52 days in Southwest Gulf Coast Itinerary

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Englewood Beach and Manasota Key Beach. Change things up with these side-trips from Punta Gorda: Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island Lighthouse & Gasparilla Island State Park), Venice (Brohard Paw Park, Venice Fishing Pier, &more) and Englewood (Stump Pass Beach State Park & Blind Pass Beach).

For other places to visit and more tourist information, use the Punta Gorda day trip planning tool.

Sydney, Australia to Punta Gorda is an approximately 24-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to Eastern Standard Time (EST) is minus 15 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Fri) early enough to go by car to Bradenton.

Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Horseback Riding Tours and Sarasota National Cemetery. Get out of town with these interesting Bradenton side-trips: Sarasota (Save Our Seabirds, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, &more). Spend the 6th (Wed) exploring nature at De Soto National Memorial. There's still lots to do: identify plant and animal life at Robinson Nature Preserve, savor the flavors at Siesta Key Rum, take in the waterfront at Riverwalk, and explore the world behind art at The Ringling.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Bradenton journey planner.

You can drive from Punta Gorda to Bradenton in 1.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of shuttle and bus; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 30°C in December, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sat) so you can drive to Sanibel Island.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Sanibel Causeway and Blind Pass Beach Park. Venture out of the city with trips to Cape Coral (Lorne's Art Gallery, Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, &more). There's lots more to do: pick up some local products at Sanibel Island Farmer's Market, get engrossed in the history at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Sanibel Island travel app.

Getting from Bradenton to Sanibel Island by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. In December in Sanibel Island, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can drive to Captiva Island.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Fishing Charters & Tours and Captiva Pass.

To find traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Captiva Island trip builder.

Captiva Island is very close to Sanibel Island. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in December, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Thu) to allow time to drive to Marco Island.

Explore hidden gems such as Reel Kind Fishing and Tours and Island Bike Shop & Bicycle Rentals. Explore Marco Island's surroundings by going to Ochopee (Loop Road, H.P. Williams Roadside Park, &more) and Museum of the Everglades (in Everglades City).

To find photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Marco Island attractions planner.

You can drive from Captiva Island to Marco Island in 2 hours. Another option is to do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in December, and nighttime lows around 19°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sun) so you can drive to Naples.

Explore hidden gems such as Revs Institute and Everglades Day Safari. Change things up with these side-trips from Naples: Big Cypress National Preserve (in Ochopee), Bonita Springs (Bonita Springs Public Beach & Barefoot Beach Preserve) and Fort Myers (Castle Golf, Lakes Regional Park, &more).

To find where to stay, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Naples tour itinerary planner.

Naples is just a stone's throw from Marco Island. Expect a daytime high around 31°C in December, and nighttime lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) to allow time to fly back home.