Rural beginnings have given way to a growing neighborhood with hiking trails, sailing lessons, and shell hunts at The Shell Factory and Nature Park. This longtime attraction is just one reason to get off the beaten path and head north.

On the northern shore of the Caloosahatchee River, North Fort Myers is a refreshing blend of town and country. The lush landscape exudes true Southern ambience, thanks to moss-draped oaks, inviting horse farms and tropical riverbanks. Be sure to plan a visit to ECHO Global Farm and Rosy Tomorrows Heritage Farm.

On inland nature trails, horseback riding is a unique way to explore the landscape and observe local wildlife. If you're ready to hit the water, rent a powerboat or charter a cruise from one of the local marinas to explore uninhabited islands and quiet coves to cast lines for fish. You can even paddle from one end of the county to the other along the Great Calusa Blueway, the marked and GPS-plotted coastal waterway trail with access points along the Caloosahatchee River.

A frequent visitor to local waters, the manatee remains one of nature's most shy and gentle mammals. Warm inland waters attract these endangered animals upriver where you can view them in a natural setting. Observe these gentle giants aboard a nature cruise. Some tours net tiny creatures from the sea for your up-close examination along with sighting dolphins and local birds.

No visit is complete without a stop at The Shell Factory, home to the world's largest collection of shells and coral. Seaside treasures found here fascinate kids for hours.