August brings a different rhythm to Naples and Southwest Florida—and that's part of what makes summer on Florida's Gulf Coast special.

From Naples beaches and boating to local restaurants, collector cars, shopping, sports, nature and family activities, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Southwest Florida lifestyle even after peak season winds down.

This month, we're taking you to a beautiful Naples beach, sharing a Southwest Florida brunch spot we visited ourselves, getting out on the water, admiring collector cars in North Naples, cheering on our hometown soccer team and exploring the natural side of the Paradise Coast.

Welcome to August.

Let's Experience the Gulf Coast.

The Toasted Yolk Café | Estero, Florida

Finding favorite local restaurants is part of living in Southwest Florida, and this month we're sharing one we've visited ourselves.
The Toasted Yolk Café in Estero serves breakfast, brunch and lunch, with morning favorites, Southern-inspired comfort food and plenty of options for a leisurely Southwest Florida brunch.
But this time, we're not just telling you about it.

Come along with us and see what we tried.

Cars & Coffee 239 | Mercato, North Naples
Sunday, August 16 | 9–11 AM

Naples has a serious automotive culture, and Cars & Coffee 239 gives Southwest Florida car enthusiasts and collectorsa reason to spend Sunday morning at Mercato.
Expect everything from exotic and classic cars to customs, motorcycles and enthusiast vehicles.
Grab a coffee, explore the lineup, then stay for brunch or shopping in North Naples.
It's another side of the Naples luxury lifestyle that we love highlighting.

Event Details

Cheer on FC Naples | Paradise Coast Sports Complex

Professional soccer has a home in Naples, Florida.
FC Naples gives residents and visitors another way to experience the local community and provides an entirely different option for a Southwest Florida night out.
Catch a home match, grab something to eat and make an evening of it.
Whether you're a dedicated soccer fan or simply looking for something different to do in Naples, add a match to your list.

Schedule + Tickets

One More Southwest Florida Summer Adventure

Before school schedules take over, make room for one more Southwest Florida family adventure.
Try a wildlife experience. Spend a morning on the water. Attend an FC Naples match. Explore a local attraction. Or simply visit a part of Naples or Southwest Florida your family hasn't experienced before.
You don't need to fill every weekend.
Make one more summer memory before fall begins.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Sometimes living in paradise means forgetting to enjoy it.
This August, do one thing you normally save for visitors.
Take the boat out.
Explore a new Naples beach.
Book an eco-tour.
Go to a soccer match.
Browse the shops and stay for lunch.
Visit a preserve.
Try a new Southwest Florida restaurant.
People travel from around the world to experience the Naples and Southwest Florida lifestyle.
Sometimes we just need a reminder to experience what's already in our backyard.

🎶 Friday Night

Downtown Fort Myers Music Walk

Friday, July 17 | 6–10 PM

Head downtown as local and regional musicians take over the streets with everything from jazz and blues to rock & roll. Music Walk is free to attend and makes an easy summer date night or evening out with friends. (Fort Myers)

Music Walk Details

🌿 Nature Discovery

CROW on Sanibel

Select Dates Through July 31

For nature and wildlife lovers, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife offers tours and presentations that provide a closer look at Southwest Florida's native wildlife and rehabilitation work. Upcoming listings include July 29 and July 31. (Fort Myers Beach Chamber)

Explore Upcoming CROW Events

🎸 Bonita Evening

Live Music at The Center Bar

July 28 & 29

Take an evening stroll through The Promenade at Bonita Bay and catch live music at The Center Bar. Happenings' July calendar lists Swamp Blues Band on July 28 and Josh Rowand on July 29. (Happenings Magazine | Southwest Florida)

See the July SWFL Event Calendar

📍 Mid-Month Local Tip

Summer plans work better on "SWFL time." Schedule beaches, boating, outdoor markets, and nature activities for the morning, then save restaurants, shopping, museums, and indoor attractions for later in the day when afternoon heat and storms are more likely.

A Letter From Our Family to Yours

Dear Friends,

If you’re reading this while dreaming about Southwest Florida—or maybe you’ve already booked your July trip—we’re so grateful you’re here. Thank you for spending a little part of your day with us.

July is one of our favorite months because it gives you the chance to experience Florida the way the locals do. The pace slows down, the sunsets somehow become even more magical, and there’s a certain charm that only summer brings.

A few friendly tips from your local insiders:

☀️ Bring your umbrella. Not because your whole day will be rainy, but because Florida loves to surprise us with a quick afternoon shower that usually disappears as fast as it arrived.

🍽️ Enjoy the luxury of not waiting in long restaurant lines. Summer is one of the best times to explore your new favorite local spots without the crowds.

🚗 You’ll quickly notice that getting around is a little easier this time of year. Those drives that can sometimes take longer during season become wonderfully simple, giving you more time to enjoy everything Southwest Florida has to offer.

🧥 And yes… pack a light sweater! We know—it sounds funny when it’s over 90 degrees outside. But trust us, our air conditioning deserves an award, and you’ll be reaching for that sweater while shopping, dining, or catching a movie.

🏖️ One of our favorite beach hacks: keep an extra bottle of water in your car. Before you hop back in after a day by the Gulf, pour a little over your feet. It washes away the sand and helps keep it where it belongs… at the beach instead of your floor mats. Your future self will thank you. 😉

🌴 Naples Luxury Lifestyle

July is a wonderful time to enjoy Naples with fewer crowds while still experiencing everything that makes the city special.

Don't miss:

• Fifth Avenue South boutiques
• Third Street South shopping
• Mercato dining
• Artis—Naples summer programming
• Naples Botanical Garden

Helpful links:

• Visit Naples Events Calendar
• Paradise Coast Events
• Artis—Naples Events

🐢 Living Well on the Gulf Coast

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Sea turtle nesting season continues throughout July.

Please remember:

• Fill in holes before leaving.
• Remove beach chairs and umbrellas.
• Keep lights low after sunset.
• Never disturb nesting turtles.

🚤 Boating & Coastal Living

Summer is boating season.

Remember:

• Check afternoon weather before heading out.
• Bring extra water.
• Watch for manatees in slower waterways.

Great resources:

• Visit Fort Myers Boating Guide

🍽️ Hidden Gem

SWFL Pick | The Bay House

One of Naples' best waterfront dining experiences, The Bay House offers a beautiful setting, exceptional seafood, and unforgettable sunset views. It's the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a great meal, and experience one of Southwest Florida's classic dining destinations.

Have you been here?

⭐ Tell us what you ordered!

🎨 Arts & Culture

Looking for something indoors?

Explore:

• Artis—Naples
• Naples Art Institute Events

Perfect for rainy afternoons.

🎇 Cape Coral – Red, White & BOOM!

Best Community Festival

Large regional celebration featuring live music, food trucks, family activities, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in Southwest Florida.

Highlights:

• One of the largest fireworks shows in the region
• Live entertainment and concerts
• Food trucks and vendors
• Family-friendly activities

🌴 Bonita Springs

Best for a Relaxed Celebration

Smaller, more local celebration with a slower pace.

Why you'll love it:

• Hometown feel
• Fewer crowds
• Family-friendly
• Easygoing holiday experience

🌅 SWFL Bucket List

This Month

☐ Watch a Naples sunset.

☐ Visit Barefoot Beach.

☐ Try a locally owned coffee shop.

☐ Explore Fifth Avenue South.

☐ Take a sunset boat cruise.

☐ Support a small local business.

A Letter From Our Family to Yours

Dear Friends,

If you’re reading this while dreaming about Southwest Florida—or maybe you’ve already booked your July trip—we’re so grateful you’re here. Thank you for spending a little part of your day with us.

July is one of our favorite months because it gives you the chance to experience Florida the way the locals do. The pace slows down, the sunsets somehow become even more magical, and there’s a certain charm that only summer brings.

A few friendly tips from your local insiders:

☀️ Bring your umbrella. Not because your whole day will be rainy, but because Florida loves to surprise us with a quick afternoon shower that usually disappears as fast as it arrived.

🍽️ Enjoy the luxury of not waiting in long restaurant lines. Summer is one of the best times to explore your new favorite local spots without the crowds.

🚗 You’ll quickly notice that getting around is a little easier this time of year. Those drives that can sometimes take longer during season become wonderfully simple, giving you more time to enjoy everything Southwest Florida has to offer.

🧥 And yes… pack a light sweater! We know—it sounds funny when it’s over 90 degrees outside. But trust us, our air conditioning deserves an award, and you’ll be reaching for that sweater while shopping, dining, or catching a movie.

🏖️ One of our favorite beach hacks: keep an extra bottle of water in your car. Before you hop back in after a day by the Gulf, pour a little over your feet. It washes away the sand and helps keep it where it belongs… at the beach instead of your floor mats. Your future self will thank you. 😉