This route follows the southwest Florida coastline, connecting Bonita Springs with a chain of barrier islands that have played a key role in the history, tourism, and coastal development of the region. The itinerary combines urban sections with open stretches along the Gulf of Mexico, offering a clear view of the relationship between infrastructure, nature, and human settlement.
From Bonita Springs, the route heads toward Fort Myers Beach, a community developed on Estero Island, whose evolution was closely tied to the rise of coastal tourism during the twentieth century. Bridges, marshes, and mangrove areas mark the transition between the mainland and the islands, revealing the fragility of these ecosystems in the face of urban pressure and natural phenomena.
The route continues toward Sanibel and Captiva, islands known for their environmental conservation and for planning efforts that, for decades, sought to balance development and environmental protection. Old roads, natural reserves, and beaches of coral origin reflect a Florida in which island geography shapes both daily life and patterns of settlement.
The complete route and its historical context are part of Discovering Florida – Volume 2.
