they can
create their own works of art on this casual establishment’s table clothes.
Picture
perfect shop hopping
Stoll or drive along Captiva’s Andy Rosse Lane on and its eclectic galleries.
Stop in the pastel-colored Seaweed Gallery, a whimsical place filled with
work from both up-and-coming and established artists.
Mediums include paintings, furniture, jewelry, glass and pottery.
Nearby is Jungle Drums “The Ultimate Wildlife Gallery,” which
showcases works in bronze, glass, clay, mixed media, resin, wood and others. Be
sure to check out the hand-painted Adirondack chairs - they'd make a great
souvenir of Captiva's laid-back lifestyle.
And if you seek something unusual, visit the colorful galleries of
Matlacha and Pine Island.
Don’t
miss “The Best in Southwest
Florida” at Fleamaster’s Flea Market with arts, crafts, antiques, souvenirs,
jewelry and anything else imaginable in more than 400,000 square feet of 900
shops!
Pick
up a tropical trinket!
Enjoy surfside shopping at Fort Myers Beach with clusters of Old Florida
Spanish-style shops that are tucked among tropical greenery to make up the funky
character of this island getaway.
Shopper’s
paradise is a bargain
Stop at Miromar Outlets in Estero with more than 100 shops including top name
brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Escada Company Store, Donna Karan/DKNY,
Brooks Brothers, Polo Ralph Lauren and many more. Bargains galore. Restaurants
to re energize. If you’re looking
for Liz Claiborne, Carter’s Childrenswear, or Samsonite, shop at Sanibel
Tanger Factory Stores in Fort Myers.
Editor’s
Note: For details on activities
mentioned, visit the “Media Central” on our Web site, www.LeeIslandCoast.com.
This release is available by e-mail.
High-resolution online images are also available.
When your travels bring you to our area, be sure contact the
Communications Department if we may be of assistance.
The
Lee Island Coast in southwest Florida includes Sanibel/Captiva/Pine islands,
historic Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs and beaches, Cape Coral,
North Fort Myers, Boca Grande, and Lehigh Acres.