Florida, North Carolina, Mexico Beach Towns Draw Year-Round Tourism

Fort Myers, Florida, known as the gateway to Southwest Florida, offers a vibrant downtown on the Caloosahatchee River, beautiful beaches, and nearby islands like Sanibel and Captiva for visitors seeking relaxation or adventure. The city has rebounded well from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and features attractions such as historic homes of the Edison and Ford families and the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,400-acre wetland ecosystem rich with native wildlife. Cape Coral, now the largest city in Southwest Florida, evolved from a bedroom community with minimal services into a fully incorporated city following rapid population growth and infrastructure development, including the critical Cape Coral Bridge connecting it to Fort Myers. These Southwest Florida destinations collectively offer a mix of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities appealing to a wide range of travelers. Nearby coastal towns like Rosemary Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast complement the region with charming architecture, walkable streets, boutique shopping, and community events like farmers markets and outdoor movie nights. Together, these areas highlight the diverse attractions and resilient communities that define this part of Florida's Gulf Coast.