17 Best Shopping in The Lower Gulf Coast, Florida

Expect the unexpected in wildlife art, where fish, sea turtles, and other creatures are depicted with utmost creativity and touches of whimsy. If you're looking for souvenirs above and beyond the usual, or unique jewelry, paintings, sculptures, and pottery—this is the place.

This open-air shopping center has about 40 stylish boutiques and specialty stores, some of Fort Myers's best restaurants and bars, and 20 movie screens.

A 500-acre planned community is home to one of the area's largest shopping complexes, with more than 140 stores, including upscale boutiques and big-box retailers, as well as plenty of big-name restaurants. There's a boardwalk for a breather between impulse purchases and a castle-theme kids' play area.

The city's largest indoor (and air-conditioned) mall houses several major department stores and some 160 specialty shops.

Just east of downtown, more than 900 vendors sell new and used goods Friday through Sunday 9–5. Its music hall hosts live entertainment.

Started in 1904, this downtown shop stocks pricey-but-pretty linens.

This retail and dining megacomplex includes a 130,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops, as well as as a Ron Jon Surf Shop, Target, Costco, Golf Galaxy, and movie theaters.

This is the destination in Naples for ultra-high-end designer women's wear.

This complex includes Adidas, Guess, Michael Kors, Nike, Nautica, and more than 140 other stores and eateries, plus a free Playland for kids.

The largest complex of outdoor Sanibel shopping has 26 shops in a parklike setting on 7 acres. Fountains, gazebos, and a playground make it even more family-friendly.

This shop sells personal and home accessories with a sense of humor, style, and a decidedly local flair.

Among the island's cache of shell shops, this one is favored by serious collectors and crafters because of its reasonable prices and the knowledgeable family that runs it. It's super easy to find, located right on the main drag.

At She Sells Sea Shells, everything imaginable is made from shells, from mirrors to lamps to Christmas ornaments. The owner wrote the book on shell art, and you can buy it here. You can also purchase local shells, like the prized junonia and pick up a T-shirt at a fair price.

Naples's ladies who lunch often donate their year-old Armani outfits and fine collectibles to this terrific thrift shop whose proceeds benefit the Shelter for Abused Women & Children.

Near Fifth Avenue South, a collection of tin-roof former boat docks along Naples Bay has more than 30 boutiques, eateries, and souvenir shops, with everything from jewelry and T-shirts to Jet Ski rentals and seafood.

Stroll along the classy boutiques that line the water's edge, and grab a bite at one of the excellent restaurants, all with fantastic views.

More than four dozen upscale stores as well as eateries wrap around a series of waterfalls, waterways, and shaded open-air promenades. Saks 5th Avenue and Nordstrom are the main anchors; Tiffany & Co., De Beers, Ralph Lauren, and St. John are in the mix.