Fort Myers, Florida, beckons with its sun-kissed beaches, historical estates, and lush nature preserves, offering a diverse array of activities for every traveler. From the historical charm of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates to the natural beauty of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and the culinary delights of local breweries and beachside grills,
Fort Myers is a destination filled with opportunities for adventure, relaxation, and exploration. In this blog, we will share 17 things to do in Fort Myers and guide you through the must-visit spots that make Fort Myers truly special.
Table of Contents
Mentioned below are the 17 best things to do in Fort Myers.
1. Tour Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers are where the famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford spent their winters. You can tour their homes, gardens, and the laboratory where Edison worked.
It’s like stepping back to see how these great minds lived and created. Edison’s laboratory at the estate is where he researched to find a domestic source of rubber.
2. Walk through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve.
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a beautiful, natural space in Fort Myers.
Its boardwalk winds through a wetland ecosystem, home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, alligators, and otters. It’s a peaceful place to connect with nature.
3. Relax at Manatee Park.
Manatee Park is a non-captive refuge for Florida manatees. You can see these gentle giants, especially during the colder months when they gather in the park’s warm waters.
It’s a great spot for families to learn about manatees and enjoy outdoor activities.
4. Enjoy the outdoors at Lakes Regional Park.
Lakes Regional Park in Fort Myers offers a wide array of outdoor activities across its 279 acres, including walking trails, paddle boating, and bird watching.
It’s a perfect place for a family picnic or a serene walk by the water. The park features a miniature train ride that takes visitors on a scenic tour around the lake.
5. Walk around McGregor Boulevard.
McGregor Boulevard is famed for its rows of royal palm trees, making it one of the most picturesque streets in Fort Myers.
A perfect glimpse into the city’s history and the beautiful homes along the riverfront. Thomas Edison himself planted some of the original palm trees on this boulevard.
6. Find Out the Fort Myers River District.
The Fort Myers River District is the heart of the city, bustling with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
It’s a vibrant area where you can enjoy local cuisine, live music, and art walks. The River District hosts a monthly art walk and music walk, celebrating the region’s rich artistic community.
7. Tour JetBlue Park.
JetBlue Park, often referred to as Fenway South, is the Boston Red Sox’s spring training home. Fans can tour the facility, enjoy the Florida sunshine, and catch a glimpse of their favorite players preparing for the season.
The park features a replica of Fenway’s famous Green Monster wall, complete with a manual scoreboard.
8. Catch a show at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
The Florida Repertory Theatre in Fort Myers is known for its high-quality, professional productions ranging from dramas to comedies and musicals.
It’s a cultural gem where you can enjoy an evening of entertainment.
9. What is the best month to go to Fort Myers Florida?
March is the best month to visit Fort Myers, Florida. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities.
Plus, it’s before the rainy and hot summer months, making it a great time for vacation.
10. See a game at CenturyLink Sports Complex.
The CenturyLink Sports Complex is a hub for sports enthusiasts. It serves as the Minnesota Twins’ spring training facility.
It’s an ideal spot to watch a baseball game, enjoy the facilities, and maybe even meet some players.
11. Sample local brews at Fort Myers Brewing Company.
Fort Myers Brewing Company is a favorite local spot for craft beer enthusiasts. Visitors can taste a variety of beers, from IPAs to stouts, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
It was the first craft brewery to open in Fort Myers, paving the way for the city’s burgeoning craft beer scene.
12. Take a break at Bunche Beach.
Bunche Beach in Fort Myers offers a tranquil escape with its unspoiled shores and stunning sunsets. It’s a perfect spot for kayaking, bird watching, or simply enjoying the natural beauty.
The beach is named after Dr. Ralph Bunche, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and civil rights activist, highlighting its significance beyond just a recreational area.
13. Go shelling on Sanibel’s beaches.
Sanibel Island, near Fort Myers, is world-renowned for its incredible shelling beaches. Visitors can stroll along the shore, collecting a variety of unique and colorful shells.
Sanibel’s geography makes it one of the best places in the world for shelling, as it runs east to west, catching shells from the Gulf of Mexico.
14. Learn at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island is dedicated to all things related to shells and mollusks.
It’s an educational experience where you can see rare shell specimens and learn about marine life. This is the only museum in the United States solely devoted to shells and the mollusks that make them.
15. Dine at The Bubble Room Restaurant.
The Bubble Room Restaurant on Captiva Island, just next to Sanibel, offers a unique dining experience with its eclectic decor, including vintage toys and Christmas decorations year-round.
The menu features hearty American cuisine, and the desserts are a must-try. The Bubble Room was one of the first businesses on Captiva Island to have electricity, originally powered by a generator.
16. Kayak through the Mangroves in Matlacha.
Matlacha, a small island community near Fort Myers, offers serene kayaking experiences through its vibrant mangrove tunnels.
Paddlers can enjoy the calm waters and spot a variety of wildlife. Matlacha is known for its colorful art galleries and shops, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and artistic flair.
17. Feast on Shrimp Tacos at Blue Dog Bar and Grill.
The Blue Dog Bar and Grill in Matlacha serves up some of the freshest seafood in the area, with their shrimp tacos being a local favorite. Enjoy your meal with views of the water in this laid-back setting.
The restaurant is named after the owner’s loyal blue dog, symbolizing the friendly and welcoming atmosphere you’ll find inside.
FAQs
Lovers Key is located in Southwest Florida, between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. It’s part of Lovers Key State Park, a group of four barrier islands offering beautiful beaches, wildlife, and outdoor activities.
Explore the decorated Edison and Ford Winter Estates during the holiday nights.
Watch the Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade.
Experience the Sanibel Island Luminary Festival.
Attend Holiday House at the Burroughs Home and Gardens.
Enjoy the holiday performances at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Fort Myers has lots of museums, art places, and fun parks, so there’s always something to see or do. Living in Fort Myers is usually not too expensive, and one big reason is that people don’t have to pay state income taxes.
The 50 rule in Fort Myers Beach means that if you’re fixing or improving a building and the cost is more than 50% of the building’s value (not including the land), you must update the whole building to meet current building codes.
This rule helps make sure buildings are safe and up-to-date.
Watch a sunset at Fort Myers Beach.
Enjoy live music at Times Square.
Explore downtown Fort Myers during the Art Walk.
Dine at waterfront restaurants.
Attend a performance at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
