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The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel: Florida’s welcome change-of-pace

The Florida of days long past, with unspoiled white sand beaches, exotic wildlife and lush subtropical foliage, still can be found on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in southwest Florida.

This paradise is a favorite vacation spot for visitors from around the world. Here, visitors escape for a feel of old Florida that no longer exists in many areas. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is proving to be the perfect sanctuary for families to reconnect with loved ones in a quiet, natural setting. With surroundings conducive to refocusing on what’s really important in life, visitors are finding a sense of inner peace as they submerse themselves in alluring natural wilderness.

There’s a variety of accommodations to fit any budget and an abundance of recreational activities and adventures for every member of the family, including unique nature- and history-based tours and activities (such as renowned shell collecting), golfing, biking, fishing, shopping, spa experiences, and much more.

There are new reasons for visitors to come and visit, whether for the first time or for a return visit. If you can pull yourself away from the 50 miles of white sand beaches, there are extraordinary attractions for all ages. Nature-lovers can paddle, bike, hike, or take a narrated tour through the more than 6,000-acre J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island. Described by a leading ornithologist as one of the United States’ Top 10 bird watching spots, the refuge is home to numerous native and rare birds, raccoons, otter, alligator, and other wildlife.

The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail entertains novice to more experienced paddlers with nearly 190 miles of clearly marked waterways and trails. Explore the area's back bays and estuaries that showcase wildlife viewing at its best with aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers, and mangrove forests. Many of the trails follow the course charted 2,000 years ago by the area's earliest residents, the Calusa Indians. Both Paddler and Canoe & Kayak magazines have rated Sanibel and Captiva islands as among the Top 10 kayaking locations in North America.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is home to one of the world’s largest populations of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, and various boat excursions provide memorable educational and entertaining experiences with these creatures.

History and science enthusiasts can head over to the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford on the scenic Caloosahatchee River in downtown Fort Myers, where a laboratory, experimental gardens, antique automobiles and other memorabilia bring the two geniuses to life.

For detailed information on this wonderful change-of-pace from the been-there-and-done-that in Florida, log onto www.FortMyersSanibel.com.