Matador Network's Blog, page 1336

Rent a car or take an uber?

Transport doesn’t stop once your plane parks at the gate. It merely shifts from air to ground, and a wide collection of options present themselves. While hotel shuttles, private buses, and public transit can be researched in advance and generally offer a solid ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer, when it comes to affordability and feasibility, one big debate looms: is it cheaper to rent a car or take a ride-share with a platform such as Uber? On a broad scale, it is impossible to claim that one is cheaper, better, or more appropriate than the other. It all comes to down to specific situations and locations. Let’s break it down.

How much does it cost to rent a car?

The simple answer is that it varies, a lot. The location, the make and model of vehicle, and the car rental company you use are all factors that will impact the price. To make matters even more frustrating, there are often multiple price points for the same car at the same rental shop in the same city. If you’re a member of a rewards program such as Hertz Club or Avis Preferred, for example, odds are you can snag a cheaper rate than a non-member. Also, prices tend to be higher during the week than on the weekend. Sometimes, even age plays a factor in car-rental cost — a 50-year-old with a long driving history can command a lower rate from certain companies than a 25-year-old. Advance booking makes a big difference as well — walking up to the counter is going to land you the most expensive rate possible.

But, what really matters in making a choice between renting a car and using ride-hailing app is how many miles you plan to travel. The general formula starts with a strong lean towards ride shares, with the pendulum moving towards rental cars the more miles you drive.

Let’s run through a quick scenario: You’re flying into Kansas City for the weekend. (We picked Kansas City for two reasons: the airport is located 25-30 minutes from the city center, which is typical in both American and international cities. Additionally, median transit costs in Kansas City can be easily shifted to other US cities.)

You plan to stay downtown the first night, eating and checking out the nightlife within walking distance of the hotel. An Uber ride from the airport costs $30.

But the next day your group hopes to head over to the Kansas side for BBQ. Your Uber ride out there costs $9 each way, plus $7 for three additional sightseeing stops. Your total Uber bill sits at $69. That night, you take an Uber out to a restaurant during peak hours, costing another $30 round trip.

With an Avis reservation made two weeks in advance, you’re looking at about $115 for three days in a compact car, so you’d have saved money by renting a car. But if you were to stay downtown throughout your stay and make cheap use of public transit, Uber would have cost you about half as much a car rental.

A quick note on international car rentals

International car rentals are typically more expensive than Uber, partly because insurance laws vary by country. In Costa Rica, for example, most car rental companies require international tourists to buy mandatory insurance before they are allowed to rent a vehicle from them. Whether or not you have comprehensive coverage back home in the US, the company will not rent you a car unless you buy the insurance that they require. This is not a legal requirement implemented by the country, it is a policy of the individual car rental company itself. This typically adds upwards of $20 per day onto the total cost of your rental, and is often not included in the original quote (which may appears to be quite cheap).

Many countries, including Italy and Indonesia, require an international driver’s permit. Additionally, most US car insurance companies provide limited or no coverage beyond Canada or Mexico, with coverage in Mexico often being extremely limited. The burden of buying additional insurance often tips the hat in favor of using Uber or a local ride-sharing platform such as Grab in Asia, at least when it comes to cost.

When making travel plans, research the car rental regulations in the country you are heading to before taking off. Hidden fees and requirements at the checkout counter are a real bummer when you aren’t expecting them.

So, which is the best option?

The biggest factor you can employ when deciding whether it’s cheaper to rent a car or take Uber is how many stops you plan to make, and the total miles driven. Frequent stops skyrocket the total cost of ride sharing, while in a rental car the only added cost is the additional gas you’ll have to put in the tank before returning the vehicle. On the contrary, if you can get around on foot, bike, or with public transit throughout most of your trip and only need a car to get between a couple spots across town, Uber is the way to go.


More like this: What your Uber driver really thinks of you

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The world's best cities for cats

You’ve never missed posting a picture of your kitty every #caturday, you’ve bought your cat a custom bowtie, and you’ve had more than one relationship end because the other person was a “dog person.” You’re cat obsessed, and you’re starting to feel like people where you live don’t embrace this passion. It’s time to move to one of these cities, who celebrate the cuteness of felines better than anywhere else in the world.

1. Rome, Italy

Photo: Sophie Lenoir

With the exception of pampered pets around the world, the strays and outdoor cats of Rome are probably the most well fed. While some of us might discard a little meat, fish, or milk from time to time for the creatures that come meowing at our back door, Italians have been known to leave (at least partial) plates of pasta on the street for their stray cats.

2. Istanbul, Turkey

Photo: S-F

There are many theories as to why the Turkish people are particularly kind, even reverent, towards their cat population. But rather than question the origin of such behavior, let’s just appreciate the fact that cats are treated exceptionally well in Turkey. While strays in many countries can be a little mangy and in poor health, the ones on the streets of Istanbul tend to be (in most cases anyway) well groomed and fed, thanks to the care of locals and shopkeepers.

3. Houtong Cat Village, Taiwan

Photo: Winzy Lee/Shutterstock

Island nations seem to bring out the best in cats, and nowhere is this more evident than in Taiwan’s Houtong Cat Village just outside of Taipei. What started as a type of refuge for abandoned cats ten years ago has evolved into a full-blown remake of the town’s image. Now, there are even signs warning drivers to beware of all the strays — the cats rule the roads.

4. St. Petersburg, Russia

Photo: Rika-sama/Shutterstock

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg boasts one of the longest histories (short of ancient Egypt) of caring for kitties. The museum has around 74 cats living on the grounds, and the kitchen even prepares them individualized foods. These felines have been in the palace since the 18th century to control the mice and rats, and today the cats can even be adopted by visitors.

5. Tokyo, Japan

Photo: Piti Sirisriro/Shutterstock

Photo: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-ph...

The entire country of Japan is so full of cat lovers that picking one spot is tough, but you’ll be inundated with cat paraphernalia, cat imagery and actual cats no matter where you go in Tokyo. From shops displaying manekineko (beckoning cats), to Hello Kitty paraphernalia, to cat cafes where patrons can spend an entire afternoon playing with kitties, Tokyo is the number one destination for cat lovers. If you go a little farther than the capital city though, there’s even whole islands that are swarmed by them.


Handcrafted Japanese furniture for your cat

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Where to eat at the best museums

We visit museums to view that new exhibit everyone’s been talking about, to avoid a rainy day at home, or to see our favorite artists’ work up close. Strolling through the halls of a museum can work up an appetite, yet we often overlook the culinary works of art being plated at museum restaurants all across the country. Whether you’re grabbing a bite before or after your visit, stop by any one of these exceptional museum restaurants.

The American Sector, National WWII Museum, New Orleans, Louisiana

Photo: The American Sector

This very newly renovated restaurant opened with a large, breezy terrace overlooking Magazine Street and a renovated bar mixing up G.I. Punch and Bloody Mary’s. The American Sector also debuted with a new themed menu matching the museum’s patriotic mission. The chefs are cooking up American dishes like “On the Home Front Meatloaf,” as well as Southern food classics like a fried chicken biscuit and Frito pie.

chez louie, Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada

Photo: chez louie

This insanely cool Reno museum is located in the city’s funky downtown center, and is home to a French-inspired restaurant serving fresh salads and healthy options like veggie tacos, smoked turkey sandwiches, and omelettes au fromage. The seating is modern and vibrant and the food tasty yet affordable. On Sundays, they host a Music Brunch with crème brûlée French toast and brisket Benedict.

SO, Aspen Art Museum, Aspen, Colorado

Photo: SO at Aspen Art Museum

With drop dead gorgeous views of Aspen Mountain and Independence Pass, you could spend hours looking out over the mountaintops, sipping wine, and eating an artisanal cheese board. The menu at SO changes weekly and often includes a creative salad and sandwich option built with local ingredients.

M. Wells Dinette, MoMA PS1, Long Island City, New York

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The 10 most fashionable US cities with the best street style

It is said that the US is a melting pot, and one place that is clearly apparent is in our style. On the streets, people express their histories, culture, opinions, and ideas through what they wear. Whether they’re dressing to impress or just for the weather, their style is as individual as the people themselves. Some areas of the country have become famous for their fashionable forms of self-expression; here are the US cities, large and small, with the best street style.

1. New York City, New York

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Gritty, edgy and fast, New York is unquestionably the capital city of US high fashion. But those not into, or able to afford, haute couture look across the East River to progressive Brooklyn for realistic inspiration. In neighborhoods like Williamsburg, the glam of the city scene is shunned but its creativity is embraced. People here aren’t afraid to take chances with bold colors and shapes, untraditional silhouettes and gender-neutral styles, making almost anything wearable — for anyone.

2. Los Angeles, California

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For a while, Los Angeles fashion ping-ponged between movie star couture and booty-enhancing yoga pants, but in recent years a bright, fresh and decidedly relaxed style has emerged. In the outlying neighborhoods of Fullerton and Corona, California fashion is about taking what’s old and making it new again by adding a modern twist. Here you’ll find casual thrift store clothes paired with designer finds, high-energy activewear, and a real fine pair of sneakers. LA street looks can certainly be fierce, but overall consider them coastal bohemian at its most refined.

3. Nashville, Tennessee

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Big hair and sparkles may dominate the stages of Nashville’s country music scene, but its street style is decidedly more diverse: a little bit country, a little bit rock n’ roll, a little bit classy, a little bit hillbilly. In the neighborhoods of trendy East Nashville, tattoos are more plentiful than rhinestones and worn Stetsons replace the industry bling. It’s almost a country hippie vibe, with worn denim and flowing dresses as staples and well-worn boots bringing soul to the streets of this polished country city.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

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The people of Atlanta know how to dress. Fashion is not an afterthought in this leafy city and neighborhoods such as Decatur and Inman Park boast a colorful, and decidedly un-traditional, fashion scene. Folks on the street aren’t afraid to take risks with going all out: edgy modern ensembles, full on “Southern prep” looks, or brilliant hip-hop excess.

5. San Francisco, California

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Your avocado obsession is now causing a drought in Chile

If you’re not an avocado addict, you’re either lying or at least know someone who is. Whether it’s avocado toast, avocado smoothies or even avocado Margaritas, the superfood is more popular than ever, with demand for avocados in the UK rising by 27 percent just last year, according to The Guardian. For true connoisseurs — or millennials looking for an Instagram picture — there’s even an entire museum dedicated to avocados in California. But while we may not think twice about our obsession with this healthy fruit, it’s actually harming the region from which many avocados are grown.

The Petorca province in Chile is one of the world’s most prolific producers of avocados. Three hours north of Santiago, the province is completely covered in avocado plantations. Due to high demand, however, especially among UK supermarket chains like Tesco and Lidl, many of these plantations are installing illegal pipes and wells to divert water from rivers, to better-irrigate their crops. Villagers claim that this has caused the rivers to dry up, resulting in a drought, and that residents must now resort to truck-delivered, often contaminated water.

Local Chilean activists are also blaming the avocado plantation owners for destroying the area’s cultural identity. The dominant avocado industry has made it difficult for smaller farmers to cultivate land or raise animals, so local farmers are going elsewhere. Rodrigo Mundaca, an activist with the environmental organization Modatima, says “our province is aging, the young are moving to the cities and many of the men are going to look for work in the mines of the North…life is becoming unbearable.”

Avocado plantation owners have tried to curry favor with the public by building churches, community centers, and football fields. However, they’re threatening to cease funding these developments if the anti-avocado activism continues. Mundaca claims that his activism has even earned him a few death threats.

Avocado enthusiasm doesn’t look like it’s dying down anytime soon, but supermarkets are being held increasingly accountable to ensure safe production practices.

H/T: The Guardian

More like this: You can now visit an entire museum devoted to avocados, millennials

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JetBlue’s insane Memorial Day sale has $20 flights right now

If you’re looking for the perfect budget vacation this summer, but struggling to find something affordable, JetBlue’s new sale has you covered. In honor of Memorial Day, from now through 11:59pm EST tonight, the airline is offering tickets for as low as $20 for over a dozen one-way domestic and international flights.

Some great domestic options include Boston to New York City for $20, NYC to New Orleans for $50, or NYC to San Francisco for only $80. As for international options, you can fly Fort Lauderdale to Havana for $70, NYC to Cancun for $80, or Hartford CT to San Juan for $80. Sort by price and city to find the vacation that best suits your needs.

As with all cheap flight promotions, this sale comes with a few restrictions. Fares are only available for specific flights on specific dates. Also, since all prices are for JetBlue’s standard “Blue” fare, you’ll have to pay extra for any checked bags.

Explore all your options, but don’t be too indecisive. The deal disappears at midnight, so make sure you buy your tickets while you still can.

H/T: Thrillist

More like this: The 10 best airlines to travel in economy

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9 beachfront hotels you can actually afford

Being able to drift off to the sound of the ocean and roll out of bed onto the sand sounds idyllic, but staying in beachfront hotels often comes with a hefty price tag. If the idea of enjoying breakfast in bed with a view of the sea sounds appealing, we’ve curated a list of beachfront hotels from around the world that won’t break the bank. From the laid-back island life of Bali to the exotic hidden beaches of Hawaii, these chic, yet affordable hotels are perfect for a coastal escape.

1. Dreamsea Surf Resort Bali, Indonesia

Whether you like to surf, or practice yoga, or simply lie on the beach, Dreamsea Surf Resort Bali is the ultimate place to reset and get off the grid.

Photo: Dreamsea Surf Camp

Located south of Kuta, the boutique eco-sustainable hotel features stylish and spacious bohemian rooms on the beachfront. The resort literally hangs from the cliffs and neighbors some of the best waves in the world, namely Padang Padang and Impossibles.

Photo: Dreamsea Surf Camp

There are a variety of rooms starting from dorms that accommodate four people to private suites with ocean views. Every room tells a different story, with furnishing and detail that is designed and handpicked with love by their interior designer.

Photo: Dreamsea Surf Camp

Dorms start from $24 USD/night and private suites start from $82 USD/night. If you plan to opt for their surfing lessons, you may want to select their weekly packages instead.

2. Hotel Tamariu, Tamariu, Spain

Warm weather, combined with secluded stretches of golden sand, has made Spain’s Costa Brava one of the most popular coastlines in Europe. Despite it being a beloved destination for tourists, you can still experience the allure of the Mediterranean in the scenic village of Tamariu.

Photo: Hotel Tamariu

Hotel Tamariu is a family-run hotel which favors simple and elegant decor, leaving the focus to land on its best feature: the view. The property has a homely appeal and is peppered with nice personal touches. If strolling on the beach doesn’t make you fall in love with Tamariu, you can always book activities like sea kayaking and diving from the hotel.

Photo: Hotel Tamariu

The rooms here start from $140 USD/night and often get booked way in advance during peak season. Don’t forget to enjoy their Catalan delicacies during lunch and dinner in the restaurant.

3. Hotel Odisej Mljet, Mljet, Croatia

A short ferry ride from Dubrovnik and yet a world away from its cosmopolitan hustle, Mijet is the southernmost of the South Dalmatian islands of Croatia.

Photo: Adriatic Luxury Hotels

Located in the pine and oak forest of Mljet National Park is Hotel Odisej Mljet.

Photo: Adriatic Luxury Hotels

This luxurious property has a range of rooms, from classic doubles to executive suites, and dining venues that offer breathtaking ocean views.

Photo: Adriatic Luxury Hotels

The island is famous for hiking and biking trails and you can always treat yourself to a massage or a sauna after a day of activities.

Their classic rooms start from $52 USD/night, but if you want to splurge you can go for one of the two executive suites with sea view and balcony that start at $100 USD/night. From souvenir shops and excursions to kayak rentals, Hotel Odisej proves that you don’t need to break your bank to enjoy luxury.

4. Tamu Hotel, Otres Beach, Cambodia

One hour flight (or a rather bumpy bus ride) away from Siem Riep is the port town of Sihanoukville. Despite Cambodia’s increasing tourism, pockets of the coast have managed to preserve some of their fishing village charm.

Photo: Tamu Cambodia

A step up from the basic bungalows of Sihanoukville, the Tamu Hotel is a boutique property on the Otres beach that aims to redefine the “barefoot chic” spirit.

Photo: Tamu Cambodia

The rooms are modern and minimalistic with polished concrete floors. The standard rooms start from $80 USD/night and offer direct access to the pool, a private patio with daybeds, and a private Balinese outdoor shower.

Photo: Tamu Cambodia

The deluxe rooms start from $110 USD/night for a spacious room with a private sandy garden. They are the closest to the beach and have a comfortable sofa that can be easily turned into a bed. The hotel also offers various activities like zip lining, paddle boarding, and even day trips to Koh Rong Island.

5. Villa Serena, Las Galeras, Samaná, Dominican Republic

The capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is often referred to as the “First city of the New World” as it was home to the first street, cathedral, university, and hospital in the Americas. A three-hour scenic drive from the Santo Domingo, in Samaná, lies Villa Serena.

Photo: Villa Serena

Set on a secluded beach on the bay of Las Galeras, this elegant villa features 21 rooms that are spacious and tastefully decorated in a Victorian style.

Photo: Villa Serena

For families and groups, there are vacation rentals available right on the beach.

Photo: Villa Serena

The villa also offers yoga and wellness retreats and a range of outdoor activities like zip lining, diving, and caving. In the low season (April-November) rooms start from $110/night and in the high season, rooms start from $120 USD/night.

6. Hotel Goulielmos, Santorini, Greece

Santorini’s white-washed buildings, magnificent sunsets, churches built on steep cliffs, and deep blue water have made it one of the most desirable coastal vacation spots in Europe. Finding a beach hotel in Santorini within budget is no joke, but if you book well in advance you might be in luck.

Photo: Photocreo Michal Bidnarek

Set on a cliff at a distance of 7 km from Santorini airport, Hotel Goulielmos is a traditional style boutique hotel, only 500 meters from Caldera Beach and Akrotiri Village.

Photo: Hotel Goulielmos Santorini

The hotel contains 27 spacious rooms, some with garden view and some with the views of the Caldera and the Aegean Sea. Their superior double rooms also come with a mini private terrace for you to enjoy a glass of wine with the ocean vista and soak in the essence of Santorini.

Photo: Hotel Goulielmos Santorini

The standard garden view rooms start from $107 USD/night and the Caldera view rooms start from $202 USD/night. Don’t forget to take a short drive to the lively town of Fira when you are here.

7. El Rio Y Mar Resort, Coron, Palawan, Philippines

Photo: Scott Sporleder

Over the last few years, Philippines has become one of hottest destinations in southeast Asia, and Coron and El Nido are the two most popular getaways. Coron is well known for soft white sand beaches and hidden lagoons with turquoise water, the most famous one being Kayangan Lake. The black karsts bursting out of the water is truly a sight you are not likely to forget. The award-winning El Rio y Mar Resort is located in the mountains, within regions of Busuanga Island and San Nicolas Barangay.

Photo: El Rio Y Mar Resort

The resort offers five different types of rooms. Their casa rooms are built with a modern decor and warm lighting and their cabanas are classic cabins built with cedar wood. The mountain backdrop and ocean views come at a reasonable price of $75 USD/night depending on the season. Don’t forget to take a trip to the famous underwater shipwrecks while you are there.

8. El Sitio de Playa Venao, Pedasi, Panama

Panama is considered the bridge of the Americas and is only about 2.5 hours away from Miami. In the southern Azuero Peninsula lies Playa Venao, one of Panama’s best surf spots with balanced, even waves that are suitable for beginners and professionals.

Photo: El Sitio de playa venao

El Sitio Hotel is right on the shore of Playa Venao, which makes it easy to surf, swim, or simply sunbathe. From Albrook airport in Panama City, Air Panama are offering two daily flights to nearby Chitré. These flights take about 25 minutes ($62 USD). From here an hour of taxi ride will land you at Playa Venao.

Photo: El Sitio de playa venao

The accommodation here ranges from basic twin rooms to sunrise or sunset suites, but their latest addition is the Lighthouse Apartment, featuring a 360-degree lookout of the bay and furnished with its own kitchen, bedroom, and living room.

Photo: El Sitio de playa venao

While people mainly come here to surf, the hotel also provides numerous other options like mangroves stand up paddling, whale watching (August-November), zipline canopy tour, horseback riding, deep water fishing, and kite surfing, to name a few. The basic rooms here start from $99 USD/night with a minimum stay of two nights. The lighthouse usually starts from $190/night.

9. Dom José Beach Hotel, Algarve, Portugal

Photo: Carmen Huter.

Portugal’s southern region is a beautiful blend of stunning architectural sights and natural attractions such as its jaw-dropping cliffs and caves. The Algarve has become the go-to European destination for surfers, cultural purists, and all travelers who want to get away from it all without compromising on modern conveniences. The Dom José Beach Hotel at Quarteira beach allows you to do just that.

Photo: Dom José Beach Hotel

A mere five meters from the beach, the family-run three-star accommodation has rooms with oak wood flooring, modern decor, and an option of sea view or city view.

Photo: Dom José Beach Hotel

Many also come with a private balcony that overlooks the ocean. The rooms here start from $110 USD/night and there are plenty of opportunities to play tennis, golf, or go horse riding near the hotel.

More like this: 36 epic beach hotels to visit before you die

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Southwest’s is having a summer sale with flights as low as $55

Summer can be one of the most expensive times to travel in the US, especially around Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day holidays. It’s common for airlines to hike up their prices by as much as $400 during the summer months, and oftentimes you have no choice but to pay. Luckily, Southwest has an alternative. Their “Summer of $69” sale includes peak summer travel to and from dozens of major U.S. airports. Despite its name, you can actually find flights for even cheaper than $69 — as low as $55, actually.

This deal only applies to flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, from mid-June through November 3, 2018. While there are a few blackout dates around Labor Day weekend, they only affect flights to/from Florida and Nevada.

Some of the best routes include Nashville to Atlanta for $130 round trip, Austin to New Orleans for $166, El Paso to Los Angeles for $180, Tampa to Memphis for $196 and Seattle to San Diego for $212

Chances are if you’ve waited this long to book summer travel, you’re a procrastinator, so don’t make the same mistake and let this deal slide. To secure your last minute summer vacay, book tickets directly through Southwest by 11:59 pm on May 31.

H/T: airfarewatchdog

More like this: How to hack buying your flight to get the best price, according to an expert

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German teen finds viking treasure

Imagine strolling along with your metal detector, and finding a treasure trove of Bluetooth gear. Well, that’s exactly what happened to 13-year-old Luca Malaschnitschenko. While using his metal detector in a field on Rügen, a German island in the Baltic Sea, Luca stumbled across a medieval treasure that happened to belong to a Viking called “Bluetooth”. No, it wasn’t a heap of Bluetooth headsets, earpieces, and speakers, but around 600 coins, a Thor’s hammer, and some brooches, pearls, and necklaces.

Buried #Viking treasure and King Bluetooth–@winroth_anders, professor of medieval history @Yale @yale_history, discusses the biggest cache of Bluetooth coins discovered. #archaeology #history https://t.co/uqIeLGkink (photo by Stefan Sauer AFP/Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/TEAaPOSIAo

— Top of Mind (@BYUTop) May 9, 2018

Harald Blåtand Gormsson, nicknamed “Bluetooth” because of his dead tooth that had a bluish tint, was a Viking who ruled over Denmark in the 10th century. He is credited with converting the Danes to Christianity, and being a unifying force in Denmark. At the end of his life, he was driven out of Denmark and escaped south to what is now the island of Rügen, where the treasure was found.

It may surprise you that the link between the familiar wireless technology and the Viking ruler is no coincidence. When Bluetooth creator Jim Kardach was developing the technology in 1996, he also happened to be reading about Vikings, and noticed an illustration of “King Bluetooth”, who had united the Danes. Wanting to capture this spirit of unification in his new technology, he decided to borrow the nickname as a codename for his project, and the name stuck. The Bluetooth icon is actually a mix of the letters H and B, the Viking’s initials.

This proves that it may still be worth pacing back and forth on the beach with a metal detector; you never know what history lies beneath.

H/T: History Channel

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Beach guide to Southwest Florida

The never-ending winter is finally over. The school year is drawing to a close. You hear that? Shhhhh. Listen. It’s the clinking of seashells tumbling in the waves, the distant call of a seagull, the squeak of bare toes as they sink into warm, white sand.

The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is calling. And there’s no time like the present to book your next trip, whether you fancy celebrating National Seashell Day, or just putting together a fun and memorable family vacation. If you’re not sure which sandy patch of Southwest Florida shoreline to make your home away from home, here’s your guide. There are no wrong decisions, just lazy, sun-kissed, oh-so-right ones.

Fort Myers Beach and Lovers Key

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

From the sawgrass-lined dunes of Bowditch Point Regional Park to the backbays and mangroves of Lovers Key State Park, the shores of Fort Myers Beach go far beyond the sandy variety — though there are plenty of those, too.

Bowditch Point Regional Park: This 17-acre preserve covers the entire north end of Fort Myers Beach. Free guided walks during the winter season will give you an inside look at the terrain’s ever-changing features, like the dunes and sandbars altered by storms and the inlets carved by shifting tides. On the back-bay side of Bowditch, tranquil water will lap at your feet as you watch the kids splash and play, and on the west side you’ll get Insta-worthy views of the Gulf of Mexico and neighboring Sanibel Island’s historic lighthouse.

When you’re tired of all that 360-degree sunbathing, head to nearby Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina for a cool drink by the waterpark-style pools or a bite from one of its award-winning restaurants. Pink Shell’s adjacent marina is the perfect place to test your skills as a boat captain, or to just chill out and watch the waves roll in. And their pool games and programs like Stargazing on the Beach will make it easy to spend fun time together as a family, if you’re traveling with the little ones.

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Lovers Key State Park: Way back when, these four barrier islands were only accessible by boat, making them the perfect spot for some alone time — hence the name. Nowadays, the boat is optional and you can meander on the park’s boardwalks or take the tram. These new additions haven’t made the area any less appealing for relaxed escapades, though, and you’ll find no shortage of spots to sit quietly and watch for manatees and bottlenose dolphins. And if you want to give your feet a rest, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bikes are all available for rent. If you opt for bikes, you can pedal to Black Island, where five more miles of trails await.

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Fort Myers Beach Pier: Stretching more than 500 feet out onto the water, the pier connects the edge of Times Square — the buzzy hub of Fort Myers Beach — with the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The beaches around the pier are lined with swimsuit-friendly restaurants and surf shops, as one would expect in any beach town worth its salt. Even better, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the mellow waters surrounding the pier. This is a perfect activity for the whole family, especially if you’re introducing the kids to paddling.

Roughly a 10-minute walk south, DiamondHead Beach Resort has some of the most stunning — and elevated — views of Fort Myers Beach. Here you’ll find delicious restaurants and recently renovated suites, where the hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether you want a view of the beach or the pool. Add in a beach concierge and guest bicycles to explore the coast and you’ve got yourself just one problem: never wanting to leave.

Sanibel Island

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Quiet and quaint — island law prohibits buildings taller than palm trees — Sanibel is ideal for getting into nature (and yes, that includes shell-laden beaches).

Causeway Islands Park: These two narrow strips of land, connected by the arching spans of the Sanibel Causeway bridge, join Sanibel Island to the mainland. But this busy thoroughfare has plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy some adventure, too — the area is popular with anglers who target the tarpon and drum fish hiding in the shade of the bridge. The open, windswept waters are also ideal for windsurfers and kite boarders, and rental companies on the mainland offer lessons in each. Or just park, pop open your tailgate, and enjoy a sandy sunset picnic from the comfort of your car.

When you’re finished, take the causeway back to the island for a stay at the classic Casa Ybel Beach Resort. Sitting on 23 acres of Sanibel’s most pristine white-sand beaches, Casa Ybel offers beachfront restaurants, sailing charters, and plenty of spots for some sunrise yoga. It’s also rated one of the top family resorts in North America, making it a great pick if the kids are tagging along.

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Lighthouse Park Beach: On the eastern tip of Sanibel, surrounded by seagrass-spiked dunes, stands the island’s only lighthouse. Built in 1884, the iron structure rises 98 feet into the sky. Its surrounding beaches are ideal for families, filled with shells for gathering, calm Gulf waters for swimming, and plenty of trees for shade. The beach wraps around to the north side of the island for views of San Carlos Bay and the causeway. Head the opposite direction along the shore for a stay at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, where your vacation can continue with more shell-lined beaches, tennis courts, golf, stand-up paddleboarding, and a full-service spa.

Bowman’s Beach: Isolated with nary a building in sight, Bowman’s is the beach for when you need to leave the world behind. The walk from the parking lot is about five minutes, but arriving at this expansive stretch of shell-studded sand makes it well worth it. Once you’re there, head in either direction and you’re sure to find a patch of beach all your own.

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

There’s an extensive shoreline here that’s ideal for seeking out Southwest Florida’s tremendous shell bounty, but if you can’t locate that junonia or lettered olive you were hoping for, head inland to the Shell Factory & Nature Park in North Fort Myers, where shells of all stripes can be treasured (and taken home). Though, as the name suggests, you’ll find a lot more than just shells here — see wild animals in the nature park, battle on bumper boats and ride the Soaring Eagle Zip Line at the fun park, and grab a meal at the onsite Capt’n Fishbones Bar & Grill. It pretty much sums up fun for the whole family. (For more shell-ducation, check out the Children’s Learning Lab at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel.)

Tip: Stay close to all the shell action at the Beach Cottages of Sanibel. Their one- and two-bedroom cottages are totally darling, literally steps from the Gulf, and you’re right on a bike path, too (rent onsite and you’re off!). This is one of the four properties of Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts, which has you covered no matter what your plans are for enjoying Sanibel Island and its neighbor to the north (more on that below).

Captiva Island

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Artsy, cozy, and easily walkable, Sanibel’s northern neighbor is home to warm Gulf waters and all the island time you need to enjoy them.

Captiva Beach: These wide expanses of sand lead right into the blue-green Gulf of Mexico. Waves tend to be a bit bigger here, making the area great for boogie-boarding and body surfing. Real surfers even dive in on stormy days when the winds are pushing just right.

Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Parking in the area is limited, making a stay at the nearby ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa even more appealing. It’s located near the narrowest point on the island (hence the name), with awesome drape-lined cabanas around its tranquil Serenity Pool (or have a splashier time at the Play Pool). Those wanting to go all-in can opt for parasailing, kayaking, or jet ski and boat rentals, each available onsite. ‘Tween Waters is also home to restaurants that offer everything from fine dining to casual lunches — including dining of the poolside, under-the-umbrella, cold-beer-in-hand variety. It’s like being in your backyard…just, you know, with one of the world’s most beautiful beaches steps from the door.

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