About Florida Gulf Coast
The beaches on the Gulf of Mexico tend to be shallower, with less surf and with warmer waters. They are great for families with small children. The soft sands of the wide beaches extend far out into the sea, and one can wade hundreds of meters from shore without the water becoming very deep. The crystalline Gulf of Mexico is a comfortable temperature for swimming almost all year. It is also famous for its beautiful sunsets. The beautiful sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico are the second most popular attraction.
Places to holiday
The beaches along this area of the Florida coast are world-renowned for their seashells and the largest collection of shells, fossils, corals and sponges in the world is the focus of a unique family oriented attraction north of Fort Myers. Jacksonville offers miles of uncrowded sandy beaches and some of the world's greatest golf courses, coupled with historic sites and neighborhoods, culture, unique shopping and dining. Those who enjoy getting away from it all will delight in the Florida Gulf coast resort island of Sanibel and Captiva, where the main event of the day is the magnificent sunset.
Things to do
Florida Gulf Coast is the ideal place to enjoy leisure and pleasure in the great outdoors, it being one of the warmest areas of the United States. Nature lovers are drawn here because of the area's close proximity to the Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress Swamp and numerous other wetland reserves, wildlife refuges and habitats. Miles of beautiful beaches washed by the warm Gulf waters and covered in a fascinating array of seashells. Fort Myers Beach and the sophisticated town of Naples further down the coast on the mainland have made this area an extremely desirable holiday destination.
Weather in Florida Gulf Coast
Summers can be long and hot, with the interior being a few degrees warmer than the immediate coast. Coastal areas also experience gentle breezes during the summer, and the beach is usually the coolest place to be. The climate of Florida Gulf Coasts is almost tropical with 300 days of sunshine per year on average.
Getting there
Jacksonville International Airport has regular flights to many US cities with major carriers such as Delta, US Air, Continental, American, Air Tran and Southwest. Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers (RSW), located 10 miles (16km) southeast of Fort Myers, providing easy access to Naples and the surrounding region.