It’s not surprising that Southwest Florida is largely viewed as a beach destination. With miles of sand stretching from Marco Island north to Englewood and the Gulf of Mexico lapping alluringly along the shoreline, it’s obvious why they garner a lot of attention – pretty things always do.
But if you delve deeper, lots of treasures will reveal themselves. Knowing what you are looking at makes the experience more rewarding. That’s why local tour guides are invaluable in sharing the area’s history, abundant flora, fauna and traditions that contribute to the region’s quirky charm. On occasion, that may require heading indoors, at least temporarily. Here are some of the museums in the area that can help you see beyond the beaches.
BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM & AQUARIUM / COURTESY PHOTO
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium
What is it? This museum and aquarium offer a scientific approach to shells with exhibits devoted to everything associated with shells, mollusks and their ecosystems.
What’s there? In addition to exhibits within the museum and the aquarium, there are lectures, classes (including one that helps you obtain Shell Ambassador certification), field education and monthly after-hours aquarium experiences, including a tour, light snacks and beverages.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day
Admission: $12 for 18 and older; $10 for veterans and those 65 and older; $5 for children 5-11; free for members, those under 5 and active military.
Etc.: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel; 239-395-2233; shellmuseum.org.
The Baker Museum
ARTIS—NAPLES, THE BAKER MUSEUM / ROSEBUDZ PRODUCTIONS / COURTESY PHOTO
What’s there? Three stories of American modern and contemporary, and ancient Chinese art, a glass-dome conservatory and an extensive outdoor sculpture garden. Tours are available to visit the sculpture garden and the museum.
2025 highlights: Don’t miss the mind-bending glass sculptures of the Dale Chihuly Collection. The museum is home to four of his dynamic, large-scale works, including “Blue Icicle Chandelier,” “Red Chandelier,” “Red Reeds” and “Persian Seaform Ceiling.” Through June 15: “Rafael Lozano-Hemmer” showcases the works of the Mexican Canadian artist who integrates art, science, architecture and technology in his creations. “Obra Sonora” is Spanish for “sound work.” March 8-Sept. 21: “Entangled in the Mangroves” focuses on 10 Florida-based artists who explore aspects of the Everglades with a focus on climate change. The exhibition aims to heighten awareness of the critical situation we find ourselves in. It also aims to foster connections among artists, activists, Indigenous communities, scientists and scholars to develop solutions that benefit all.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Admission: $10 for adults; $5 for full-time students and active military (with ID); $1 for those receiving SNAP EBT benefits; free for children 17 and younger and Friends of Artis-Naples.
Etc.: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples; 239-597-1111; artisnaples.org/baker-museum.
Bob Rauschenberg Gallery at Florida SouthWestern State College
That Bob Rauschenberg? Yes, the world-renowned artist Robert Rauschenberg lived and worked in Southwest Florida. His complex on Captiva Island was a mecca for fellow artists and aspiring ones. The college operated The Gallery of Fine Art, which opened in 1979. Over 25 years, the artist built a relationship with the Florida SouthWestern gallery, resulting in 15 Rauschenberg exhibits there. The gallery was renamed in his honor in 2004.
What’s there? Modern and contemporary artists and their works. The “David BRADSHAW & William S. BURROUGHS: Propagation” exhibit continues through April 12. Propagation means the act or process of spreading, although it’s often taken to mean the spread of damaging messages and dangerous ideologies, viruses and other negative acts. Beyond the propagation of self, form or concepts are challenging societal norms and confronting personal demons. The works in this show illustrate how the artists used unconventional tools (including dynamite, firearms and a bowling ball canon) and chance-based operations to bring about new artistic forms.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The gallery is closed on Sundays, federal holidays and when there is no exhibit.
Admission: Free
Etc.: 8099 College Pkwy., Fort Myers; 239-489-9313; rauschenberggallery.com.
CMON Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
What is it? An experiential space where children take an active role in whatever exhibit they visit. That means the ubiquitous phones and tablets get stored. Help kids prepare for kindergarten and participate in an art workshop.
2025 highlights: Through May 11: Italy comes to Naples (Florida) in “Ciao Bambini!” an immersive educational experience designed to transport children and their families to Italian life, history, culture and art. Young chefs can learn to cook in a ristorante, learn about pasta making in a charming Italian home, toss a coin into the wishing fountain, learn basic Italian phrases and more.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday; closed Wednesday.
Admission: $25 for general; $18 for Florida residents; $13 for military and first responders; $3 for EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders. Children younger than 1 year and teachers admitted without charge.
Etc.: 15080 Livingston Road, Naples; 239-514-0084; cmon.org.
— Fort Myers’ children’s museum is the IMAG History & Science Center at 2000 Cranford Ave. just east of downtown off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard; theimag.org.
Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center
What is it? A chronological journey through the nightmare of the Holocaust, illustrating Jewish life between the two world wars, the rise of the Nazi party and the ethnic cleansing using concentration and slave labor camps. The trial leads to liberation by the Allies and the aftermath of the Nuremberg trials. The museum houses more than 1,000 photographs and artifacts related to World War II and the Holocaust.
2025 highlight: Through June 1: “Convincing the Masses: Propaganda at Home and Abroad” explores the use of Nazi propaganda during World War II and how to recognize what may be biased information by checking on the information source.
Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday
Admission: $13 online; $15 at the door.
Etc.: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Naples; 239-263-9200; hmcec.org.
ANDREA STETSON / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Wonder Gardens
What is it? Colorful kitsch and a glimpse into Old Florida, as well as seeing the rescued non-releasable birds and reptiles for whom it serves as a refuge.
Highlights: This almost 90-year-old roadside attraction in Bonita Springs began as The Reptile Gardens, later changing to the Everglades Wonder Gardens but the Everglades part was dropped since it’s near the Everglades but not in them. Now operated by a not-for-profit board, the focus is on caring for rescued, rehabilitated animals that cannot survive in the wild. That includes roughly 300 residents, including flamingos, macaws, Florida alligators, turtles and tortoises. There are educational programs and field trips. Then, the lush gardens, towering banyans and other flora make a stroll on the grounds seem wonderful.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
Admission: $15 for those 13-64; $10 for children 3-12; $10 for ages 65 and older; free for children younger than 3.
Etc.: 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs; 239-992-2591; wondergardens.org.
— Naples Botanical Garden also celebrates and protects Southwest Florida’s native flora (and other subtropical and tropical flora around the world), as does the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda. Find out more at naplesgarden.org and peacerivergardens.org.
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