Embracing the Coastal Lifestyle: A Day in the Life of a Southwest Florida Resident

 
Welcome to Southwest Florida, where it’s almost always sunny and 75 in the wintertime. In the summer, the Gulf waters are warm and inviting. With a temperate climate, an abundance of waterfront recreation and too many palm trees to count, this truly is paradise.
 
When you live in any of Southwest Florida’s communities – Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva Island, Naples and more – you enjoy year-round outdoor entertainment. From boating and beach going to bike riding and eating fresh seafood under a tiki hut, there’s unlimited peace and tranquility to be found in this subtropical oasis.
 
Living here in Southwest Florida is simply good for your mental and physical well-being.
 
In fact, studies say that living in a coastal community enhances your quality of life in a number of ways. For one, it encourages a healthier and more active lifestyle.
 
According to Preventative Medicine, research shows:
 
  • Breathing sea air improves your sleep
  • Living by the coast boosts your mental health
  • Soaking in salt water can heal skin-related ailments
  • Being by the water encourages an active lifestyle
As you can see, there are tons of advantages of coastal living, and life in Southwest Florida affords you the many mind-body benefits of living seaside.

 

When you live in SWFL.

 

  • Connecting with nature comes easy
  • Relaxation is second nature
  • Delicious seafood is abundant
  • Relaxation is a regular part of life
  • An active lifestyle is ultra-accessible
Living here is a luxury, and at McMurray & Members of Royal Shell Real Estate, we love every moment.
 
Are you ready to enjoy all the wonder and beauty that Southwest Florida has to offer?
 
Below, you’ll find an in-depth itinerary for what a day in the life of a SW Floridian looks like, according to your local SWFL agents.
 

A Day in the Life: The Perfect Itinerary for a Day in Southwest Florida

Seize the Day – SWFL Morning Moments

 
Drink a coffee by the water. Visit a local waterfront coffee shop like the French Press, located at Cape Harbour of Cape Coral, and watch the sunrise over the water. 
 
Take a morning beach or nature walk. Enjoy the healing benefits of stepping into nature. Whether you wander along the coastline of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva Island or trek at a local park, preserve or the renowned J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, you are sure to find the peace you seek.
 
Go to a local Farmers Market. Southwest Florida has no shortage of farmers markets, and they all have incredible vendors to experience. From Lakes Park in Fort Myers to the heart of Sanibel Island, you will find delicious baked goods, healthy smoothies, local honey, fresh produce and much more.
 
Kayak or paddle board the mangroves. Meander the maze-like mangrove trails at Lovers Key, and be on the lookout for dolphins and manatees. In these calm waters you’ll enjoy birding and wildlife viewing galore.
 

Keep the Fun Going – SWFL Afternoon Activities

 
Take a boat out to the Gulf. Rent a boat or take your own and enjoy a day on the water. Stop by Cabbage Key for a cheeseburger in paradise and anchor at the Lighthouse Beach to admire the historic Sanibel Island Light, still standing strong after Hurricane Ian. You might even pick up a pod of dolphins while at cruising speed.
 
Grab a bite at the many waterfront restaurants in SWFL. Enjoy fresh seafood with a view! From riverfront dining at Oxbow of downtown Fort Myers to happy hour on the canal at Rumrunners of Cape Coral, every city in Southwest Florida has countless waterfront dining options to choose from. Learn more about the best waterfront restaurants in Southwest Florida here.
 

Enjoy Every Last Ray of Sun – SWFL Evening Events

 
See a famous SWFL sunset. Here in Southwest Florida, we take “golden hour” to a whole new level. Florida’s Gulf Coast boasts famous sunsets. Watch the sun slink under the sea as it paints colors across the coastal sky. 
 

Here are the best beaches to watch a SWFL sunset:

  • Fort Myers Beach
  • Lovers Key Beach
  • Sanibel Causeway Beaches
  • Alison Hagerup Beach on Captiva Island
Even if you don’t make it to a beach, there are plenty of Southwest Florida marinas that boast beautiful sunsets, and even a sunset over the Caloosahatchee River is awe-inspiring.
 
Click here to learn more about the best SWFL restaurants to enjoy dinner and drinks overlooking the water.
 

Embrace Coastal Life in Southwest Florida

 
As you now know, the benefits of coastal living are all-encompassing. In fact, Southwest Florida was recently deemed a Certified Blue Zones Community, making it a leader in health and wellness.
 
From waking up to dolphins playing in the bay to witnessing an unbelievable SWFL sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, it’s no wonder the residents of Southwest Florida are healthy, happy and peaceful.
 
Is it time for you to start living your dream SWFL lifestyle?
 

Find Your Piece of SWFL Real Estate Today

Find your perfect piece of paradise with McMurray & Members of Royal Shell Real Estate, the leading SWFL agent for waterfront real estate in Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva Island, Cape Coral, Naples and more.
 
Start your SWFL home search today.

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You will appreciate working with a team who is more like an extended family, one that takes care of each other and encourages success. Plus, we are backed by the strength of Royal Shell.

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