With a more laid-back vibe than the surrounding cities, Fort Myers summons the Zen in you the moment you step on its grounds. You feel calm and ready to chill out.
The good news is there are plenty of fun things to do in Fort Myers to help you unwind and rejuvenate.
From exploring nature and historical sites to enjoying the best of Florida’s sports and performance culture, you’ll have a mind-blowing experience.
Shell Hunting At The City’s Sandy Beaches
Do you know Fort Myers is also called the shelling Mecca of North America? The city is home to more shell varieties than all other spots in North America.
You can go on fun shell-hunting activities along the golden sandy shores of the city’s beaches. We recommend the Lovers Key State beach and Crescent Beach Family Park for this activity.
You’ll have a chance to engage in various water-based adventures at these beaches. Some include canoeing, Kayaking, and paddle boarding.
Also, visit the one-of-a-kind Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to explore the massive collection of shells plus their mollusk specimens. It’s the only museum across the United States solely devoted to displaying shells and teaching about the mollusks that form them.
Birdwatching At Bunche Beach
Considered the most beautiful spot in Lee County, Bunche Beach is the perfect hide-out for relaxation in the city.
The serene views, gentle beach waves, and abundance of animals put it worlds apart from other regions. It’s one of the prime locations for birdwatching.
We’ve also discovered two other great locations for birdwatching in Fort Myers: The Estero Bay State Preserve and John Yarbrough Linear Park.
Historical Exploration
Fort Myers is heaven for the history traveler. You'll find historical remnants and landmarks that date back to the times of the native settlers (the 1860s) to the 1920s era.
We highly recommend a visit to the famous Edison and Ford Winter Estates. You’ll dive into the lives of the great inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. and catch a glimpse of the early versions of their creations in their labs and extensive grounds. These include several electricity displays and vintage cars.
You may also want to visit the Burroughs Homes and Gardens – the home of Nelson Burroughs and one of the most luxurious estates in the city. You’ll explore the home’s ancient architecture and turn-of-the-century artifacts, including antique furnishings like sleigh beds.
Other spots that’ll give you insight into the region’s historical evolution include:
Experience Fort Myers’ Natural Environments
The city packs a punch with several natural national parks and preserves for nature lovers and more outdoorsy travelers.
Visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve to explore its unique flora and fauna. You can take a relaxing stroll on the 1.4-mile-long boardwalk cutting across the well-preserved 3,500 acres of wetlands and spot plenty of endangered species of otters, alligators, and turtles, from a safe distance.
One of our favorite places to stop by is Manatee Park. Here you can observe manatees within their natural habitat. These gentle sea cows flock to the park during winter months to commune in the region’s warm waters.
Our other top picks for enjoying nature in Fort Myers include:
- Lakes Regional Park – sightsee top natural attractions, launch a motorless watercraft, hike, bike, camp, and go for picnics.
- Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium – see animals up close and learn about the city’s natural history.
- Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers over 20 mile-long paths for biking and horseback riding.
Enjoy Fort Myers’ Art And Performance Culture
Introduce yourself to the region’s art and performance culture by visiting several art galleries and theaters.
We suggest starting your art tour at the Alliance for the Arts gallery. You’ll marvel at the art on display and have a chance to take onsite art classes. You can also visit the Bob Rauschenberg Art Gallery at FSW, Vino’s Picasso, or the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
For breathtaking performances, go to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall or the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater.
Royal Palm Trees Line-up On McGregor Boulevard
You cannot visit the City Of Palms without taking in the sights of the over 1800 Royal palm tree line-up at McGregor Boulevard. You’ll witness the luxurious part of the city with sprinklings of history as you move along the road.
Spring Training
For the baseball diehards, you can meet and watch your favorite teams during their spring training in Fort Myers.
Go to the JetBlue Stadium at Fenway South to watch the Boston Red Sox or the CenturyLink Sports Complex-Hammond Stadium for the Minnesota Twins.
Relax, Reset, & Re-energize In Fort Myers
Escape the chaos of everyday life and immerse yourself into a new world in this hidden gem of a city that is Fort Myers. You’ll get lost in the incredible natural attractions and enjoy exciting, adrenaline-pumping sea adventures without breaking the bank.
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