The Southwest Quest

One-Day, Self-Guided, Mystery Road Trips
Bask in plenty of sun, strolls, and citrus on this ultimate Southwest Florida road trip. From unique eateries and boardwalk trails to an eerie ghost town and a sunset beach stop, there's truly something for everyone!

Trip Highlights
— Easy boardwalk trails
— A ghost town with a wild past
— Tasty local eateries and breweries
— A beach for sunset
— Donkeys, goats, and tortoises - oh my!

Available to Depart
This trip is best done from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year.

Suggested For
— Families with older kids
— Outdoor enthusiasts

Itinerary
Stop 1:
A morning park or pick-me-up, the choice is yours! We've recommended two great trails or spots to grab a bite. Drive time to the second stop is 10 minutes.

Stop 2:
Wander along a 1.5-mile boardwalk, stop for some citrus, or sip a beer (weekend only). Drive time to the third stop is 20 minutes.

Stop 3:
An eerie ghost town awaits! Explore historic buildings and learn about its spooky past. Drive time to the fourth stop is 15 minutes.

Stop 4:
Get your toes in the sand and enjoy a beach sunset or grab a tasty cocktail to end the day.

Can Depart From:
— Fort Myers Area
— Naples Area
— Tampa Area

What You'll Need to Bring:
— Bathing suit
— Water
— Cash
— Road trip snacks
— Beach towel
— Walking shoes
— Camera
— Sunscreen

Additional Details:
— Kid-Friendly
— Accessible

Approximate Driving Distances:
— From Fort Myers: 1 hour and 45 minutes / 72 miles
— From Cape Coral: 2 hours and 5 minutes / 72 miles
— From Naples: 2 hours and 5 minutes / 92 miles
— From Sarasota: 3 hours and 35 minutes / 208 miles
— From Tampa*: 4 hours and 50 minutes / 307 miles

*We recommend booking an overnight hotel if the driving distance is greater than 4 hours round-trip.

— This trip is best done between Tuesday - Sunday throughout the year. Please note: your best bet to see manatees at one stop is from December - May. We do not recommend traveling on Monday.

— We recommend leaving between 10:00 and 10:30 am if you are leaving from the Fort Myers area.

— Stops #1, #3, and #4 have pet-friendly options available! Please remember to keep your pet on a leash at all times, and if you’re unsure about pet-friendliness, we encourage you to contact businesses ahead of your visit to double-check.

— We recommended bringing up to 5 people on your surprise road trip.

— If you're bringing a larger group, we highly recommend having one person in charge of booking reservations at restaurants and attractions in advance. Please see the previous page for a copy of the digital itinerary.