Girls Gone Mild: Relaxed Retreats in Southwest Florida
Swap your bachelorette sash for beach yoga gear, and switch barhopping for wine and paint night. Around the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers, an old-fashioned girls getaway goes from classic to classy. Think of it as the vacation your group chat has been promising for months: lazy pool and spa days, craft cocktails and restaurant hot spots, golden-hour sails, and zero itineraries that require a designated driver. This is laid-back local fun done right.
Day 1 – Ease In, Island Style
There's no better way to signal that you're officially on vacation than floating down a lazy river before noon. Even if you're not a guest at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, you can get access to this Bonita Springs gem with a day pass. Three acres of water attractions, lawn games and a rock-climbing wall will keep you busy all morning long. If you're traveling with more than a few friends, splurge on a cabana pass to get a shaded home base for rotating between waterslides and doing absolutely nothing.
For the afternoon, take your pick of adventures. A paddle through Estero Bay leads you through mangrove tunnels, and the calm waters give you clear views of dolphins and manatees with scores of coastal birds in sight. Prefer to keep your feet dry? The Wonder Gardens, a beloved wildlife sanctuary with over 90 years of history, is an equally magical detour.
As the sun starts to dip, wander into Bonita Springs' walkable downtown for the evening. The Sugarshack Downtown — born from a backyard concert series — brings together music and food in one lively venue. Nearby, the Rooftop at Riverside is a fun outdoor space with food trucks, DJs and dance parties.
Discover more activities in Bonita Springs.
Day 2 – Beach Days and Sunset Sails
Unroll your towel and join a yoga session on Fort Myers Beach. Running through the end of April and picking back up in winter, this low-key gathering is only $15 a person. If your group prefers its own bubble, book a private lesson instead and turn the beach into your personal studio.
A longtime landmark of Fort Myers Beach, Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina sits right on 12 acres of sugary sands with views of Matanzas Pass and Gulf waters. Book a night or grab a day pass to play on the beach and jump in the pool. Bongo's Bar & Grill is right there for a casual seafood feast — the kind with cold drinks and no dress code.
Salty Sam’s Marina is your launching point for a sunset sail, a perfect way to close out the day. With your captain expertly navigating familiar waters, you'll cruise channels and the Gulf to catch the best views of Fort Myers Beach's legendary sunset.
Get more insider tips on Fort Myers Beach.
Day 3 – Art and Antiques
The River District is made for a slow morning of wandering. Browse independent boutiques and local finds at The Franklin Shops, get inspired at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, or give in to the treasure-hunt energy of Arts For Act Gallery, home to eclectic exhibitions stacked with original art, fine crafts, vintage clothing, jewelry and more that make for genuinely great souvenirs.
Head to the highlight of your day: a painting class at Azaleas on the Corner. This warm, family-owned studio celebrates painting, wine and gardening with equal enthusiasm. Best of all, dinner is just a brick-lined block awayat The Veranda — a charming spot to wine and dine and reflect on the day's creations.
Find more local fun in Downtown Fort Myers.
The best getaways don't end when the activities do — they spill into late-night conversations on the patio or morning coffee on the balcony. Settle into a beach hotel for the full resort experience or create your home base in a vacation rental to claim your corner of Southwest Florida.
