A coastal Gulf town located in southwest Florida, Fort Myers is filled with attractions, beaches and activities that make it a perfect getaway destination. In addition to its stunning beaches, Fort Myers also served as a winter home for Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Whether you enjoy relaxing along the Gulf, exploring the historic downtown or kayaking, Fort Myers offers activities for every type of traveler. Here’s your guide to Fort Myers, Florida.
Beaches and Water Activities
With Fort Myers located right on the Gulf Coast, there are many exciting ways to enjoy time on the water. Fort Myers Beach stretches across seven miles and features popular spots like Bowditch Point Park and Bunche Beach Preserve, along with activities such as catamaran cruises, dolphin sightseeing tours and shelling.
Just minutes away, Lovers Key State Park offers a more natural setting for swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Near the beach is Fort Myers’ 200-mile kayak and canoe trail, the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, where visitors can explore the area by kayaking with local outfitters like Gulf Coast Kayak. The beaches of Fort Myers are accessible to all visitors, with Mobi-Mats and wheelchair rentals available.
If you enjoy water activities, Fort Myers also offers paddleboarding, jet ski and boat rentals and convenient water taxi services. Visitors can book fishing charters for a day on the Gulf or simply relax while taking in the coastal views from the water.
Nature and Wildlife
Experience wildlife in Fort Myers on the beach, in local parks or at one of the area’s wildlife reserves. From May through October, visitors can witness turtle hatching season along the beaches. Set sail on a dolphin cruise and see if you can spot these playful marine animals or stop by Manatee Park to look for gentle manatees swimming nearby.
Nature lovers will enjoy a visit to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, located a short distance from Fort Myers on nearby Sanibel Island. This accessible and educational destination features a protected wetland ecosystem filled with mangroves and diverse wildlife, including alligators, otters, egrets and herons. Visitors can explore the refuge along a scenic boardwalk or enjoy a self-guided tour by bike or on foot, with opportunities for hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. Ranger led tours are also available for those looking to learn more about the refuge’s natural habitats.
Downtown River District Activities
Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, the Downtown River District is Fort Myers’ vibrant downtown commercial district, filled with local shops, entertainment and dining along its brick-paved streets. Visitors can explore the area through guided walking tours, which highlight the district’s cultural and historic walks, architecture and waterfront views. Each month, guests can attend the Downtown Art and Music Walks, featuring local artists, performers and live theatre experiences.
Shoppers will find unique boutiques, antique stores and local favorites such as Naples Soap Company and Crooked Halos, along with a variety of art deco influences throughout the district. Art lovers can explore numerous art galleries, including the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center and the Arts for Act Gallery and Studio. The area is also home to local breweries, offering a relaxed way to enjoy the downtown scene.
Just eight minutes from the River District, visitors can dive deeper into Fort Myers’ history at McCollum Hall or explore nearby historic landmarks.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Fort Myers cuisine features a mix of seafood restaurants, American bars and grills and high-end dining spots with waterfront views. The Lighthouse Restaurant offers live music, fresh fish and scenic views of Connie Mack Island. For a lovely dinner out, the popular family-owned restaurant Cibo serves fan-favorite Italian dishes.
The Blue Dog Bar and Grill offers a classic beach vacation menu, featuring fish sandwiches and peel-and-eat shrimp. Diners can also enjoy a variety of local food trucks at Backyard Social and Bay Street Yard, which offer casual bites in a lively outdoor setting.
The Fort Myers area also features an impressive selection of tropical bar spots, including Coastal Dayz Brewing and Millennial Bar Company. For an entertaining evening, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train provides a unique five-course “whodunnit” dinner theater experience. Each March, Fort Myers hosts the annual Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival, where visitors can enjoy a fish fry competition or sample the famous Pink Gold shrimp.
Outdoor Recreation and Sports
Feeling adventurous? Fort Myers offers a variety of outdoor recreation and sports for visitors looking to add excitement to their vacation. Thrill-seekers can enjoy parasailing or other water sports, including jet skiing along the Gulf. The area also features several golf courses and family friendly mini golf options.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic hiking trails and accessible attractions throughout the area. Wildlife lovers can visit locations along the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, including Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, which is ideal for spotting native birds and wildlife.
Traveling with a furry companion? Fort Myers offers plenty of pet friendly adventures, including dog parks and walking paths like Woof-A-Hatchee Dog Park and the John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Looking for fun attractions for the whole family? Fort Myers has you covered. Families can dig for fossils, learn about local history and even take part in live animal encounters and interactive exhibits at the IMAG History & Science Center, including a chance to participate in a live weather broadcast.
For outdoor fun, families can ride bikes, view wildlife and walk, play or relax at Lakes Regional Park, which features playgrounds, scenic paths and picnic areas. The Railroad Museum of Southwest Florida is also located at the park, where visitors can enjoy a miniature train ride that is especially popular with younger children.
Additional family-friendly activities include miniature golf, a local arcade and a go-kart adventure, offering entertainment for kids of all ages and plenty of ways to spend quality time together.
Events and Seasonal Activities
If you’re a fan of history, you’ll love a visit to the Ford and Edison Winter Estates. Guests can explore Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory along with 20 acres of botanical gardens, historic homes and a museum featuring Ford and Edison’s inventions. The Estates are ADA-friendly and accessible to all visitors.
Looking for some local one-of-a-kind finds? Shoppers can visit the Fleamasters Flea Market year-round. The city also offers several street markets, including its newer Saturday farmer’s market located downtown Fort Myers.
During the winter months, Fort Myers still hosts plenty of activities and festivals for visitors to enjoy. In early January, the city celebrates its annual Renaissance Fair. Artists and art lovers gather for three weekends in the winter months and early spring to explore interactive art experiences at the Bonita Springs National Arts Festival.
In late January, Celtic bands and performers gather downtown for the Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival. Also happening early in the year, Fort Myers’ annual ArtFest takes place in February and is located along the waterfront.
Nearby Islands and Day Trips
Visitors looking for a fun day trip can travel from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island, known for its white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife. Lighthouse Beach Park is a popular stop, home to the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, first lit in 1884. Shell lovers can explore the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium, where the “Great Hall of Shells” and living exhibits showcase marine life. Nearby spots like Matlacha add colorful charm with local shops and waterfront views.
Another nearby island destination is Captiva Island, home to scenic Captiva Beach and laid-back island dining. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the famous Bubble Room Restaurant, known for its whimsical décor, moving trains and signature-layered cakes.
Just south of Fort Myers, Bonita Springs offers outdoor shopping, local dining and beach access, making it another easy day trip option. Nature lovers can also visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, less than 40 miles away, where a scenic boardwalk winds through one of the largest wetland systems and old-growth cypress forests in the world.
Shopping and Markets
If you’re shopping for souvenirs or building a whole new vacation wardrobe, Fort Myers offers fantastic shopping options. Visitors can explore several shopping malls, including Edison Mall, which features a wide variety of stores and dining options for a convenient shopping experience.
For those who prefer to shop small, Fort Myers also offers shopping tours through local districts filled with unique boutiques. Find vibrant, trendy clothing and accessories at The Pink Flamingo or browse bohemian, beach-inspired styles at Olive & Ivy.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or quality time with family, Fort Myers delivers it all. Pack your bags and experience the best of Florida’s Gulf Coast for yourself.