The Lower Gulf Coast Feature

Heavenly beaches: Whether you go to the beach to sun, swim, gather shells, or watch the sunset, the region's Gulf of Mexico beaches rank among the best.

Edison & Ford winter estates: A rare complex of two famous inventors' winter homes comes complete with botanical-research gardens, Edison's lab, and a museum.

Island hopping: Rent a boat or jump aboard a charter for lunch, picnicking, beaching, or shelling on a subtropical island adrift from the mainland.

Naples shopping: Flex your buying power in downtown Naples's charming shopping districts or in lush outdoor centers around town.

Watch for wildlife: On the edge of Everglades National Park, the region protects vast tracts of fragile land and water where you can see alligators, manatees, dolphins, roseate spoonbills, and hundreds of other birds.