Wildlife & Nature in Southwest Florida
Explore gardens, boardwalks and wildlife habitats in Lee and Collier counties, with links to local parks, attractions and town guides.
Lee County: wetlands, islands and gardens
Start with Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers for a wetland outing, or explore Sanibel’s J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs adds tropical planting and animal exhibits to a downtown visit. Lee County’s attraction directory provides addresses and phone numbers; the parks guide gives you more places to explore.
Collier County: cypress forest and tropical planting
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers a boardwalk setting for observing wetland habitat. Naples Botanical Garden focuses on tropical planting and landscapes, while the Conservancy of Southwest Florida introduces local wildlife and conservation. Find these places in the Collier County attraction directory and compare nearby parks and nature areas.
Choose the kind of outing you enjoy
A garden visit, a boardwalk walk and a wildlife refuge offer different experiences. Consider walking distance, shade and available facilities when choosing a destination. Allow time to stop and observe; seeing a particular animal is never guaranteed. Call the destination for current access and visitor information.
Explore the surrounding towns
Use the Sanibel guide, Fort Myers guide and Naples guide to pair nature with the rest of your visit. If the setting makes you consider a move, our Property Search explains how to continue your search.