In January and February of 2022, we explored the west coast of Florida from Tampa to San Marco Island. This article is part 2 of 2 in this series. To read part 1, click here. The west coast of Florida, a.k.a. Gulf Coast, has a more relaxed and tropical escape vibe. When we visited, it saw its greatest increase in tourists, probably because during the planning time, the pandemic was still raging, causing people to search out warmth and sunshine while staying within the USA.
Nokomis
Nokomis is a quiet haven just north of Venice. It has a beach parking lot just over the drawbridge and drum circles Wednesday and Saturday evenings. People come with their percussion instruments and drum from 2 hours before sunset until they stop sometime after sunset. People dance, hula hoop, and little kids wear fairy costumes that light up. Don’t miss this primal family event.
After the sunset, definitely stop at the ice cream shop called Sweet Melissas in the small plaza on Albee Road. The ice creams are rich and flavorful, and who doesn’t love ice cream for dinner sometimes? Enjoy the uncrowded beach and calm water at Nokomis Beach.
Nokomos Sunset Grill is a great place to – guess! Yes, watch the sunset, as well as eat really good beach food. JoJo was a fun, experienced waitress who even has a sandwich on the menu named after her. Pop’s Sunset Grill is also a popular restaurant with several tiki bars. If you want to see how the rich and famous live, take a drive up to view the mansions on Casey Key.
Just be sure you know how to back up if you go too far toward the end of the Key. We recommend heeding the warnings, rather than having the Sheriff behind you, as we did.
Venice
Just south of Nokomis – and over a short bridge – is Venice. Venice is one of the prettiest, classiest little towns with shopping, restaurants, a theatre, and music often. The town center even has a splash pad. They have Zumba or yoga on the beach daily for small donation. I heard it was only $1. Sunday night they have their drum circle by the beach pavilion with parking lots on the beach side and across the street. Caspersen Beach is the place to go to sift through the sand for shark teeth.
Fort Myers
Ft. Myers offers a big city feel and yet you’re close to Sanibel Island. We enjoyed walking and relaxing in the shade at Lakes Park while watching the waterfowl. This park includes walking paths, lots of waterfowl, a splashpad, and a playground, plus a farmers’ market on Wednesdays from 9-1.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
These islands are only a few miles from Fort Myers. People who rent here report that theypark their car for their vacation and get around the island via bicycle. There’s a lighthouse at the south end of the island, and a yacht docking area and golf course at the northern end of the islands.
Sanibel and Captiva are a cross between South Carolina’s Hilton Head and the no-cars-allowed Fire Island of New York, but cars are allowed.
Marco Island and Goodland
Marco Island is a beautiful, shiny, new, and oh-so-fancy place with homes sporting boat docks in the back yards and high-rise hotels and condos along the beach. Yet, there’s a peacefulness that permeates the area, perhaps because it’s one of those at the end of the world places. Nearby Goodland is also an end-of-the-world place. Check the music schedule at Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant and head on out for an afternoon of music and entertainment.
Check out Stan’s Idle Hour Seafood Restaurant in Goodland, Florida for a dockside afternoon of music. There are picnic benches and a large, covered deck providing needed shade at this sunny dockside.
Lodging and OtherTips
Probaby due to Covid-19 pandemic, working from home, and the hassles of international and cruise travel, Sarasota to Naples was busier than ever in 2022. It was the first place we really struggled to find lodging for one-month stays. If you want to explore this area, be aware that many rentals require a 3-month stay, usually January through March, since that’s peak snowbird season. Going through owners directly or rental companies would be another alternative to Expedia, Airbnb, or VRBO. Or, you could do what we rarely do: plan and ahead.
Purchasing a Sun Pass for toll roads might be beneficial if you plan to travel around much of Florida. Many, but not all toll roads, also accept EZ Pass, used in NJ/NY/PA and Illinois.
Love your writing. Love your title
Fun. Light, informative. Good looking people at Stan’s.
Perhaps Gulf Coast in the west, Golf Coast in the east
Thank you for your feedback. Clever idea – Gulf Coast and Golf coast!