Bonita Springs, between Fort Myers and Naples on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is full of surprises and Old Florida charm. It’s home to a quaint downtown district, beautiful beaches, and a historic hotel that’s the perfect home base to explore all that the area has to offer.

Cedar Key is a small, resilient island community about four miles into the Gulf, but there’s no shortage of adventures and experiences to fill your days. Here are five of my favorites.

Known as the “Manatee Capital of the World,” Crystal River is a great year-round destination. Manatees gather in the springs during the winter, and scalloping takes over in the summer. Here are five ways to make the most of your trip.

Stuart, a small city about 45 minutes north of West Palm, has earned the title of “America’s Best Coastal Small Town” from USA Today for good reason. It has a super cute downtown, fascinating coastal history, and a unique historic inn. Here are five essential stops in Stuart. 

If you’re looking for a quiet corner of Old Florida, you’ll find it tucked along the Withlacoochee River in Levy County. Yankeetown is one of the smallest communities in the state, and it’s as peaceful, charming, and laid-back as they come.

Boca Grande, on the south end of Gasparilla Island in Lee County, takes some effort to get to because you don’t just pass through, you have to go there on purpose. And when you arrive, you’ll find an island community unlike anywhere else in Florida.