Headed to Southwest Florida for Vacation? Four Ideas that Don’t Involve a Beach

The Hertz Arena in Estero (about halfway between Naples and fort Myers) is known for hosting hockey games, but you’ll find this place is a full-on entertainment venue as well.

From 80’s bands, Styx and Foreigner to country crooners and even Weird Al Yankovic, you’ll find a concert or performance up your alley.

Just check the schedule before you make your way down here. There’s plenty of parking, and if the lot is full, you can always find a spot at the Miromar Outlets nextdoor.

In fact, you shouldn’t leave without visiting this Shopping mecca. Boasting 140 stores and lots of unique restaurants, you will not get bored. I actually come here everyday. My husband and I walk through the mall as a way to get our steps in.

We actually trek to this place more than we go to the beach. It is a short stroll from our house, and we love the lively atmosphere. I do notice on rainy days, the stores are a bit more crowded. I remember before we moved here, we would vacation every year in Florida. And when the afternoon storms rolled through, we would head to the mall.

I have been to outlet malls in Miami, Sarasota, and Tampa. And I don’t think any of them compare to Miromar Outlets. I guess I’m partial, since we’re practically neighbors.

I love to hear the different accents of the folks visiting from all over the world. I used to think this place was a little bit of a secret…Apparently not anymore. People from everywhere flock here during the holiday season and of course, February through April, the “high” season down here.

Hit the Lake Instead of the Beach, Anyone?

What??!! You say? How can you come to Southwest Florida and not spend the entire time on the beach? I get it. The white sand is lovely. But if you are a boater, many find the fresh water lakes calmer and easier to navigate.

Lake Trafford in Collier County offers plenty of fishing and allows motorized boats. It offers 1500 acres for the beginner and avid anglers. From the parks department:

“Lake Trafford is the largest south Florida lake after Lake Okeechobee. Aquatic vegetation consists of cattail, American lotus, eelgrass, and planted bulrush. Fish species present in the lake include largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and large brown bullheads. Access to Lake Trafford is mainly by boat. However, there is a small county park located on the lake that provides some bank access. A nice public fishing pier, damaged by Hurricane Irma, has now been renovated and restored.”

Koreshan State Park

My family and I have visited this park several times and learn more every time we spend time here. We love learning about the Koreshan community and how they survived without air conditioning! You can actually tour their general store, a one room school house and the groups’ living quarters.

But what we enjoy the most is exploring the trails that run near the river. You can even canoe down the stream if you want to, and the park offers a campground near the banks.

Before I moved to Southwest Florida six years ago, I thought the only activity worth taking part in was relaxing on the beach. Since we have made this our home, we realize the area has so much more to offer. From nature trails to horseback riding, to fabulous shopping and dining.

Some folks on Florida’s East Coast might call our area “sleepy,” but I beg to differ. You can find lots of nightlife here if that’s what you’re after. But to me, the daytime festivities and evening sunsets are what makes this side of Florida shine!