Plan your picture-perfect family holiday.

Enjoy the spectacular fall and winter seasons on Florida’s Southwest coast where warm breezes from the Gulf of Mexico and the toasty Florida sun provide the perfect temperatures to shake off the cold. Spot dolphins jumping in and out of boat wakes. Watch pelicans dive for fish. Find the perfect shell and sink into a sunset. It’s a sensational setting for the ultimate family vacation.

Explore mangrove estuaries and look for ospreys or roseate spoonbills. Follow the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, which was charted 2,000 years ago by the Calusa Indians. History buffs should also visit the Mound House, the oldest standing structure on Estero Island, resting on an ancient Calusa Indian Mound.

Make time to tour the legendary 130-year-old Sanibel Lighthouse and wander the historic city of Fort Myers settled as a Seminole War Post in 1841.

Charter a cruise and island hop to the county’s 100-plus barrier and coastal islands. Check out Cabbage Key, known for its “cheeseburger in paradise.”

Those who visit during the holiday season enjoy all kinds of festive merriment. See the annual Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade. Cheer for the folks in Captiva Holiday Village’s Golf Cart Parade. Take part in the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Holiday Nights in December at the original summer homes of two of the most prolific American inventors.

Experience the wonder of Captiva Holiday Village. The island mounts a three-week-plus celebration, which kicks off Thanksgiving weekend and includes decorating and tree-lighting festivities, trolley rides, singing on the beach and special accommodation packages.

Have some holiday shopping to do? Explore the outlet malls of Tanger and Miromar, or find one-of-a-kind gifts at the small boutiques on Sanibel and Captiva islands. Visit historic downtown Fort Myers and its unique shops and popular restaurants.

For a special dining experience, treat the family to an evening at the Bubble Room on Captiva and watch the train chug above the tables while eating award-winning desserts. Nearby, enjoy a drink and toast a sunset at the famous Mucky Duck.

Travel Planner

For your year-end getaway, visit FortMyers-Sanibel.com to order your free Lonely Planet guidebook and to sign up for their exclusive eNewsletters.