15 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers Florida – The Ultimate Guide
Fort Myers, Florida, has a lot of the best things to do in Florida. When most people think of Florida, they probably picture beautiful beaches with white sand, palm trees that sway in the wind, and well-kept golf courses. You also can’t forget about people on spring break or who have retired.
Florida is a nice place to live. In addition to having mild winters and being close to places like Disney World, one of my favorite things about living here is how close I am to so many different beaches.
A trip to this area can add up quickly and cost a lot, but any budget traveler knows there are ways to get around that! I had been to Fort Myers/Sanibel/Captiva before. But on a press trip without my family. I couldn’t wait to go back, but this time with my kids.
I finally did it, and I have some tips on how you and your family can make this tropical Florida vacation happen on a budget. About the city of Fort Myers, Florida.
Table of Contents
Introduction about Fort Myers
Fort Myers is where the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico come together. Lee County is where Fort Myers is. It is both the center of county government and the center of county business. It is known as the entry point to the popular tourist area in southwest Florida, which includes Sanibel Island. In 1886, Fort Myers was built.
The area around Ft. Myers is known for both its beautiful beaches and its many resort hotels. On the Tamiami Trail, you can find a lot of places to shop. There are many great places to fish along the coast. There are a lot of good golf courses in the Ft. Myers area that are perfect for golfers on vacation.
History of Fort Myers
Fort Myers was built to be used by the military. It was used to stop the Seminole Indians from killing more settlers in the area. The name of the fort was chosen to honor Col. Abraham C. Myers, who was stationed in Florida and was the son-in-law of the fort’s commander. In 1858, the Indians gave up and left the area, so the soldiers were able to leave the fort. During the Civil War, though, federal soldiers took advantage of the fact that the fort was there and lived there. As soon as the Civil War was over, the fort was left empty. In 1882, a lot of new people moved there, which made the population grow by a lot. In 1924, when the Caloosahatchee River crossing bridge called the Tamiami Trail Bridge was built, the city’s population grew again.
15 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers
If you want to go on vacation somewhere quiet and classy, Fort Myers, Florida is the place to go. In Fort Myers, you won’t find the chaos you’d find in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Instead, you’ll find a classy “old Florida” vibe and beaches that are great for families.
The state parks and natural areas are the best in the world. There are a lot of natural areas and wildlife preserves in the area. Most of the land along the coast is protected. Because of this, a lot of people go to Fort Myers Beach or one of the nearby islands to go to the beach.
1. Relax on the Beach
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in Fort Myers. When you add nearby Sanibel Island to the mix, there are more than 50 miles of beaches and a lot of water sports and activities to choose from. Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island is the best place to start your trip.
The crushed shells that make up the white sand make it feel like walking on powdered sugar. It’s a great place to swim, fish, and have a picnic.
2. Explore the Historical District
History fans should visit Fort Myers’ Historic District. In the 1700s, the Spanish were the first people to live in this palm-lined area. Since then, it has seen everything from pirate attacks to World War II. The district is also home to some of the most beautiful buildings in the area, like the courthouse from 1882 and the Union Station from 1895.
3. Enjoy a Sunset on the Gulf
We think you’re missing out if you haven’t seen the big orange ball sink into the Gulf of Mexico. The way the dramatic colors in the sky reflect off the clouds and water will make you feel like you’re having some kind of spiritual experience, for sure.
There are a lot of beaches that face west, so grab a blanket and a bottle of wine and go. Turner Beach on Captiva Island is one of our favorite places to go. After that, go to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, where you can eat fresh seafood in a fun setting.
4. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are the old homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. They are on the Caloosahatchee River. People say that the two industrial pioneers helped make the area into a modern town.
There are beautiful homes, botanical gardens, a museum, and Edison’s lab on the property. It is a great place to learn about the past and pay tribute to the men who changed the area so much.
5. Get Wild With Nature
There aren’t many places in the United States where nature and a big city live together so well. You can see birds flying over the water and dolphins jumping in the water from just about anywhere along the coast.
If you want to improve your chances, book a wildlife tour with a trusted company. We recommend a Sunset and Dolphin Cruise around Fort Myers Beach or a Guided Kayak Tour-Mangrove Estuary, which will give you the best wildlife experience of your life. Get ready to see manatees, dolphins with bottle noses, and exotic birds. You can also go shelling.
6. Put on your shell
You’ll probably feel like you’re walking on eggshells as you walk along the soft sand beaches. Don’t be nervous. Seashells are making that sound. People who like shells go to the Gulf Coast of Sanibel Island because it is thought to be the best place to look for shells in North America.
Here, shelling has become so popular that the “Sanibel Stoop” is the newest dance move. OK, maybe not. Most shellers, though, use a bent-at-the-waist position to get a seashell. Are you looking for the best shells? Then you should go on a Shelling Tour and learn from a pro.
7. Shut Up and Fish
From March to June, when the tarpon is on its way north, is the best time to go offshore fishing down here. Tarpons can be seen from the beach near Boca Grande Pass, but it’s not likely that you’ll catch one from the sand.
Instead, you might want to go fishing with Beeline Fishing Charters, where you could catch anything from sharks to snappers.
Almost any time of year is a good time to fish near the shore. Redfish, snook, spotted seatrout, jack crevalle, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and many other types of fish are popular. Most of the time, the best places to fish inshore are near shorelines with mangroves, open flats, bridges, beaches, docks, piers, and the many passes and inlets that lead to the Gulf of Mexico.
8. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Fort Myers and Sanibel beaches are known all over the world for their white sand and clear water. There are many different beaches in the area, and each one has its own style.
Shells are easy to find on Sanibel Island, while Captiva Island has a more laid-back feel. You can swim, fish, and layout in the sun on the beaches of Fort Myers.
9. Get Up Close and Personal with Nature
The Pacific Coast Trail is on the west coast, but the Great Calusa Blueway is in Florida. The length of this paddling path is about 190 miles. Canoes and kayaks can follow the marked path from Bonita Springs to the Caloosahatchee River. On the way, you’ll see a lot of different plants and animals, like manatees.
Mound Key Archaeological State Park will probably be the best part of your trip. You can only get to this largest island by kayak or private boat. This place was once the capital city of the Calusa Indian tribe. It was also the site of the first Jesuit mission in the New World and a Spanish fort.
What? You didn’t bring a kayak on the plane with you, did you? No problem. You can rent a SUP, kayak, or canoe from Estero River Outfitter. There are many great routes for day trips. Go to the Great Calusa Blueway website to get free maps to print out.
10. Tour Historic Homes
Did you know that the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are two of the 10 historic homes in the US that get the most visitors? Some of the best parts of the tour are demonstrations of how Edison’s research lab equipment was used, behind-the-scenes looks at the estate buildings, and tours of the gardens by horticulturists.
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, two of the most creative people in American history, spent their winters in Fort Myers. On a prime piece of land near the Caloosahatchee River, they built two beautiful homes.
On the sites of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which are next to each other, there is a museum of history and a 21-acre botanical garden. The VIP Private Historic and Nature Tour of Fort Myers will be fun for people who like learning about the past.
11. Start and Finish Your Day in Style
Start your day by going to a coffee roastery, where you can get beans that have been roasted the right way. The Grind and Bennet’s Fresh Roast are our top two picks. Did I say that Bennet’s also sells donuts that are made by hand from scratch? Or, have a pint at a microbrewery and talk about how adventurous your day was. “No.3 Craft Brews & Beer Bar” is a good choice.
12. Escape to the Islands
If the area around Fort Myers seems too busy, try going to the islands to get away from it all. You’ll probably see more golf carts than cars on Cabbage Key, Gasparilla, or North Captiva. On these islands, life is all about having fun.
Cayo Costa and the Cayo Costa State Park are where travelers who want to try something new will go. There, you can rent one of the many small, rustic wooden cabins. The cozy cabins are just a few steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and are surrounded by native plants. We hope you don’t have a fear of snakes.
13. The Umpire Strikes Back
If you can make it to Fort Myers in the spring, you should feel very lucky. The Minnesota Twins play at Hammond Stadium at the Lee County Sports Complex, and the Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park, which is only a few miles away.
Terry Park Ball Field is a great place for baseball fans to go. Some of the great players who have played at Terry Park Field include Hall of Famers Jimmy Foxx, Bob Feller, Tris Speaker, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Roberto Clemente. Check out their calendar of events to see who will be there.
14. Visit the Naples Zoo
The Naples Zoo is a great place to visit if you want to see some exotic animals up close. It is home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world.
The Naples Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals from all over the world, from sloths to gorillas. The zoo is a great place to go if you want to see some strange animals up close. Plus, it’s in beautiful Naples, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of this old city while you’re there.
15. Visit the Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic is a hospital in Fort Myers that is known all over the world. This is the place to go if you need medical help.
The Mayo Clinic is a hospital in Fort Myers that is known all over the world. Since it opened more than 100 years ago, the clinic has been one of the most popular places in Southwest Florida for people to get high-quality medical care. You’ll be happy with your visit to the clinic, whether you need treatment for an illness or just want to see what it has to offer.
Why is Fort Myers so Popular?
Fort Myers is a safe place for families to live along the Gulf Coast. It is known for its long history, beautiful natural scenery, and beaches covered with shells. If you’ve been thinking about moving to Fort Myers, a growing city in Florida, there are a lot of pros and cons to think about.
Is Fort Myers a Wealthy City?
By far, the place that made the most money was Fort Myers, on the west coast of Florida. With a small number of wealthy retirees, the city and its surrounding area made nearly $103,000 in capital gains per resident, far more than any other city in the United States.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many great things to do in Fort Myers. I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip to this charming coastal town.
With our Fort Myers Travel Guide, you can plan the best beach trip to Fort Myers.
Use our map of hotels in Fort Myers to find the best places to stay near all the best things to do and see.
