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Fort Myers is a popular family vacation destination in Southwest Florida, renowned for its beautiful beaches, scenic nature reserves, and fun nightlife. There are many fascinating attractions in Fort Myers, but if you’re not sure where to start, read on to discover 26 of the best things to do in this sunny coastal city.
1. Go Hiking in Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a wetland rich with natural flora and fauna. It’s an excellent spot for bird-watching, but you might also be lucky enough to see alligators and otters in the area. One of the best ways to appreciate the natural habitat of the wildlife here is to simply hike the preserve’s boardwalk trail. You can lead your own walk or join a guided walk to learn about the wetland ecosystem from an expert.
2. Explore the History of Estero Island
Estero Island is home to many of Fort Myers’ popular sights, including the long stretch of seashell-laden sand that is Fort Myers Beach and the bustling terrace of nearby Times Square.
Estero is also where you’ll find Mound Key Archaeological State Park where you can explore the ruins of Native American Calusa people. Spend a day on the island to learn about its history and explore its array of art galleries, boutiques, gift shops, live music venues, and eateries.
3. Boating and Biking at Lakes Regional Park
There are many fun outdoor activities to enjoy in the family-friendly Lakes Regional Park, from birdwatching to paddleboarding and biking to rock climbing. Kids love the park’s miniature railroad and train village, and there’s also a playground and a splash park to keep the little ones busy.
4. Experience Fort Myers Nightlife
There are many areas in this region of Lee County to enjoy drinks, dancing and exceptional food. Downtown Fort Myers, also known as Fort Myers River District, is the historic part of the city, and it’s home to many top-quality restaurants, bars, and dance clubs.
Fort Myers Beach has a more relaxed nightlife vibe with its sports bars and cocktail lounges. Sanibel and Captiva Island both have excellent live music bars for those who love jazz and blues, and they boast fantastic seafood restaurants.
5. Hunt Ghosts in Historic Fort Myers
The historic Downtown Fort Myers is said to have a spooky side, which is why haunted history tours are popular. These guided walks of the River District are a great way to learn about the documented and undocumented dark history of this unique city.
6. Enjoy the Arts Scene in Matlacha
Matlacha is a small fishing village 15 miles away from Downtown Fort Myers. It’s surrounded on all sides by water and despite its demure size, it has a stellar reputation for producing fantastic art. Check out the small art galleries and gift shops and wander around to take in the colorful buildings.
7. Tour Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge by Tram
This wildlife refuge is one of Sanibel Island’s biggest attractions. The best way to see it is to take the 90-minute guided tram tour in which a volunteer will share fascinating facts about the ecosystems of the barrier islands and the wildlife that lives there.
8. Kayak through Gulf Coast Mangrove Forests
The Gulf Coast’s mangrove forests are home to countless animals, including alligators, dolphins, manatees, otters, eagles, and pelicans. One of the best ways to spot such wildlife is by kayaking through the Mangroves of Lovers Key State Park. Kayak rentals are available at the park and you can either lead your own adventure or join a guided tour with an expert.
9. Cruise the Gulf of Mexico and Caloosahatchee River
Fort Myers is surrounded by water and one of the best ways to explore the area is by boat. You can rent canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis, but if water sports aren’t for you, simply sit back and relax on a boat tour or cruise.
Sunset cruises are a particularly good way to appreciate the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, but tours of the Caloosahatchee River are a great way to see Downtown Fort Myers and Cape Coral from a new perspective.
10. Charter a Fort Myers Fishing Adventure
The waters surrounding Fort Myers are excellent for fishing and you can make the most of them by chartering a fishing boat trip. Your captain will be able to share valuable knowledge to help you get a great catch, no matter if you’re a total beginner or have plenty of experience under your belt.
11. Take an Everglades Day Safari
The Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre wildlife preserve comprised of mangroves, pine flatwoods, and seagrass marshes. One of the best ways to see the Everglades from Fort Myers is by taking a day safari which includes transport to the region as well as a boat trip through the marshes and swamps with a knowledgeable guide.
12. Have Fun at Sun Splash Family Waterpark
You don’t have to travel all the way to Orlando to enjoy a fun day at the waterpark. Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral is a fantastic place to take the kids. There’s a host of rides on offer to suit all ages and preferences, including a relaxing river tube ride and the thrilling Terror Tube.
13. Play Golf at Fort Myers Country Club
Fort Myers Country Club has been in operation since 1917 and it was once the stomping ground of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. The golf course here is one of the oldest on Florida’s west coast, and it’s incredibly scenic thanks to its lines of palm trees and impressive views of the river.
14. Try Parasailing for Epic Gulf Coast Views
Parasailing is one of the most exhilarating water sports you can try, and it gives you the opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel Island. You might even spot dolphins, turtles, and manatees.
15. Spend a Night at the Theater
A visit to the theater is the perfect way to spend a sophisticated evening in Fort Myers. Florida Repertory Theatre produces world-class dramas, comedy, and musicals in its historic Arcade Theater which was once a vaudeville house. Alternatively, catch a show at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall which regularly hosts tours of popular Broadway shows, including The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables.
16. Visit Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park
Gator Mike’s has lots of fun activities on offer to keep the kids entertained, including ziplining, go-karting, mini golf, rock climbing, and axe-throwing. There’s also a snack bar on site where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
17. Explore the Great Calusa Blueway
The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail covers 190 miles of coastal waters and inland tributaries in Lee County, and it’s designed specifically for paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking. There are plenty of rental facilities on Estero, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands.
18. Get Inspired at The Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are where renowned inventors and entrepreneurs Thomas Edison and Henry Ford lived during the winter throughout the early 1900s. Visit to explore the homes, laboratories, and botanical gardens of these two influential figures and learn about the impact of their inventions on America and the world.
19. Watch Baseball at JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium
During late February and March, you can catch Major League Baseball Spring Training games at Fort Myers’ sporting venues. The Boston Red Sox call JetBlue Park home at this time of year, while Hammond Stadium in the CenturyLink Sports Complex becomes the temporary base of the Minnesota Twins.
20. Learn Something New at IMAG History & Science Center
IMAG History & Science Center has more than 60 interactive exhibits to keep the kids entertained while they learn about the weather, geography, ecosystems, and wildlife of the Southwest Florida region. An aquarium with a touch tank even gives them the opportunity to meet some marine life.
21. Explore History at the Southwest Florida Military Museum
The Southwest Florida Military Museum is dedicated to the preservation of military history. It has an extensive collection of military artifacts and shares fascinating insights into all of America’s major wars, including personal stories of veterans.
22. Visit the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium has been committed to animal conservation since its opening in 1970. Set across 105 acres, it’s a sanctuary for a huge variety of wild animals that have been rescued after sustaining injuries. You even have the chance to meet the likes of rattlesnakes, frogs, hawks, eagles, and owls.
23. Watch Manatees at Manatee Park
Florida manatees are endangered, but Manatee Park is a comfortable natural haven for these aquatic creatures thanks to the clean, calm, warm waters. There are several viewing platforms where you’ll have a shot at sighting the manatees as they swim, graze, and laze in the water. You can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore the waters.
24. See Great Art at the Ringling Museum
Sarasota is a hub for art in Florida and you can reach it in less than two hours by car from Fort Myers. The Ringling Museum of Art is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. It contains masterpieces by the likes of Rubens, Gainsborough, and van Dyck, to name just a few. The museum grounds and gardens are works of art in themselves, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore.
25. Learn at the Holocaust Museum
It takes around an hour to reach the bustling city of Naples from Fort Myers, and although there are many attractions there, the Holocaust Museum and Education Center is a particularly poignant one. Its exhibits tell the story of the Holocaust and World War II right through to the Nuremberg Trials.
It also often hosts temporary exhibits, lectures, film screenings, and special events, so look out for these before you visit. The museum has undergone extensive renovations and is set to re-open in Fall 2023 so keep an eye out for updates.
26. Take a Day Trip to Tampa or Miami
Tampa and Miami are both large coastal cities that are packed with attractions and certainly worth visiting if you like the idea of incorporating a couple of road trips into your getaway.
Tampa is two hours north and home to the Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Museum of Art, and a huge variety of art galleries, boutique stores, cafes, restaurants, and bars. Miami is a 2.5-hour drive west across the Everglades, and it’s famed for its party atmosphere and incredible beaches. Check out the city’s art museums and sample incredible food at its renowned gourmet restaurants.
Have Fun on Your Next Ft. Myers Adventure
It’s clear that Fort Myers has no shortage of fun things to do, but the toughest part is deciding which attractions to squeeze into a single trip. Which of these exciting activities will you get up to on your next getaway to this scenic Gulf Coast region?
