My husband and I snuck away to St. Pete for a few days after the holidays to relax and recharge. We had never visited the city before, and were super excited to check it out!

Like many others virtually all of our trips were canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, and we began exploring our home state more…Florida has so many beautiful places to check out! We have decided to continue this in 2021.

I would not necessarily call my husband and I “foodies” although we do enjoy great food. We love finding healthy, local, and organic food when possible…along with all the juice bars!

Here are a few of our favorite restaurants we visited and would highly recommend…

Annata

Quaint wine bar down by the water, would highly recommend for date night or happy hour!

The Naked Farmer

Our favorite food! We had this several times as well…including on our way home. More of a take out place, but incredible local and seasonal bowls.

2nd and 2nd

Best brunch!! We had brunch here twice, and loved everything we tried.

Hollander

Fun vintage vibe! Really great daily specials…heard the desserts were amazing!

Red Mesa Cantina

Great lunch spot! Yummy tacos and a cute outdoor patio.

The Lure

One of my favorites spots, we visited several times on our trip! Great outdoor dining vibe… eclectic menu of sushi and tacos…pretty much all my favorite things.

The Mill

Another favorite! Best drinks and fun menu items. A must when in St. Pete!

Cassis

Great happy hour and brunch, super cute date spot near the water.

We had the best time in St. Pete and are already planning our next trip!

With Labor Day just around the corner I wanted to share some of my favorite day trips in Southwest Florida.

Florida has so much to offer us, and luckily most of it is just a drive away!

Here are my top 5 favorite day trips in Southwest Florida.

Naples Pier.

Send the day at the beach. Relax in the sunshine, while you watch the dolphins play. This is the perfect time to give paddle boarding or fishing a try! While you are downtown enjoy lunch at the beach or a local restaurant in Olde Naples.

The Sanibel Lighthouse.

This beautiful day trip will take you over the Sanibel causeway and you will witness some of the most breathtaking views in South Florida. Enjoy the short beach hike to the light house! While at the beach you can swim, fish or just relax in the sand.

Siesta Key Beach

This beach has been ranked as the top beach in the United States for several years in a row. The super soft white sand and expansive beach offers a lot of activities for family and individuals.

Paddle Boarding at Wiggins Pass

Wiggins Pass is hands down my favorite state park in Florida. With so many different activities within the park, you can create a whole day of adventure. Paddle boarding at the pass, either in the gulf or in the calmer back waters (through the boat launch) is my favorite way to spend the day! This beautiful paddle will allow you to explore the best of Southwest Florida from a different angle…and who knows you may even get to see some of southwest Florida’s wildlife.

Downtown Fort Myers

Need a day off from the beach, no problem! Enjoy walking the cobble stone roads of downtown Ft. Myers and enjoy the vast variety of restaurants and nightlife. This area offers many events and live music as well!

*Be sure to check specific locations for parking costs and toll fees.

What are some of your favorite spots in Southwest Florida?? Comment below and let me know!