Experience Fort Myers, FL
Discover pristine beaches, outdoor adventure, and a relaxed island paradise on the beaches of Southwest Florida.
With year-round, nonstop service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) on Allegiant Airlines, reaching Florida’s West Coast has never been easier!
Good to Know
Airport: Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
Average Flight Time: 2 hours 20 Minutes
Book a Trip: allegiantair.com
Fort Myers
With warm weather and plenty of vibrant areas to explore, Fort Myers – and the surrounding area along Florida’s Gulf Coast – is a top vacation destination for families, couples or friends. The area offers something for everyone, including nature, peaceful beaches, outdoor adventure, entertainment, shopping, and fine and casual dining options.
On the mainland, the Ft. Myers River District, located in downtown Fort Myers near the Caloosahatchee River, offers a mix of arts and culture, entertainment, boutique shopping and dining options.
The city is also home to several museums and attractions. A fantastic option for kids is the IMAG History & Science Center, which features plenty of interactive exhibits and a 3,000-gallon aquarium. The historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates sits on more than 20 acres and features several historical buildings and beautiful gardens. While you are there, peek inside the former winter homes of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford; visit the Edison Botanic Research Laboratory, which features original equipment and machinery used by Edison, Ford and Harvey Firestone; stop by the museum to learn more about their historic inventions, and stroll through the property’s lush botanical gardens.
Baseball enthusiasts can catch MLB spring training games when visiting the city of Fort Myers from late February to March. Watch the Boston Red Sox at their state-of-the-art spring training facility, JetBlue Park at Fenway South, or visit Hammond Stadium to see the Minnesota Twins play.
For basketball fans, Fort Myers hosts the City of Palms Classic, the most prestigious high school basketball tournament in the country, every December. This tournament features games between elite, young players from the highest, nationally ranked teams and puts future NBA talent on display. A player you watch at this tournament may just be the next big NBA star.
If you’d rather be exploring the great outdoors within the Fort Myers Community, check out the 200-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries in the greater Fort Myers area. The blueway is perfect for paddlers of all skill levels, providing a unique way to explore the rivers, bays and backwaters of Lee County, Florida, in a canoe or kayak.
Island Paradise
The greater Fort Myers area is home to several beautiful islands that offer a relaxing, yet exciting, vacation experience.
Fort Myers Beach (FMB), also known as Estero Island, is popular among tourists, locals and families, featuring seven miles of sandy beaches. It’s one of the safest areas to swim due to its shallow, tranquil ocean waters and offers great nightlife, retail destinations and a variety of restaurants, along with watersport activities.
Located just three miles off the coast of Fort Myers you’ll find Sanibel and Captiva islands, considered to be the “Shelling Capital of the World.” The pristine, white beaches that make up these small islands are among the best family beaches in the U.S., and both destinations feature fun activities for all ages. Captiva Beach is also considered to be one of the top ten family beaches in the country.
Beach Towns to Explore
Cape Coral, which is surrounded by water and is known for its network of over 400 miles of navigable canals that provide direct access to the Caloosahatchee River and Gulf, is a top boating destination in the region. The city offers ample opportunities to get out on the water – for fishing, relaxing and adventure – and its calm waters make it an ideal spot for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Located about 38 miles north of Ft. Myers Beach, Punta Gorda is another popular destination among visitors and locals. It offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, rich history, natural beauty and small-town charm. Punta Gorda lies in the dynamic Charlotte Harbor, perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports.
South of Fort Myers lie the communities of Bonita Springs and Naples, both popular places to live and visit. Bonita Springs is a quaint, charming beach town, featuring shops, restaurants, beautiful beaches, several nature preserves, numerous parks and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Imperial River also flows through the city and offers opportunities for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing. Naples is known for its six miles of idyllic white-sand beaches, pristine golf courses and a charming downtown that features upscale shopping, fine dining, and a fabulous art scene. Naples also has several community parks and opportunities to bike, hike and explore the great outdoors.
Nearby Floridian Adventures
Only a car ride away from Fort Myers are several other dazzling southwest Florida cities.
If you’re looking to add a day or two of urban flare to your nature escape, try making the two-hour drive up to Tampa Bay to experience the bustle of the city and its nightlife before retreating back to the relaxing shores of Fort Myers. While you are there, check out St. Petersburg and Clearwater too. All three of these destinations are also accessible when you book a flight on Allegiant flight between MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).
Florida’s only National Park, the Everglades, is only a 2.5-hour drive from Fort Myers. People travel from across the country to explore the natural beauty of the 1.5-million-acre of subtropical wetlands. Visitors should be on the lookout for the endangered species that call the park home, including manatees and Florida panthers.
Fly to Florida’s West Coat today and explore all the region has to offer. All of the excitement can easily be accessed when you book a nonstop flight on Allegiant Airlines from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), located 37 miles north of Southwest Florida International Airport.
