Immerse Yourself in One-of-a-Kind Nature in Florida's Lee County

You don't have to be an outdoor or wildlife enthusiast to appreciate the natural beauty of Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast. Getting here is easier than ever before-Fort Myers' Southwest Florida International Airport ranks among the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic-and there's a plethora of affordable accommodations placing you in the center of the action. See all of the reasons why your next relaxing getaway is waiting.

Any discussion about Southwest Florida's Lee County must start with the region's pristine beaches. Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach and the surrounding shores are not only gorgeous but free to access. Although visitors may require a saltwater fishing license, fishing is also free. Trolley rides are also available to eliminate parking costs and headaches.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are home to as many as 400 different species of multi-colored seashells, making them an ideal environment for patient beachcombers. Sanibel Island has often been recognized as the best shelling beach in the country and it's hard to argue it's anything but as its unique location means that it greets shells all the way from the Caribbean.

You definitely don't have to consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast to fall in love with the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel. The 7,600-acre wildlife attraction is home to more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, nearly three dozen mammal species and over 230 types of birds and is ideal for hiking, biking and even paddling.

Pineland Monument Park may be small but it's one of the best places on Florida's Gulf Coast to cast a line or sit back and catch a picturesque sunset. It also offers visitors a good bit of fascinating history, including insight into the Calusa Indians.

While we're on the subject of incredible sunsets, be sure to book a sunset dolphin and wildlife cruise for the ultimate Gulf Coast vacation experience. Adventures in Paradise, which has been owned and operated by the Stewart Family for nearly four decades, offers a slew of different cruises and excursions bringing guests up close to dolphins, manatees, birds and much more.

It turns out that New England isn't the only region where you'll find eye-popping lighthouses. Located on the island's east end, the Sanibel Lighthouse is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day fishing, shelling or simply lounging on the beach with your friends and family.

Dating back to the late 19th century, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a can't-miss attraction in Fort Myers. The recently-renovated 15,000-square-foot museum here boasts thousands of artifacts showcasing the legacies of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, including Edison's 1916 Model T.

Fort Myers is practically overflowing with fresh seafood. There's no shortage of fantastic restaurants and markets to choose from, including The Prawnbroker. The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill in nearby Cape Coral even offers a Hook N' Cook program where diners can bring in their fresh catch to be cooked up alongside two sides and a salad.

If you're still not convinced that Southwest Florida is a dream destination, consider that the average high temperature in December is a balmy 76 degrees (more than 30 degrees higher than New York City), giving you and your travel companions plenty of opportunities to get outside and experience the region's unparalleled natural beauty.