Courtesy: Babcock Ranch
Tucked between farmland and preserve land 15 miles northeast of Fort Myers, Babcock Ranch might look like any other small Florida town. That is until you realize the whole place is powered by the sun.
The burgeoning community is quietly redefining what a sustainable Florida town can be. Known as America’s first solar-powered town, this 18,000-acre development runs on sunshine...literally. Yet despite its high-tech backbone, the vibe here is natural, welcoming and ripe for a day trip or weekend exploration.
Start your visit at Solar Ranch – an FPL Eco-Discovery Center. It’s a sleek, interactive space where guests can learn about clean energy through hands-on exhibits and even test-drive virtual electric cars in a Roblox-powered simulator. You can also climb a three-story observation tower for a bird’s-eye view of the solar fields, which include nearly 700,000 panels shimmering in the sun.
The Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours are another must. The narrated 90-minute experience winds through preserved lands where you’ll likely spot alligators, sandhill cranes, deer and maybe even a Florida panther. Guides delve into the area’s ecology and history, making this one of the most educational (and photogenic) safaris in the state. If you prefer to explore solo, Babcock’s 100 miles of trails accommodate hikers, bikers and casual strollers alike, many meandering through wildflower-dotted greenways and lakeside stretches perfect for picnicking.
As Syd Kitson, Founder of Babcock Ranch, tells Browardist, “Babcock Ranch was created out of a passion for the environment and to live in harmony with nature so we can leave the earth better for future generations. Our hope is for travelers to feel inspired by our community by experiencing both Florida’s natural beauty while enjoying a plethora of activities like our Solar Ranch. Visitors are also welcome to explore our public parks and miles-long hiking and biking trails, or to take in a lakeside sunset at Founder’s Square, our town’s vibrant social hub.”
Founder’s Square does indeed act as Babcock’s social nucleus. The walkable plaza buzzes with shops, restaurants and frequent live music. On weekends, expect farmers markets, food truck nights and community gatherings that make visitors feel like part of the family... even if it’s just for the day. Grab lunch or a beer flight from one of the cafés ringing Lake Babcock, then take in the solar-powered streetlights and sleek architecture that feel more Silicon Valley than Southwest Florida.
Nature, tech and small-town charm don’t usually coexist around these parts. But within this unexpected solar-energized community, they do it quite well. Whether you’re a sustainability buff, a curious traveler or just looking for a new nook of the state to explore, Babcock Ranch shows the Sunshine State is still full of plenty of surprises.
From Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Babcock Rance is an approximately 135-minute drive. To plan a visit to the “Hometown of Tomorrow,” check out babcockranch.com.
