Need a fun day trip or weekend escape on Florida’s Gulf Coast? Head to Fort Myers! Relax on sandy beaches, tour historic estates, explore lush gardens, and enjoy vibrant waterfront dining. Whether you’re shelling on nearby islands, kayaking mangroves, or browsing art galleries, Fort Myers offers a sunny blend of nature, history, and coastal fun.

Fort Myers, FL Highlights:

  • Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Tour beautifully preserved historic homes, lush botanical gardens, and fascinating museums dedicated to two American innovators.
  • Fort Myers River District: Explore vibrant downtown with its restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and historic architecture.
  • Lakes Regional Park: Enjoy biking, kayaking, playgrounds, and lush gardens in this family-friendly park.
  • IMAG History & Science Center: Hands-on science and history museum great for families, with interactive exhibits and an aquarium.
  • Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: Walk scenic boardwalk trails through a peaceful wetland teeming with wildlife like birds, turtles, and alligators.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Fort Myers is during the late fall through spring (November–April). Mild, sunny weather makes it perfect for beach days, boating, and exploring outdoors. Summer can be hot and humid but offers smaller crowds and lower hotel rates.

How to Get There

  • By Plane: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is just 25 minutes from downtown Fort Myers and offers extensive national and limited international flights.
  • If you are traveling by car: Fort Myers is accessible via I-75, about 2 hours south of Tampa and 2.5 hours west of Miami.
  • By Bus: Greyhound and FlixBus offer regional services connecting Fort Myers to major Florida cities.

Where to Stay

  • Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection – Trendy downtown hotel with rooftop dining, modern rooms, and riverfront views.
  • Best Western Fort Myers Waterfront – Comfortable hotel with scenic river views and easy access to the River District.
  • Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina (nearby Fort Myers Beach) – Family-friendly resort with beachfront access, pools, and water sports.

Best Things to Do

Walk Wild Trails and Spot Wildlife at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Walk Wild Trails and Spot Wildlife at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

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Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, known also as Six mile Cypress Slough, actually measures over 11 miles in length. With wetlands of 3,500 acres, the preserve is a 5-minute detour off I-75, and well worth it. Fort Myers is a haven for endangered species. With a positive influence on the environment and community, Six Mile Cypress Slough earned preserve status in 1970. Visitors to the preserve, will learn how it protects the Gulf, as well as the wildlife that inhabits the preserve. There is also a butterfly garden, and a 1.2-mile-long boardwalk at the preserve.

7751 Penzance Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-533-7557

Bike, Boat, or Play the Day Away at Lakes Regional Park

Bike, Boat, or Play the Day Away at Lakes Regional Park

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If serenity and easily accessible pathways are essential to visiting a nature park, then Lakes Regional Park is the place to visit. Lakes Regional Park provides rides for visitors who have trouble walking on long or uneven trails. Story Time for the park’s young guests takes place in the garden. Canoeing, fishing, kayaking, bird watching, and picnicking are fun activities on the lake and shores. Lakes Regional Park is truly a park for the nature enthusiast. Lakes Regional Park is operational seven days a week year-round, weather permitting.

7330 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-533-7576

Catch a Show in a Historic Setting at Florida Repertory Theatre

Catch a Show in a Historic Setting at Florida Repertory Theatre

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The Florida Repertory Theatre has celebrated twenty-one years of award-winning performances. The historic theater has delivered performances to over 31,000 youngsters annually, with their emphasis on getting more of Southwest Florida’s youth involved in theater. It’s estimated that they’ve had over 87,000 people pass thru their doors annually, making the “Florida Rep” a one-of-a-kind experience in Southwest Florida. Their plays have been lauded by The New York Times and American Theatre Magazine. There’s no wonder why the Florida Repertory Theatre has garnered so much attention over the years.

2268 Bay Street, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-332-4488

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Step Into Innovation at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Step Into Innovation at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

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In the late 1800s, both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of America’s most prominent inventors, chose to winter in Florida setting the stage for over a century of tourism to this little corner of the “Sunshine State.” Edison built Seminole Lodge along the Caloosahatchee River, and often invited friends from the north to visit. Among those was automobile magnate, Henry Ford.


By 1916, Ford had purchased the house next door, which he named The Mangoes. Guests are encouraged to visit the historic homes, gardens, Edison laboratory, and the 15,000-square-foot Edison Ford Museum. The museum presents the lives and legacies of both men.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-334-7419

Cheer on the Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium

Cheer on the Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium

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Winters in Florida are synonymous with Major League Baseball. CenturyLink Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium is home to the Minnesota Twins’ spring training center. The park’s name comes from William H. Hammond, Jr., a retired Deputy Administrator for Lee County. Built in 1991, the stadium was renovated in 2014 to draw the Twins away from Orlando, their previous spring residence. Right from the start of the stadium being built, it was a good omen. The Twins won the World Series after only one spring season in the new training stadium. Hammond Stadium has hosted numerous other events like the Florida League (Minors) All-Star Game and Florida High State Championship games.

14100 Ben C Pratt/6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-533-7695

Experience Spring Training Fun at JetBlue Park

Experience Spring Training Fun at JetBlue Park

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JetBlue Park is the spring training home to Major League Baseball team, the Boston Red Sox, and has been dubbed Fenway South. JetBlue, a major airline based out of Logan International Airport in Boston, purchased the rights for naming the stadium. The choice to move to JetBlue Park was an obvious one, since the Red Sox’s old facility lacked modern amenities. JetBlue Park is one of the few spring training facilities that has the same dimensions as their club’s home field ballpark, helping outfielders practice playing the ball off the wall. The park is one of the most visited spring training parks of all of Major League baseball.

11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-226-4700

Cruise Iconic Palms Along McGregor Boulevard

Cruise Iconic Palms Along McGregor Boulevard

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The Grand Dame of roadways in Fort Myers is McGregor Boulevard. It represents some of the city’s oldest and wealthiest communities. Thomas Edison and his wife, Mina began the beautification of McGregor Boulevard by importing palm trees to line the roadway. Today, there are over 1800 palm trees and other types of trees along the boulevard. Visitors will find restored buildings, quaint eateries, and botanical gardens with over 1,000 plants. Some of the homes on McGregor Boulevard could easily be featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, or on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens. The 14-mile-long boulevard is opulently eye catching.

2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-334-7419

Shop, Dine, and Explore in the Fort Myers River District

Shop, Dine, and Explore in the Fort Myers River District

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After indulging in the culinary scene of Fort Myers River District, a walk along First Street is a must. There is plenty of art, live music, and shopping in the district to suit every taste. Large, rust-colored metal sculptures adorn the district in the form card players, musicians, jugglers, and street vendors. The installation is by Colombian artist, Edgardo Carmona, and self-guided walking tours are enchanting. Visitors can get a guide at any of the sculptures. Art enthusiasts will want to put the Sidney & Bernie Davis Arts Center on their to-do list. Checking out weekly farmers markets or monthly music and art walks give a deeper understanding of the neighborhood.

First Street Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-226-0006

Sip Craft Beers and Chill at Fort Myers Brewing Company

Sip Craft Beers and Chill at Fort Myers Brewing Company

© Fort Myers Brewing Company

In 2011, the city of Fort Myers did not have a local brewery. That is until Rob and Jen Whyte moved to town. Rob, who had done some brewing in the 1990s in San Diego, decided to give it a go in Fort Myers. Two years into planning and researching, the Fort Myers Brewing Company was up and running. The Fort Myers Brewing Company is more than just a brewery. In fact, it has won many of Florida’s brewery and beer competitions. It also has game, burger, food truck and trivia nights. This is the place to be in Fort Myers for a local bar feel.

Fort Myers Brewing Company, 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive 28, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-313-6576

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

See Gentle Giants Up Close at Manatee Park

See Gentle Giants Up Close at Manatee Park

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Most winter days, people think of being inside with the heater on or in front of a cozy fire. But in Florida, it means being outside and enjoying nature. There’s no better place to do that than Manatee Park. Visitors can kayak through the park and see hundreds of manatee. The warm water from the Florida Power Light Plant causes warm, cozy spa conditions that draw the manatee to the canal. Although it is harder to see the manatee from the shore or banks, visitors can still see them at times in the murky water. The best bet is to see them from a canoe. Manatees are most likely to be in the area November through March.

10901 Palm Beach Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL, Phone: 239-533-7275

Where to Eat

  • The Veranda – Fine Southern cuisine served in a charming historic home with lush garden patios.
  • Ford’s Garage – Fun automotive-themed restaurant famous for gourmet burgers and craft beers, located in the River District.
  • Osteria Celli – Cozy Italian spot offering authentic homemade pasta and an intimate dining experience.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Fort Myers Art Walk (First Friday of each month) – Stroll galleries, meet artists, and enjoy live music in the River District.
  • Edison Festival of Light (February) – Celebrate Thomas Edison’s birthday with parades, a 5K, a crafts show, and family-friendly activities.
  • River District Music Walk (Third Friday of each month) – Live music fills downtown Fort Myers with a variety of genres and street performances.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Fort Myers, Florida:

  • Sanibel Island (30 min) – Famous for shell-covered beaches, J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge, and scenic bike trails.
  • Captiva Island (30 min) – Enjoy colorful sunsets, charming boutiques, and pristine beaches perfect for kayaking and dolphin watching.
  • Fort Myers Beach (25–30 min) – Swim, parasail, dine beachfront, and stroll the lively Times Square area.
  • Matlacha (30 min) – Visit this colorful artist village filled with galleries, seafood joints, and funky waterfront vibes.
  • Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium (20 min) – Learn about Florida ecosystems, hike trails, and enjoy star shows in the planetarium.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where is Fort Myers located?
    • Fort Myers is situated along the Gulf Coast of Florida.
    • It serves as the gateway to Sanibel Island.
  • What makes Fort Myers a popular vacation destination?
    • The city is famous for its gorgeous white sand beaches.
    • Visitors can enjoy deep-sea fishing excursions.
    • It is home to several championship golf courses.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Fort Myers?
    • Fort Myers’ downtown area features trendy bars and innovative restaurants.
    • There are many unique shops to browse.
    • The city is home to several art galleries showcasing local and international works.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm weather and fewer crowds. Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina – A beachfront resort with family-friendly amenities. Visit Lovers Key State Park – A great spot for kayaking and wildlife viewing.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, ideal for beach vacations. Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa – A luxurious stay with stunning waterfront views. Explore Fort Myers Beach – Relax on white sandy beaches and enjoy water activities.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer tourists and pleasant temperatures. DiamondHead Beach Resort – A comfortable stay with oceanfront views. Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Learn about the history of these famous inventors.

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