Many-Splendored Southwest Florida

From Cayo Costa to Naples, the area's beaches dazzle and towns charm.

A trip to Southwest Florida is more than a trip to the beach; it's entry to some of the best arts and culture, shopping and sports in the state. And yet it's the fabled Gulf of Mexico – endless miles of serene, turquoise waves – that draws so many from around the world. Stand and watch the horizon as another sunset colors the sky, and it's clear why the area is so beloved for its beaches.

Unspoiled Beauty

Home to nesting turtles and native birds, Naples and Fort Myers beaches, among others, are acclaimed for their unspoiled beauty. Since the area prides itself on preserving the natural environment, Southwest Florida beaches are known for their birding and shelling. Clean and spacious, these shores are as alluring to families as they are to those who like to walk unimpeded for miles in the sand. Many of the beaches offer boardwalks and nature trails, and most are easily accessible. While you're here, you can truly relax: Fort Myers Beach has a reputation as one of the safest beaches in the world.

SunStream Hotels & Resorts' properties offer accommodations that reflect Southwest Florida's laid-back, understated elegance.

On this part of the Gulf coast, mangrove bays and creeks are teeming with fish. Whether it's fly fishing in Fort Myers Beach or saltwater fishing in popular spots like Rookery Bay in the Naples area, Southwest Florida's waters provide anglers with plenty to do – and eat. In the spring, head to the annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival and Parade (March 14-15) to sample the plump, fresh specialty. And while the mood on the shore is calm and relaxed, it's a different story on the water. Boating and Jet Skiing are popular pastimes. Charters and rentals are available on every beach worth its salt.

Charming Towns

The towns and cities of Southwest Florida are as easygoing as the beaches, but they also have a serious side, too. Visit the Naples Philharmonic Center and the Naples Art Museum, and it becomes difficult to think of Naples as simply a beach town. Throughout Southwest Florida, evening art walks through busy galleries are routine, community theater thrives and outdoor film screenings happen all year long. Visitors can tour the estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford or explore a Native American heritage site. The area's rich history comes to life in the many museums and historic places dedicated to its preservation.

A fun mix of eclectic shops and upscale boutiques awaits shoppers, who will also be persuaded by the bustling malls and sprawling outlets in the area. The culinary scene is just as varied – local menus feature plenty of fresh local fish and citrus, naturally, but restaurants really do run the gamut. You'll find everything from Italian to Peruvian.

Diverse Accommodations

SunStream Hotels & Resorts' properties offer accommodations that reflect Southwest Florida's laid-back, understated elegance. All of the SunStream properties put you at the center of everything, whether it's the sophisticated Bellasera Hotel off Naples' stately Fifth Avenue South or the DiamondHead Beach Resort towering over Fort Myers Beach.

The hotels and resorts offer luxuriously appointed one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with fabulous views and provide highly individualized service to guests. The Park Shore Resort, overlooking tidy gardens and waterways in Naples, is a warm and intimate environment, the perfect choice for those who want to feel removed but also remain close to the attractions of Naples. SunStream's majestic Pointe Estero and GullWing beach resorts on Fort Myers Beach welcome families even as they maintain their condo-like luxury. With many unique hotels and resorts in Southwest Florida to choose from, SunStream makes it easy to experience everything the area has to offer.

This article is brought to you by SunStream Resorts. To plan your own getaway to Southwest Florida, call 888-627-1595 or visit www.sunstream.com.