Whenever I travel, the naturalist in me is always on the lookout for opportunities to connect with the natural world. Whether it’s observing urban wildlife and flora in a city park or strolling along a quiet shoreline with its birds and the potential for sea life washed up on the sand, I find joy in nature’s diversity. Florida stands out as a destination rich in both species and ecosystems. From the briny mangrove swamps to warm coastal waters, from forests to grasslands to rivers and lakes, travelers with an interest in nature will be “swamped” with locales and activities. Remarkably, some of the best nature experiences await along one of the most popular stretches of coast in the state—the southern Gulf Coast, from Naples to St. Petersburg.
While you can stay in any of the well-known cities or towns along the coast (Naples, Tampa Bay, Fort Myers, and Sarasota, to name a few), we recommend experiencing it all if you can. Rent a car for a week or two and comfortably work your way up the coast from the Everglades to the pristine beaches of Clearwater. Here is a selection of highly recommended nature activities along the way:
The Everglades
Begin your journey in the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage site teeming with wildlife. An airboat tour is a must while here – we went out with Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours. Gliding through the expansive grasslands and mangroves, we had the chance to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife up close, guided by a knowledgeable captain who shared fascinating insights about the Everglades’ unique ecosystem.
Airboat tours in the Everglades are a great way to see nature up close. We filmed this osprey’s catch and flight home with its prey. © Modern Explorer
Everglade City
Stop in Everglade City (population 378!), where the stone crab industry thrives. Yes, it’s even billed as “The Stone Crab Capital of the World!” The crabbers have developed a sustainable approach to harvesting stone crabs: the oversized claws are removed from live crabs, which are then returned to the waters to regrow their claws. Enjoy a meal at Triad Seafood, where you can savor fresh stone crab while bird and dolphin watching right on the bank of the historic Barron River. Bring your long lens for your camera if you have one—there’s potential for great wildlife photos here right from your seat. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Everglades Museum to learn about the area’s rich history and ecosystem.
Seafood lovers delight at the Triad Seafood Market – a riverside meal of stone crab in the industry’s epicentre at Everglades City. © Modern Explorer
Naples
As you head north, stop by the Naples Botanical Garden. This 170-acre garden showcases plants from around the world and offers serene walking paths and butterfly gardens.
We had a very exciting experience planned with Rising Tide Explorers‘ Mangrove Tunnels and Mudflats Kayak Tour with a local biologist for an adventure through the Rookery Bay Reserve. Unfortunately an afternoon of rainy spring weather (the only one in 9 days) led to a last minute cancelation that we couldn’t make up. Hopefully we’ll get another chance in the future but, as far as a recommendation, we have only heard good things about the operator and the tour itself.
Marco Island
The expansive beach in front of the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort (highly recommended!) is perfect for long leisurely walks, with stunning views and opportunities to spot local wildlife – the sunsets are pretty impressive as well. Make sure you arrange for a bike tour that offers sightings of gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, and nesting ospreys – coexisting beautifully (and protected by law) in a neighbourhood full of beautiful homes and gardens. We had a great experience with Marco Island Bicycle Tours.
The endangered Florida Burrowing Owls of Marco Island are a special treat for visitors. © Modern Explorer
Fort Myers
Take a stroll around the Edison and Ford Winter Estates along the bank of Caloosahatchee River, where you can admire the beautifully maintained exotic gardens and learn about the famous inventors’ winter retreats, a highly interesting tour.
In Fort Myers, especially for the birders out there, make sure you arrange to explore the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. We had the great pleasure of having a guide, a highly regarded professor of ornithology, Dr Jerry Jackson. The morning’s photographs were amazing, and the time of year (April) meant the density of Floridian waterfowl in the swamp was epic (the image at top of article is also from this outing). As a life-long birder – this truly was a bucket list experience (even if I didn’t know it until I got there). Highly recommended, even in the rain.
It’s an absolute birder’s paradise at the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary – especially in the company of renowned ornithologist Dr Jerry Jackson. © Modern Explorer
Sanibel Island
Known as the “Shelling Capital of the World,” Sanibel Island is a must-visit for beachcombers. The island’s beaches are covered with a stunning variety of shells, and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and kayaking.
Myakka River State Park
Near Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks. Explore the park’s wetlands, prairies, and forests by foot, bike, or boat. The canopy walkway offers a unique perspective of the park’s diverse flora and fauna.
Sarasota
One of the many highlights of our trip was a visit to the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This renowned facility offers a self-guided tour where you can explore a variety of marine life exhibits at your own pace. From sharks and sea turtles to river otters and manatees, the aquarium provides an immersive experience that educates and inspires. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make it a perfect stop for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
We applaud the ground-breaking marine conversation efforts and research being done at the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Education is a big part of that effort. © Modern Explorer
Another memorable experience was the Sea Life Encounter Cruise with Sarasota Bay Explorers. This two-hour eco-tour, guided by a marine biologist, takes you through Sarasota Bay, offering sightings of manatees, dolphins, and a variety of bird species. The highlight of the cruise is a hands-on session where participants can observe and handle marine life collected from the bay.
A wild flock of beautifully pink Roseate Spoonbills grooming themselves on a island in the Sarasota bay as we passed by on our Sea Life Encounter Cruise with Sarasota Bay Explorers. © Modern Explorer
We also enjoyed a leisurely walkthrough of the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. This 15-acre bayfront sanctuary is dedicated to the display and study of epiphytic plants like orchids and bromeliads. The gardens offer a tranquil escape with beautifully curated landscapes, including a rainforest garden, a desert garden, and a mangrove walkway. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Sarasota’s Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is a real gem, for locals and visitors alike, and in addition to beautiful curated gardens and woods countless animal species flourish. © Modern Explorer
Tampa Bay Area
While a few wild chickens charmingly roam the streets of the Cuban influenced Ybor City, and a river cruise or even a riverside walk (along the Hillsborough River) may yield some glimpses of dolphins in the city, hop in your car and drive out of town to find some real adventure.
Our adventure in Tampa Bay began with an exhilarating kayak fishing trip with Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. Guided by experienced anglers, we paddled through some of Tampa’s best fishing spots, surrounded by the serene beauty of the bay. The guides provided all the necessary equipment and shared their expert tips, making it a memorable experience for both novice and seasoned anglers, or anyone looking for a relaxing kayak through the mangroves.
Kayak fishing has it all – a great way to really interact with the local ecosystem, get some exercise, sun and fresh and try your hand at sport fishing. Thanks to our fabulous guides Mario and Tatiana Cruz at Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. © Modern Explorer
Next, we took to the skies with a Sunset Zipline Adventure at Empower Adventures Tampa Bay. This 2-hour guided tour offered breathtaking views of the Bayou Wilderness and Tampa Bay as we zipped across several different lines and tackled various aerial challenges. The highlight was the stunning sunset, which provided a perfect backdrop to this thrilling adventure. And some great close-up encounters with ospreys perched on the tree-high platforms.
Golden hour with our Sunset Zipline Adventure guides up on the ziplines looking over the bayous just north of Tampa Bay. © Modern Explorer
St. Petersburg/Clearwater
End your journey in Clearwater with a visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Home to rescued marine animals, the aquarium offers educational exhibits and interactive experiences, making it a perfect stop for families as well as curious-minded adult explorers. And perhaps more importantly, after all your adventures, the beautiful sandy beaches of Clearwater will provide the well-earned relaxation you need for a couple of days to round out your visit.
Facing West, take in the Gulf Coast’s sunsets on the pristine white beaches of Clearwater. © Modern Explorer
Plan your own Gulf Coast adventure
From the wild beauty of the Everglades to the serene shores of Clearwater, Florida’s Gulf Coast offers an unparalleled array of nature experiences. Whether you’re kayaking through the mangroves, ziplining over bayou wilderness, or simply soaking up the sun on a pristine beach, this stretch of coastline promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure. So pack your bags, hit the road, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders that await along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Your next great outdoor adventure is just a drive away.
Accommodations along the way – where we stayed:
Naples/Marco Island – JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – just fabulous, for couples or families, several great restaurants
Sarasota – Aloft Sarasota – basic but hip and reasonably affordable
Tampa Bay – Hotel Haya – this is the place to stay in Ybor City
St. Petersburg/Clearwater – Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort on Sand Key – lovely rooms, beautiful view
And for ease of access here are the destination links again:
Naples/Marco Island/Everglade City aka The Paradise Coast
All photos © Modern Explorer