Outdoor adventure | beaches & islands | arts & culture | family fun | dining & nightlife
Fort Myers
The islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers beckon to relaxation-seeking travelers. The clock seems to tick at a different cadence at the area's white-sand beaches, where lounging, playing and seashell hunting are the main agenda items.
More than 13,000 hotel rooms invite visitors to stay and explore this area of Southwest Florida. Live entertainment, family-friendly museums and adventures at serene nature preserves are all in easy reach. The local craft beers, just-caught seafood and beloved laid-back vibes are all waiting to be discovered, too.
Nonstop flights into Fort Myers are available from several major U.S. cities. So hop on one (or just drive over) and indulge in unhurried days where the only must-do on your schedule is catching the scene-stealing sunsets over the Gulf with your favorite people. Here’s more about what to see and do on your getaway.
Out on the water
From paddling on the river to drifting across the sound to sailing over warm Gulf waters, there are a multitude of ways to soak in the beauty of Fort Myers' waterways. Fishing charters are available from outfitters all over the area, in pursuit of snook, redfish, tarpon and many others. Dolphin-watching cruises give you the best chance of spotting these beautiful and curious creatures. Kayak or canoe through Fort Myers' serene mangroves and clear open waters, and you'll find turning off the outside noise suddenly becomes easy.
Among the varied marine life you may spot in the Fort Myers area, manatees are a special treat. They flock to the region's warm waters from December through February to escape chilly ocean temperatures. Put a kayak in at Manatee Park for your best chance of spying one.
Parks & preserves
Immerse in Southwest Florida's unique environments with a walk through your choice of 40 area nature preserves. Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, for example, includes miles of paved, boardwalk and primitive trails traversing through wetland, hammock and pine flatwood ecosystems. Palm warblers, red-headed woodpeckers, gray catbirds and red-shouldered hawks are among the hundreds of bird species that have been spotted in the park. Many migratory birds use Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve as a seasonal rest stop and feeding area, while wading birds (along with alligators, turtles and otters) live there year-round. Walk the 1.2-mile boardwalk through the park's wetlands for easy viewing.
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite spot for biking, and the park is also home to a 4-mile Wildlife Drive route, walking trails and canoe launch sites.
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Easy island hopping
Without spending a fortune, visitors to Fort Myers can try on an island-hopping lifestyle fit for the rich and famous. Small-group cruises, tours and private boat charters are easy to book for days spent exploring, fishing or soaking in the utter serenity.
Cabbage Key makes a postcard-worthy day trip; gopher tortoises wander the grounds and the island's historic inn and restaurant serves fresh seafood, tasty cocktails and a famously delicious frozen key lime pie for dessert. For a getaway with a laid-back castaway feel, book a vacation rental on car-free North Captiva Island. You can reach this beautifully unplugged beach community by ferry. Or visit Cayo Costa State Park, where you'll find nine miles of secluded beaches and a treasure trove of shells. This uninhabited, unspoiled island is accessible by boat or kayak.
White-sand beaches
Of course, the local beaches are good for more than hunting nature-made souvenirs. In the southern Fort Myers area, Lovers Key State Park's beach features clear blue-green waters and a sandy shoreline that stretches on and on, all accessed via a quarter-mile walk over a wooden bridge. A mile south, Bonita Beach Dog Park lets travelers unwind alongside their furry friends.
Sanibel Island's Bowman's Beach Park is a picturesque oasis on the island's northwest shore. Ample parking (short walk required) and amenities like restrooms, showers and a playground make for beach days as convenient as they are idyllic. All Sanibel Island's beaches allow leashed dogs, too. For those who'd like to work up an appetite before enjoying a beachy picnic lunch, the park's short hiking trails will do the trick.
Seashells
As an adult, you may not think of seashell collecting as an activity to plan a vacation around. But on the islands and beaches around Fort Myers, it is. Each wave washes up a staggering new bounty of treasures from the glittering Gulf, and the pursuit of perfect olive shells, conical lightning whelks, prized sand dollars and rare spotted junonias soon becomes an absorbing form of meditation.
For the richest selection, head to Sanibel Island, known unofficially as the Seashell Capital of the world, or its northern neighbor, Captiva Island. Bring a mesh or canvas bag and hit the sand in the morning, while the tide is low. Then learn more about shells found in Southwest Florida and around the globe at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. The museum is also home to about 60 species of intriguing marine animals, from mollusks to octopus to giant clams.
History
The Fort Myers area spills over with vestiges of its intriguing past, from the Calusa, its earliest inhabitants, to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who wintered here with their families starting in the late 1800s.
One of the many ways to experience the area's history is to visit Boca Grande and the Outer Islands. Drive across the causeway to Gasparilla Island. On the southern end sits the historic town of Boca Grande, with delightful white-sand beaches, pastel-colored homes and a quaint downtown. Ride a bike along the Boca Grande Rail-Trail, which traces the path of the railway built here in the early 1900s to transport phosphate, mined from the nearby, fossil-rich Peace River Valley, to the port at the south end. There, cargo ships waited to transport the mineral, known as "white gold" for its ability to boost crop growth, to farmers everywhere. Learn more at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, where you can climb to the top of the historic structure as an expert guide fills you in on stories of the region.
More arts & music
The Fort Myers art scene is alive and well in the River District, where the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts art exhibitions, community art-making events and concerts ranging in theme from reggae to chamber music. The rooftop sculpture garden is also the site of many soirees, including dance parties and karaoke nights.
The vibrant arts activities continue at Alliance for the Arts, a hub of culture and creativity in downtown Fort Myers. Set on a scenic 10-acre campus, the center hosts diverse musical performances, theater productions, art exhibits and community classes. Fans of public art should head to the murals at Dunbar's McCollum Hall, also in Fort Myers. Bonita Springs has two interconnected arts centers, as well—one dedicated to the visual arts, and the other performing arts. Whether you're looking to take a class on tap dancing or creating fused glass art, you'll find it there. Find many more local events to get in on across the region, from art fairs to foodie festivals, on the local events calendar.
Live entertainment
You can balance all this blissful peace and quiet with engaging live music and theatrical performances put on regularly at local venues.
Downtown Bonita Springs is home to Riverside Park, with a bandshell set on a lovely green space. Each month, local bands and other live acts take to the stage to put on free community concerts in the park. The site also hosts a wide variety of events, from movies in the park to art festivals. If your visit falls on a Sunday, take some time to browse locally created jewelry, paintings and sculptures at the six onsite artist cottages.
The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers, delighting fans of classical music with Beethoven, Brahms and many more. Theater lovers, meanwhile, will want to check out Florida Rep. The regional theater company's current season features themes ranging from murder mystery to time travel to retirement community comedy.
Family attractions
The nature preserves, beaches and museums of the Fort Myers area are all easy fits for a family vacation. That said, there are certain attractions that are especially engaging for little ones—and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is one of them. Families can learn about ecology, zoology, astrology and more areas of natural science through hands-on exhibits and events. The 105-acre property also hosts a butterfly garden, a raptor aviary and a large-dome planetarium theater with twice-daily shows that are included with your ticket. Offering twice-daily live science and wildlife shows, plus a living lab featuring a 3,200-gallon aquarium, the IMAG History & Science Center is another must-visit for curious minds of all ages.
The fun continues on the water, as well, with Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise, 90-minute adventures aboard a 65-foot replica Spanish galleon. These interactive cruises are full of pirate humor, games, dancing and treasure chest fun young ones won't soon forget.
Outdoor adventure
Beaches & islands
Arts & culture
Family fun
Plan your trip
Dining & nightlife
Fort Myers Brewing Co., Fort Myers
Waterfront restaurants
If seafood is king here (and it is), then enjoying the fresh catch in the salty air and watching the sun make its graceful descent can only be described as divine. You can try a new alfresco dining spot each night. One suggestion: Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille in Bonita Springs, where the coconut shrimp and raspberry key lime pie earn rave reviews. Eagle Grille & Miller's Dockside in Boca Grande, meanwhile, is two waterfront venues in one. Dine in a peaceful setting upstairs (Eagle Grille) or soak up the lively atmosphere at the water's edge (Miller's Dockside). Either way, you'll find a great selection of pub fare, salads, seafood and steaks to enjoy along with the amazing views.
Cape Coral has top-notch waterfront dining spots, too—Fathoms Restaurant & Bar among them. The venue is set inside the upscale Cape Harbour Marina and provides free docking while dining for boaters. You'll find everything from wagyu beef meatballs to pizza on the menu. Cape Coral is also home to Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, where food trucks offer waterfront dining and drinks. The park is accessible by boat and has live music afternoons and evenings.
The freshest seafood
Digging into just-caught seafood is as much a part of the Fort Myers experience as the sunshine, sands and Gulf breezes. Don't leave without trying as many of the local specialties as possible: pink gold Gulf shrimp, oysters, snook, grouper, snapper, tripletail and—from mid-October to May—succulent stone crabs.
Catching your own dinner is an option as well. There are plenty of places to cast a line, whether from a dock, a pier, a kayak or a chartered boat. Cook up the spoils of your excursion in the comfort of your vacation rental. Many area restaurants will cook your catch for you, too; give a call in advance to be sure they can accommodate you.
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Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, Fort Myers (left); Roseate Spoonbill at the J.N. "Ding" Darling Natoinal Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel (right)
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum
Breweries
There's an impressive number of breweries in the Fort Myers area—13 to be exact. Sip and sample your way across them all for a taste of local talent and creativity.
In Fort Myers, Coastal Dayz Brewing Company features 16 taps, pouring its brewed-on-site classics alongside its seasonal creations. Veteran-owned and located in a former church building, Swamp Cat Brew Co. opened in early 2025 and has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The venue offers tasty eats via independent vendors on an expansive, pet-friendly patio. Fort Myers Brewing Co. offers a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of seating both indoors and out, plus Tuesday trivia and live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday.
Hopsized Brewing Co. in Bonita Springs is a family-owned venture that started as a home-brewing hobby. Their passion for beer has grown into a beloved community gathering place where flavorful hard seltzers, fruity sours and hoppy IPAs are all on tap.
Biking at J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel
South Seas, Captiva Island
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
Manatee Park, Fort Myers
Dolphins near Sanibel Island
Tarpon Point Marina, Cape Coral
Bonita Dog Beach Park, Bonita Springs
Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Springs
Bowman's Beach Park, Sanibel
The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra, Fort Myers
Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille, Bonita Springs | credit: Rob Crosby
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa, Bonita Springs
Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, Cape Coral
Alliance for the Arts, Fort Myers
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Fort Myers
Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise, Fort Myers
Wonder Gardens, Bonita Springs
Fort Myers Beach
Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island
Matanzas on Fort Myers Beach
Dunbar–McCollum Hall murals, Fort Myers
IMAG History & Science Center, Fort Myers
Lakes Park, Fort Myers
Fort Myers
the unhurried Florida escape you need
Outdoor
adventure
beaches &
islands
arts &
culture
family
fun
dining &
nightlife
Out on the water
From paddling on the river to drifting across the sound to sailing over warm Gulf waters, there are a multitude of ways to soak in the beauty of Fort Myers' waterways. Fishing charters are available from outfitters all over the area, in pursuit of snook, redfish, tarpon and many others. Dolphin-watching cruises give you the best chance of spotting these beautiful and curious creatures. Kayak or canoe through Fort Myers' serene mangroves and clear open waters, and you'll find turning off the outside noise suddenly becomes easy.
Among the varied marine life you may spot in the Fort Myers area, manatees are a special treat. They flock to the region's warm waters from December through February to escape chilly ocean temperatures. Put a kayak in at Manatee Park for your best chance of spying one.
Parks & preserves
Immerse in Southwest Florida's unique environments with a walk through your choice of 40 area nature preserves. Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, for example, includes miles of paved, boardwalk and primitive trails traversing through wetland, hammock and pine flatwood ecosystems. Palm warblers, red-headed woodpeckers, gray catbirds and red-shouldered hawks are among the hundreds of bird species that have been spotted in the park. Many migratory birds use Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve as a seasonal rest stop and feeding area, while wading birds (along with alligators, turtles and otters) live there year-round. Walk the 1.2-mile boardwalk through the park's wetlands for easy viewing.
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a favorite spot for biking, and the park is also home to a 4-mile Wildlife Drive route, walking trails and canoe launch sites.
Seashells
As an adult, you may not think of seashell collecting as an activity to plan a vacation around. But on the islands and beaches around Fort Myers, it is. Each wave washes up a staggering new bounty of treasures from the glittering Gulf, and the pursuit of perfect olive shells, conical lightning whelks, prized sand dollars and rare spotted junonias soon becomes an absorbing form of meditation.
For the richest selection, head to Sanibel Island, known unofficially as the Seashell Capital of the world, or its northern neighbor, Captiva Island. Bring a mesh or canvas bag and hit the sand in the morning, while the tide is low. Then learn more about shells found in Southwest Florida and around the globe at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. The museum is also home to about 60 species of intriguing marine animals, from mollusks to octopus to giant clams.
White-sand beaches
Of course, the local beaches are good for more than hunting nature-made souvenirs. In the southern Fort Myers area, Lovers Key State Park's beach features clear blue-green waters and a sandy shoreline that stretches on and on, all accessed via a quarter-mile walk over a wooden bridge. A mile south, Bonita Beach Dog Park lets travelers unwind alongside their furry friends.
Sanibel Island's Bowman's Beach Park is a picturesque oasis on the island's northwest shore. Ample parking (short walk required) and amenities like restrooms, showers and a playground make for beach days as convenient as they are idyllic. All Sanibel Island's beaches allow leashed dogs, too. For those who'd like to work up an appetite before enjoying a beachy picnic lunch, the park's short hiking trails will do the trick.
Easy island hopping
Without spending a fortune, visitors to Fort Myers can try on an island-hopping lifestyle fit for the rich and famous. Small-group cruises, tours and private boat charters are easy to book for days spent exploring, fishing or soaking in the utter serenity.
Cabbage Key makes a postcard-worthy day trip; gopher tortoises wander the grounds and the island's historic inn and restaurant serves fresh seafood, tasty cocktails and a famously delicious frozen key lime pie for dessert. For a getaway with a laid-back castaway feel, book a vacation rental on car-free North Captiva Island. You can reach this beautifully unplugged beach community by ferry. Or visit Cayo Costa State Park, where you'll find nine miles of secluded beaches and a treasure trove of shells. This uninhabited, unspoiled island is accessible by boat or kayak.
Live entertainment
You can balance all this blissful peace and quiet with engaging live music and theatrical performances put on regularly at local venues.
Downtown Bonita Springs is home to Riverside Park, with a bandshell set on a lovely green space. Each month, local bands and other live acts take to the stage to put on free community concerts in the park. The site also hosts a wide variety of events, from movies in the park to art festivals. If your visit falls on a Sunday, take some time to browse locally created jewelry, paintings and sculptures at the six onsite artist cottages.
The Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra performs regularly at the Music & Arts Community Center in Fort Myers, delighting fans of classical music with Beethoven, Brahms and many more. Theater lovers, meanwhile, will want to check out Florida Rep. The regional theater company's current season features themes ranging from murder mystery to time travel to retirement community comedy.
More arts & music
The Fort Myers art scene is alive and well in the River District, where the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts art exhibitions, community art-making events and concerts ranging in theme from reggae to chamber music. The rooftop sculpture garden is also the site of many soirees, including dance parties and karaoke nights.
The vibrant arts activities continue at Alliance for the Arts, a hub of culture and creativity in downtown Fort Myers. Set on a scenic 10-acre campus, the center hosts diverse musical performances, theater productions, art exhibits and community classes. Fans of public art should head to the murals at Dunbar's McCollum Hall, also in Fort Myers. Bonita Springs has two interconnected arts centers, as well—one dedicated to the visual arts, and the other performing arts. Whether you're looking to take a class on tap dancing or creating fused glass art, you'll find it there. Find many more local events to get in on across the region, from art fairs to foodie festivals, on the local events calendar.
History
The Fort Myers area spills over with vestiges of its intriguing past, from the Calusa, its earliest inhabitants, to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who wintered here with their families starting in the late 1800s.
One of the many ways to experience the area's history is to visit Boca Grande and the Outer Islands. Drive across the causeway to Gasparilla Island. On the southern end sits the historic town of Boca Grande, with delightful white-sand beaches, pastel-colored homes and a quaint downtown. Ride a bike along the Boca Grande Rail-Trail, which traces the path of the railway built here in the early 1900s to transport phosphate, mined from the nearby, fossil-rich Peace River Valley, to the port at the south end. There, cargo ships waited to transport the mineral, known as "white gold" for its ability to boost crop growth, to farmers everywhere. Learn more at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, where you can climb to the top of the historic structure as an expert guide fills you in on stories of the region.
Family attractions
The nature preserves, beaches and museums of the Fort Myers area are all easy fits for a family vacation. That said, there are certain attractions that are especially engaging for little ones—and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is one of them. Families can learn about ecology, zoology, astrology and more areas of natural science through hands-on exhibits and events. The 105-acre property also hosts a butterfly garden, a raptor aviary and a large-dome planetarium theater with twice-daily shows that are included with your ticket. Offering twice-daily live science and wildlife shows, plus a living lab featuring a 3,200-gallon aquarium, the IMAG History & Science Center is another must-visit for curious minds of all ages.
The fun continues on the water, as well, with Salty Sam's Pirate Cruise, 90-minute adventures aboard a 65-foot replica Spanish galleon. These interactive cruises are full of pirate humor, games, dancing and treasure chest fun young ones won't soon forget.
The freshest seafood
Digging into just-caught seafood is as much a part of the Fort Myers experience as the sunshine, sands and Gulf breezes. Don't leave without trying as many of the local specialties as possible: pink gold Gulf shrimp, oysters, snook, grouper, snapper, tripletail and—from mid-October to May—succulent stone crabs.
Catching your own dinner is an option as well. There are plenty of places to cast a line, whether from a dock, a pier, a kayak or a chartered boat. Cook up the spoils of your excursion in the comfort of your vacation rental. Many area restaurants will cook your catch for you, too; give a call in advance to be sure they can accommodate you.
Waterfront restaurants
If seafood is king here (and it is), then enjoying the fresh catch in the salty air and watching the sun make its graceful descent can only be described as divine. You can try a new alfresco dining spot each night. One suggestion: Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille in Bonita Springs, where the coconut shrimp and raspberry key lime pie earn rave reviews. Eagle Grille & Miller's Dockside in Boca Grande, meanwhile, is two waterfront venues in one. Dine in a peaceful setting upstairs (Eagle Grille) or soak up the lively atmosphere at the water's edge (Miller's Dockside). Either way, you'll find a great selection of pub fare, salads, seafood and steaks to enjoy along with the amazing views.
Cape Coral has top-notch waterfront dining spots, too—Fathoms Restaurant & Bar among them. The venue is set inside the upscale Cape Harbour Marina and provides free docking while dining for boaters. You'll find everything from wagyu beef meatballs to pizza on the menu. Cape Coral is also home to Slipaway Food Truck Park & Marina, where food trucks offer waterfront dining and drinks. The park is accessible by boat and has live music afternoons and evenings.
Breweries
There's an impressive number of breweries in the Fort Myers area—13 to be exact. Sip and sample your way across them all for a taste of local talent and creativity.
In Fort Myers, Coastal Dayz Brewing Company features 16 taps, pouring its brewed-on-site classics alongside its seasonal creations. Veteran-owned and located in a former church building, Swamp Cat Brew Co. opened in early 2025 and has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The venue offers tasty eats via independent vendors on an expansive, pet-friendly patio. Fort Myers Brewing Co. offers a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of seating both indoors and out, plus Tuesday trivia and live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday.
Hopsized Brewing Co. in Bonita Springs is a family-owned venture that started as a home-brewing hobby. Their passion for beer has grown into a beloved community gathering place where flavorful hard seltzers, fruity sours and hoppy IPAs are all on tap.