First Up for 2026: The Gasparilla Inn

This charming inn on Boca Grande continues to receive the highest accolades in the U.S. Condé Nast Traveler magazine put it on its prestigious Gold List of the Best Hotels and Resorts in the World 2026, one of only two in Florida. Book ahead for a stay that you'll remember for a lifetime. 

Rekindle Romance on Sanibel Island

U.S. News and World Report has named Sanibel Island to two of their 2026 Best Vacations lists: #7 Best Honeymoon Destination in the USA and #7 Best Affordable Romantic Getaway in the USA.

The Only Florida Destination to Make The New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2026 List

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are honored by The New York Times as a celebratory post-hurricane comeback story - back and better than ever with many new offerings. The charming islands were the only place in Florida to make the list, and one of only 11 destinations in the nation.

The islands were also the only Florida destination in USA Today’s 10 Places to Go with Kids in 2026. Just one new kid-friendly offering: Captiva Landing, featuring six waterslides and a lazy river at South Seas resort.

2025 Winners

Where to Get Your Beach Fix

The stunning natural beauty and historic charm of Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offers an escape that’s sure to steal your heart. Unwind on pristine Bowman’s Beach, where gentle waves sooth the soul, seashells blanket the shores and magical sunsets fill the sky. And don't miss popular Fort Myers Beach, boasting powdery white sand and festive dining and nightlife.

Where to Stay

For a romantic island getaway, escape to the reimagined South Seas resort on Captiva Island. From expansive homes and villas, elevated experiences and refreshed amenities to 2.5 miles of stunning shoreline and wildlife preserves, South Seas offers an unparalleled mix of luxury and natural beauty.

South Seas was named one of Florida's Most Romantic Getaway Destinations for Couples by Travel + Leisure. 

Indulge in a stay at the historic Gasparilla Inn in Boca Grande, an elegant island enclave, family owned and operated, with a century-long tradition of southern hospitality: “Our guest’s loyalty and enthusiasm inspire everything we do.”

The Gasparilla Inn won the #1 spot on Travel + Leisure Readers' 15 Favorite Resorts in Florida, surpassing thousands of other resorts in the state. It also made the list for Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025 - Top 15 Resorts in Florida.

Every whim is answered within steps at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, a sanctuary of total relaxation. Treat yourself to a massage at the spa then meander down the lazy river while the kids enjoy the waterslides.

The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa also received rave reviews from Travel + Leisure Readers, ranking #13 on their list of favorite resorts in Florida, as well as Condé Nast readers, also ranking #13 on their list of Top 15 Resorts in Florida.

Nothing rekindles romance like charming Sanibel Island, and the historic Island Inn awaits to sweep you off your feet with $250,000 in upgrades and enhancements. Reconnect under magical sunsets and swaying coconut palms at this idyllic retreat right on the beach.

Island Inn also made Travel + Leisure's list of Florida's Most Romantic Getaway Destinations for Couples.

Where to Dine

How about one of the most romantic restaurants in America? Revel in the intimate setting of Angelina's Ristorante and raise a glass to the good life. 

Angelina's was named one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in the Country and has earned the coveted Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence every year since 2012. 

Where to Explore

Tour the historic winter homes, acres of botanical gardens and fascinating inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford at Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

This charming attraction was accredited by The American Alliance of Museums for its quality and credibility, one of only 1,122 museums to earn this honor out of 30,000+ museums across the U.S.

Visit Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery in Cape Coral for a complimentary tour (Tuesdays through Saturdays) to learn how they create their award-winning rums and enjoy tastings. You can also enjoy a variety of refreshing rum cocktails in their Wicked Garden tiki bar.

The Wicked Dolphin was named the #1 craft rum distillery in the nation by USA Today's 10BEST readers' poll 2025.

Enjoy a dinner and a performance at Fort Myers' most longstanding and acclaimed dinner theater, Broadway Palm. The menu changes with each show and kids can enjoy a Children's Theater production with a special kids' menu.

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater was named the #10 Best Dinner Theater in the nation by USA Today's 10BEST readers' poll 2025.

Catch a world-class performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, home to the largest proscenium stage in Southwest Florida. From National Touring Broadway musicals and concerts to symphonies, comics and more, you're sure to enjoy a night of spectacular entertainment.

The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall was #1 in Florida and #4 in the world on Billboard's 2025 Top Venues with capacities of 2,500 or less. 

Getting Here

Breeze Airways was named #3 domestic airline in Travel + Leisure's World Best Awards and one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. Southwest Florida International Airport here in Fort Myers is one of Breeze's base of operations and offers affordable, nonstop and direct flights to and from 30 cities in the U.S.