- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
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Why Visit Fort Myers
Fort Myers began as a military fort during the Seminole Wars, its original site now beneath downtown. The city's historic district showcases distinctive "Cracker" architecture, adapted for the climate. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are key landmarks.
The Caloosahatchee River defines our waterfront, offering prime spots for watching manatees, especially in winter. For anyone visiting Fort Myers, kayaking through the mangrove tunnels of Lovers Key State Park reveals a unique coastal ecosystem.
Our cuisine is rooted in Gulf seafood, featuring "Pink Gold" shrimp from the San Carlos fleet. A fresh-caught grouper sandwich is a local staple. Don't miss the seasonal stone crabs, a delicacy available from October to May, best enjoyed dockside.
- Fort MyersUnited States
- Fort MyersUnited States
- Fort MyersUnited States
- Fort MyersUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Dec-Aprmild, peak tourist season
- May-Junwarm, start of summer crowds
- Jul-Aughot, high humidity, busy beaches
- Sep-Novwarm, decreasing crowds, occasional storms
- #LightClothing
- #Swimsuit
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #InsectRepellent
- #ReusableWaterBottle
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-7 days with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #EdisonAndFordWinterEstates
- #SanibelIsland
- #FortMyersBeach
- #LoversKeyStatePark
- #ManateePark
- #DowntownFortMyers
- Visit historical estates
- Kayaking at Lovers Key
- Relax at Fort Myers Beach
- Explore Sanibel Island
- Fishing in the Caloosahatchee River
Recommended Hotels in Fort Myers by Experience
Things to do in Fort Myers
Discover
Exploring Fort Myers reveals historic estates and unique wildlife. Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, see manatees at Manatee Park, and engage with exhibits at the IMAG History & Science Center. The area offers a mix of history and nature.
Experience
Kayak the Great Calusa Blueway, go birding at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, or catch a Red Sox or Twins spring training game. Enjoy seasonal art festivals downtown, theatrical shows, and fishing charters departing from the marina daily.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Historic homes, museum, and botanical gardens.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Boardwalk trail through a wetland ecosystem with wildlife.
Manatee Park
Non-captive warm-water refuge for Florida manatees.
Fort Myers Beach
Seven-mile coastline for swimming and water sports.
IMAG History & Science Center
Interactive museum with STEM and history exhibits.
Kayak the Great Calusa Blueway
Marked paddling trail through coastal waters and backbays.
Downtown Fort Myers River District
Historic area with architecture, shops, and art galleries.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Getting from the Fort Myers airport to city center takes ~25 mins by taxi or rideshare. LeeTran bus Route 50 offers a budget-friendly alternative. Driving is also a key part of how to get to Fort Myers.
Getting Around
A car rental in Fort Myers is your best bet as the area is spread out. For public transport in Fort Myers, the LeeTran bus system serves the county. In season, the Fort Myers Beach Trolley is a convenient way to navigate the island and its coastline.
Local Essentials
Essential Fort Myers travel tips for first-timers: be prepared for cashless tolls on bridges like the Midpoint and Cape Coral. Driving in Fort Myers means planning for heavy seasonal traffic, especially Jan-Apr. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for parking.
Where to Stay in Fort Myers
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Fort Myers. Eat fresh grouper and stone crabs, quintessential local tastes. Locals embrace sunset dinners by the water, a cherished cultural habit. Finish with Key Lime Pie for an authentic dessert.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Fort Myers, eat at Pinchers for its bustling seafood fun, order fresh. Taste cocktails at The Firestone for its chic rooftop vibe, sunset views. Grab a scoop at Love Boat Ice Cream, expect queues.
The Veranda
Southern grace in a historic home. Reservations essential.
Connors Steak & Seafood
Upscale surf and turf favorite. Book ahead for weekends.
Pinchers
Lively, casual crab shack on the water. Often a happy crowd.
Two Meatballs in the Kitchen
Classic Italian comfort food for families. Gets busy at dinner.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Fort Myers cultural activities through events rooted in local history. The must-see Edison Festival of Light honors the city's famous winter resident with the state's largest night parade. Taste local traditions at the Shrimp Festival.
Enjoy
Discover contemporary things to do in Fort Myers, from fine arts to indie films. Experience the juried ArtFest Fort Myers showcasing national artists or enjoy intimate performances by singer-songwriters at the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest.
Edison Festival of Light
February celebration honoring Thomas Edison with a lighted parade.
ArtFest Fort Myers
Juried fine art festival along the riverfront held in February.
Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
March event with a parade, shrimp boil, and fleet blessing.
Fort Myers Film Festival
May showcase of independent films from local and global talent.
Island Hopper Songwriter Fest
September event with free shows by acclaimed singer-songwriters.
Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival
January celebration of Celtic music, food, and heritage.
Edison & Ford Holiday Nights
Historic homes decorated with thousands of lights, Nov-Jan.
A wonderfully relaxing place
Fort Myers is such a wonderfully laid-back place to unwind. We loved the slow pace and warm sunshine. Strolling through the River District was a highlight, with plenty of spots to sit and watch the boats go by. It's got a great, easygoing feel.
Amazing nature and wildlife
The nature here is just amazing. Spent a lot of time at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and saw so many birds and even an alligator! It's so different from home. The beaches are great, but the wildlife areas are really special.
Perfect family beach spot
Fort Myers Beach was perfect for our family holiday. The sand is so soft and white, and the water is really calm for the kids. Times Square had some fun shops and places to get a quick grouper sandwich. A classic beach town experience.
Peaceful winter escape
What a peaceful escape from the winter cold. We found Lovers Key State Park to be incredibly beautiful and not too crowded. Perfect for long walks along the shore and watching the sunset. It's a very serene and romantic destination.
Great for boating
Great base for getting out on the water. The access to the Gulf is fantastic. We took a boat tour out towards Captiva Island and saw dolphins along the way. The marinas are well-equipped, and the whole area is built around the water lifestyle.
Interesting historical side
I was really impressed by the history here. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are fascinating. It's amazing to see the old homes and the giant banyan tree. The area has a nice, quiet historical side apart from just the beaches.