Places to go

Florida Gulf Coast vacations boast some of the prettiest beaches in the country, but that's not the only draw. Amidst the white-sugar beaches and turquoise water, there's a wealth of cultural and historic activities to keep you and your family busy for your whole vacation, whether it's golfing in Cape Coral or attending Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Here's a list of the best things to do on the Florida Gulf Coast to get you started. Florida Gulf Coast vacations boast some of the prettiest beaches in the country, but that's not the only draw. Amidst the white-sugar beaches and turquoise water, there's a wealth of cultural and historic activities to keep you and your family busy for your whole vacation, whether it's golfing in Cape Coral or attending Tampa's Gasparilla Pirate Fest. Here's a list of the best things to do on the Florida Gulf Coast to get you started.

If you're a history buff who still wants a beach vacation, head on down to Fort Myers. Two American inventor legends called Fort Myers home: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Edison was the first to migrate down to Fort Myers and build a beautiful winter estate there, and soon Ford built a house next door to vacation with Edison. These two homes are stunning and shouldn't be missed. Moreover, the area is packed with vacation rentals for any budget, making Fort Myers the perfect beach getaway for families who want an affordable Florida vacation without sacrificing on seaside attractions.