It's a horrible wet bank holiday so thought I'd do some future holiday planning even though we haven't even had this year's holiday yet! 
So for Summer 2019 we think we'd like to return to Florida. Last went 4 years ago and did mostly parks so not fussed about doing them again. One of the things we liked best about that holiday was the lovely villa with private pool. Sadly we didn't use it as much as we would've liked due to feeling the need to get out and utilise our park tickets! This time we'd like to spend more time chilling by the pool with a few days out seeing natural stuff, wildlife (esp Alligators!) and anything else Florida has to offer.
Realised that, as we don't need to be close to the parks, we might be better off by the coast (villas don't look to be anymore expensive than Orlando area). A quick Google bought up Cape Coral which appealed as many properties have docks with canoes/fishing which DS & DH would love! It's less than 2 hours to Everglades which is somewhere I've always wanted to go and ticks the wildlife box. DD would like to swim with dolphins but I can't see much on the gulf coast regarding that but willing to drive up to 2 hours for a day trip.
So, can anyone recommend a good coastal place to base ourselves within reach of everglades, dolphins and other non-themepark attractions? For the 2nd week we're considering a cruise. There seem to be many going to the Bahamas or Caribbean from Miami/Fort Lauderdale, hence another reason to stay towards that end of Florida.
Would be grateful to hear your experiences and recommendations of one or both of the above type of holiday! Kids would be 13 & 15 by then.
Tia 