13 days in Southwest Gulf Coast Itinerary

Take a trip to Sanibel Island if you like pretty sunsets and luxurious resorts.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sun): shop like a local with Sanibel Island Farmer's Market, then kick back and relax at Bowman's Beach, and then see what you can catch with a fishing tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 15th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and then identify plant and animal life at Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).

For reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Sanibel Island online holiday maker.

Dallas to Sanibel Island is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus, subway, and taxi. The time zone difference moving from Central Standard Time (CST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is 1 hour. Traveling from Dallas in March, expect Sanibel Island to be somewhat warmer, temps between 81°F and 59°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Marco Island.

Marco Island is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States, located on an island by the same name in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Boat Tours & Water Sports and Cape Romano. There's much more to do: stroll around Frank E. Mackle Park, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, look for gifts at Keep In Touch, and enjoy the sand and surf at Keewaydin Island.

To see ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Marco Island day trip planner.

Traveling by journey from Sanibel Island to Marco Island takes 1.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 80°F in March, and nighttime lows around 61°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can drive to Naples.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Everglades Wonder Gardens. Change things up with these side-trips from Naples: Happehatchee Center (in Estero), Fort Myers Beach (Fort Myers Beach & The Islander, Gift Gallery & Boutique) and Fort Myers (Edison and Ford Winter Estates & Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve).

To find where to stay, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Naples trip planning website.

Naples is very close to Marco Island. In March, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 61°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to drive to Sarasota.

Sarasota is a city in Sarasota County on the southwestern coast of the U.S. Discover out-of-the-way places like Robinson Nature Preserve and Venice Fishing Pier. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sarasota: Manasota Key Beach (in Englewood) and Venice Beach (in Venice). There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at The Ringling, get to know the fascinating history of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, admire the majestic nature at Ted Sperling Park, and browse the different shops at St. Armands Circle.

To find ratings, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Sarasota trip itinerary website.

You can drive from Naples to Sarasota in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In March, plan for daily highs up to 77°F, and evening lows to 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.