Placida: a little slice of the Caribbean in Florida
The small community of Placida lies on a peninsula north of Fort Myers, on Florida's West Coast. It's a charming little spot, with colorful Caribbean-style homes lining small streets along with tall swaying palms. Don't be fooled by its size. When it comes to outdoor activities, it punches well above its weight. When you stay in a Placida vacation rental, you can get stuck into the many water sports, or hop aboard one of the daily sports fishing charters. Of course, if you want to just kick back on the long stretches of sandy beach nearby, no one's going to stop you.
Historical attractions aplenty in Placida
It's not all sand, sea and water sports when you stay in a Placida vacation rental. You'll find most of the historic and cultural attractions in nearby Punta Gorda. If you swing by the Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum you can discover 1000s of years of the region's history, while the Blanchard House Museum is dedicated to the history of African American culture in Florida. While you're there, art lovers shouldn't miss a self-guided tour of the 28 murals that adorn the city walls. Back in Placida, you can find your inner hippy at the Sunday evening Eaglewood Beach Drum Circle.
There's something for everyone in Placida
It might sound a little cliched, but there really is something for everyone when you stay in a Placida vacation rental with the family. In the morning, you can get the body and mind ready for the day by limbering up with a little yoga on the beach. You can stretch out on the beach for the rest of the day, taking the odd dip in the ocean and drawing lines in the sand for a late afternoon family volleyball game. There's no shortage of rental outfits offering all manner of water sports. Bag yourself some equipment and head out for exciting sea kayaking, paddle boarding or jet skiing adventures.
For the best weather, try spring in Placida
The best time to score a Placida vacation rental is between March and May, when the temperature hovers between the 70s and 80s and the prices haven't hit their summer highs or unbearable humidity. For the best prices, you'll want to avoid the school breaks, when families descend on Florida's beaches. In fall, the rental costs hit rock bottom but you'll run the risk of hurricanes. Though the weather won't be hot, the mild climes between December and February make it an attractive time to visit and escape the below-freezing temperatures further north.
There's nature on your doorstep in Placida
Placida lies just on the edge of the Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve, a huge aquatic park made up of mangroves, islands and shallow creeks that meet the Gulf of Mexico waters. These rich seagrass waters are the ideal home for all manner of fish and crustaceans, while the tiny islands are used by resident nesting seabirds. You don't need much to see the wildlife – just a rented kayak and a pair of binoculars and you're good to go. Alternatively, you can drop your line in to bag a crab to take back to your Placida vacation rental for a seafood feast.
Transportation to and around Placida
The nearest airport is in Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW), located 37.8 mi (60.8 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you can also fly into Sarasota-Bradenton Intl. Airport (SRQ), which is 42.2 mi (68 km) away.