Easter in Southwest Florida is a spectacular blend of coastal tradition and community celebration. From the “egg drops” on Sanibel to the sophisticated garden hunts in Naples, our region offers an unparalleled holiday experience. Whether you are seeking a spiritual sunrise on the sand or a family-friendly scavenger hunt, here is your definitive guide to the 2026 season.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands: Beachfront Traditions
The islands offer the most iconic “Florida” Easter experiences, focusing on the natural beauty of the Gulf.
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Sanibel Recreation Center Egg Hunt (April 4, 10:00 a.m.): Features the legendary Fire Department Egg Drop from a 4-story ladder truck. Register via CivicRec.
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Adventures in Paradise Cruise (April 5, 9:00 a.m.): A dolphin cruise to a private island for a massive 1,000+ egg hunt. Book Online.
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Sunrise Services (April 5, 6:30 a.m.): Join Sanibel Community Church (courtyard) or Captiva Chapel by the Sea (beachfront) for early morning worship.
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Easter Brunch at Old Captiva House (April 5): A luxury buffet at South Seas Resort from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. South Seas Dining.
Fort Myers: Riverfront & Scavenger Hunts
Downtown Fort Myers provides an artsy, walkable alternative for holiday fun.
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Downtown Scavenger Hunt (Now – April 5): Explore the Historic District to find 14 artist-designed eggs in local shop windows. Fort Myers City Calendar.
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Newton Park Sunrise Service (April 5, 6:45 a.m.): A beautiful community service on the sand at Fort Myers Beach. FMB Events.
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Burroughs Home Brunch (April 5): A sophisticated family brunch on the banks of the Caloosahatchee. Reserve via Eventbrite.
Naples: Garden Elegance & Luxury Hunts
Naples elevates the holiday with stunning park settings and high-end culinary experiences.
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City of Naples Hunt at Baker Park (April 4, 10:00 a.m.): Age-bracketed hunts (2–12) with photos with the Easter Bunny. Naples Gov Parks.
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Spring Fest at Naples Zoo (April 3–5): A three-day “Egg-stravaganza” where kids seek treasures throughout the animal habitats. Naples Zoo Official.
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Easter at Ocean Prime (April 5): A curated 5th Avenue South brunch featuring seasonal cocktails and prime seafood. Ocean Prime Reservations.
Bonita Springs & Estero: Ice Cream & Outlets
Perfect for high-energy family fun and holiday shopping.
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Royal Scoop’s 26th Annual Hunt (April 4): A local legend featuring 25,000 eggs and free ice cream at Bonita Shores. Royal Scoop Info.
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Easter Bunny at Miromar Outlets (Now – April 4): Daily photos and games in the award-winning play area. Miromar Outlets.
Easter 2026 At-A-Glance
| Area | Top Event | Date | Highlight |
| Sanibel | City Egg Hunt | April 4 | Fire Dept. Egg Drop |
| Fort Myers | Scavenger Hunt | Now–April 5 | Walkable Art Tour |
| Naples | Spring Fest | April 3–5 | Zoo Scavenger Hunt |
| Bonita | Royal Scoop | April 4 | 25,000 Eggs + Ice Cream |
Holiday Planning Tips
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Traffic: Allow 45–60 minutes of extra time for bridge traffic if heading to Sanibel for Sunrise Services.
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Reservations: Island brunches and cruises typically sell out by late March. Call today to check for cancellations.
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Parking: Beach parking lots fill by 6:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday. Have your permit or parking app ready!
