A kitschy (read: tacky) tourist attraction, the Shell Factory and Nature Park, 5 miles north of the Caloosahatchee River Bridge on U.S. 41 (tel. 800/282-5805 or 239/995-2141; www.shellfactory.com), not only carries one of the world's largest collections of shells, corals, sponges, and fossils, but also has bumper-boat rides, a light show, a gallery of African art, a small zoo, and two restaurants. Inside the store, entire sections are devoted to shell jewelry and shell lamps; many items cost less than $10, some less than $1. The Shell Factory is good for a rainy day, but if it's sunny, why pay for shells when you can collect them for free on the beach? Open daily from 9am to 9pm.
Outlet shoppers will find a large Levi's store, among other major-brand shops, at the Sanibel Tanger Outlet Center, on the way to the beaches at Summerlin Road and McGregor Boulevard (tel. 888/471-3939 or 239/454-1974; www.tangeroutlet.com). Another Levi's, plus Brooks Brothers, Donna Karan, Nike, Reebok, Nautica, and many more stores, are at the much larger Miromar Outlets, on Corkscrew Road at I-75, Estero (tel. 239/948-3766; www.miromar.com), about halfway between Fort Myers and Naples. Both outlet malls are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 9pm, Sunday from 11am to 6pm.
A once sleepy bedroom community near Fort Myers, Cape Coral now features great shopping in the form of the Cape Harbour Marina (5703 Cape Harbour Dr.; tel. 239/945-6116; www.capeharbour.com), a yachting community featuring quaint shops, boutiques, and restaurants, including Rumrunners (tel. 239/542-0200), a fun waterfront restaurant and bar.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.