We were here more than 10 years ago, but the museum has come back bigger and better after surviving…read morehurricane Ian. There's even a sign showing how high the water came up to in the building. It was heavily damaged, but was able to reopen in 2023. This museum is unique as the only one in the U.S. that is dedicated to shells and mollusks. There are two floors. The museum showcases shells from all over the world and the marine animals related to them. Exhibits show the usage of shells throughout history from the Calusa Indians making weapons of the conch shells to the pearls and nacre buttons. As well as various decorations and jewelry. The kids will enjoy the aquarium and touch tank. You can even pet the "foot" of a mollusk. And the gift shop has some neat toys. If you're looking for a change of pace and an inside venue, this is a must see attraction on island. You'll also have a much better idea of what the shells are that you collect as you walk the beaches here.

So great to see that one of our favorite museums on island survived and came back even stronger…read more Hurricane Ian was devastating but the museum still maintains its educational and tourism value and contributions to the community. We saw a lot of new exhibits during our time here today. If you visit Sanibel make this one of your stops!

A must go to when in Ft Myers. Very educational. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable,…read moreespecially Megan. I belong to the Phonograph Historical Society and recently my wife and I acquired a beautiful, working 121 year old original Edison Phonograph with wax cylinders. Who knew Edison had over 2,000 patents! And the Ford estate was spectacular with all the motors & automobiles. Model T, Model A , Caddy ect. An afternoon well spent with our out of town guests. Then, after working up an appetite, head on over to the Ford Garage for amazing burgers.

25 Feb 26 Went to the Edison-Ford Winter Estates to to…read morefill an otherwise boring day Been here before on 2-3 occasions. I don't know why but I wasn't as impressed this time as I was on prior occasions. The place looks almost the same but somehow it seemed a little different. Nevertheless it's part of American history and I still enjoyed my self guided tour. I might return again as there isn't that much to do in SWF except dine and hit the beaches. Still , it was interesting to see two tycoons buying homes close together so as to maintain and enjoy their friendship. Their homes brought back memories of my childhood when we had an "Ice Box" in lieu of a refrigerator. They had a wood burning fire place for heat , we had a coal stove. American Middle Class families now live better than the rich in the 1920's. Progress ?! The place was filled with tourist on the day of my visit and it was obvious that for many it was their first time visiting the Estates. Ah , the lives of the Rich and Famous ... and the beat goes on

I went to the Cape Coral Historical Society and was looking forward to touring and learning about…read morethe place I like visiting. I went on a Saturday early afternoon and first walked around the outside. I enjoyed the garden and the walk. When I got into the visiting center, I was greeted by a staff member who told me that due to staffing, the exhibit buildings were closed and that she was leaving shortly. While I completely understand, I was kind of disappointed. She said I could return during the week but I never had the opportunity to go back before I left to return home. From what I did get to see, I think I would have enjoyed the rest and I do plan on going back the next time I am in Cape Coral. I hope they get the volunteers needed soon to support their local history because the place did look very interesting but a little neglected due to not having enough people to help. In my opinion history is very important and I definitely take every opportunity to learn.

We were visiting friends who were visiting family who live in Cape Coral. I always try to do…read moresomething touristy or educational or both while traveling. Since we've been to the city several times before, we only had a few options. I'd seen this place listed online but had no idea what to expect. There's ample parking in the lot out front of the museum. In front of the main building is a white picket fence gated area called the rose garden. It had quite a few rose bushes. but not that many were blooming when we stopped by. Still there's pretty trellis and and it's a fitting tribute. In front of the museum is a dedication plaque -- honoring the two brothers, Jack and Leonard Rosen who purchased the land and developed Cape Coral. This is the only memorial in the city to them. Inside is the small "shop" and where you can purchase your tickets for $5 each. There are two other buildings to see. The tour starts off with a viewing of a short film about the founding of the city. Later on you learn about the area, the native Indians, see artifacts, learn about the early history of the town and the development company. If you live here, or nearby, or even if you're visiting, it's an interesting, informative activity. Certainly something different and perfect for a rainy morning.

I am not sure why this has a entry of its own since it is one with the state park. The state park…read morehas a lot of restored buildings. There are numerous volunteer docents who are dedicated to the park. They have a Sunday farmers market from 8 am to 1 pm. This was the first one after Hurricane Ian. They had made a Herculean effort to get the grounds all tidied up. Five dollar entry fee. Ten dollar guided tour fee with a second person being half price. Definitely worth the time and money and if you can go on a Sunday, the farmers market is no added cost.

I enjoy history and I thought that the experience was lovely. Pretty grounds. Buildings kept up…read morewell. We had a volunteer guide that was very helpful. The weather was beautiful and it was a great experience. Glad we went.

The concept of the science center was pretty cool However it was definitely a bit dated and dull…read more If they want to continue to do good work and educate kids through these science based experiences then they're going to have to make some changes. Theres just not enough to keep the kids engaged.

This science center has been around for a long time. I remember my grandparents taking me there as…read morea child and I had fond memories. About 6 years ago I was in town and took my son to check it out. Although it wasn't the same we enjoyed our visit. This time around nothing has really changed and many of the exhibits are closed or don't function right. I was sad to see the state of the large aquarium that they commissioned to be made on the tv show. Many of the colorful fish were no longer in the tank, we saw very few fish and the outside of the tank was very scratched. Highlights Touch tank Water play Animals Lowlights Expensive Many broken or not working exhibits Theater not open If you need a rainy day activity and can find nothing else this will keep the kids entertained.

This is so worth the drive to Bokeelia... we are from a suburb of Chicago and I too am an artist so…read morewe go to galleries when we are out of town... This has got to be one of my favorites ... it has something for everyone... Not only Art on Canvas, Watercolors, Pottery, Linens, Jewelry, Ceramics...Very Unique Pieces and the man who waited on me was helpful and informative... Thank you for your help... I ended up purchasing 2 unique pieces of pottery, 2 linens and 1 set of unique earrings... The Art was fabulous... but I paint... I do watercolors and acrylics but I was truly inspired by the whole experience... Thank You for having a Beautiful Gallery...you can tell it's a passion because how much you cared... Thank you for your Awesomeness... Brian and Sherry K Haney, Yorkville, Illinois-

Crossed Palms is a unique experience in itself. Tucked away on the northern tip of Pine Island, on…read moreBokeelia, it sits directly on Charlotte Harbor so your visit will guarantee a stunning view. The gallery is family owned and operated. Now to the art. They carry a collection of fine art including paintings by local artists, and pottery with the majority of the artists located in the Blue Ridge mountain region of North Carolina. You will also find a selection of one of a kind jewelry. Visiting the gallery is a relaxing experience, where there are chairs on the deck to lounge in and take in the view, and a small beach area to wade out into the harbor if you wish.

I want to give the lighthouse a "5", but two things nearly ruin it for me.... the pervasive and…read morelarge chain link fence that obstructively surrounds the lighthouse making it impossible to take a photo without it, and the massive plastic boardwalk that is... well... truly massive, and basically ruins the scenic view of the lighthouse and any view of the gulf coast beach from the lighthouse. Whomever the landed and built this eyesore was clearly not focused on preserving the historic integrity of the site. I'm is a scenic spot, a unique building with a history that dares back to 1880... and, despite the negative aspects I noted above, well worth a visit.

Boca Grande Light House is beautiful. The park has a great view and beach. The water is…read morebeautiful. The Light is well preserved and is a great place to visit. I love light houses and this is most definitely a must see. The vegitation around the light is also fascinating. Flowers and sea grapes and the dune grasses make for great images. The only thing that was a draw back for me - was you can not climb the stairs up to see the light lens. I posted photos from my visit here.

This is the largest sand sculpting competition in the United States. Paying a visit has become a…read moreThanksgiving weekend tradition for us. This year the event took place over ten days with a different competition each day. We like to come over on Sunday when everything has been built and the festival is closing up. Parking is limited at the actual event so you park in a field a few miles from the festival and they transport you by a bus limousine. Transportation is extremely quick and reliable. At the field you can also purchase the $7 entry wristband. In addition to an amazing array of sand sculptures on the beach there is also a kids activity area and food and merchandise vendors. During our visit we got to see a head to head speed sand sculpting competition. When the rest of the country is covered in snow there is nothing like heading to a sunny beach to view sand sculptures at an event that can only be held in Florida. Some of my favorite sculptures this year included the one by Seminole Hard Rock which was a ship wreck broken in half. On one side was a woman in distress as sharks circled and on the other side was a happy sailor who had secured the case of rum. Other sculptures included dragons, castles, the Wizard of Oz, and tributes to the animals lost in the red tide and the firefighters who fought the wild fire in California. Pictures can't do these works of art justice. They need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated. There is an area for professionals and one for amateurs. A visit to this festival is not complete without watching the sun set over the water and then heading over to dinner at Coconut Jack's. I love the west coast and this festival provides the perfect excuse to visit. It's become one of our favorite events to start the winter holiday season.

Fun to visit! Lots of professional and amateur sculptures. Food trucks and drink tents as well as…read moreother vendors. There is also an area where professional sculptures do demonstrations! Wear a hat, it can get hot! Add in the cost of parking and it can be an expensive day, but worth the trip at least once in a lifetime to see! We generally take an hour to see all sculptures depending g on how busy it is.