9 Best Shopping in The Lower Gulf Coast, Florida

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.

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

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.

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.