The Fort Myers area of Florida is recognized as some of the best beaches in the United States. The greater area includes barrier islands like Captiva and Sanibel as well as Cape Coral. It’s also a capital for shelling and nature, with natural habitats for birds and other species.
Popular with families, the pleasant climate also brings in baseball teams for spring training year after year. Despite the devastation of a 2022 hurricane, the area is back open and ready to welcome visitors.
This post contains affiliate links.
What to Do in Fort Myers
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum– Learn about the area’s connections with shells and the mollusks that make them at this museum, which is the only one of its kind. Natural history fans can’t miss this, and it’s great for those rare rainy days. 3075 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel
CenturyLink Sports Complex– Nearby is the spring training field for the Minnesota Twins, but this complex is also home to Fort Myers’ minor league team, the Miracle. 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers
Edison and Ford Winter Estates– Did you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both had winter homes in Fort Myers? Edison was the first to settle the then-swampy area. Visitors can see exhibits on both men’s lives and see the inside of the neighboring homes. 2350 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers
Fort Myers Brewing Company– One of the area’s best breweries is this local favorite, which has a tasting room open for pints and weekly events like trivia and food trucks. 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive #28, Fort Myers
JetBlue Park- Fort Myers is one of the areas used for major league baseball teams’ spring training, and JetBlue, known as Fenway South, is home to the Red Sox. Stop by for a seasonal game and admire their smaller version of the green giant. 11500 Fenway South Drive, Fort Myers
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge– Named for a local cartoonist, this wildlife refuge is made up of over 5,000 acres and is home to migratory bird species. Take advantage of educational programs and walk the boardwalk in search of animals. 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel
Mound House– Built around the 2,000-year-old Calusa Indian Shell Mound, this historic site educates visitors on the history of the area and its inhabitants. They offer guided tours and kayaking eco-tours. 451 Connecticut Street, Fort Myers Beach
Palm City Brewing– The Fort Myers brewery has a number of styles, including IPAs. The tasting room has burger night, trivia, and food trucks, as well as games like foosball and cornhole. 7887 Drew Circle, Suite 130, Fort Myers
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery– Fort Myers also has its own rum distillery that makes spirits from Florida sugar cane. They have spiced rum, barrel-aged, and flavored varieties, and also offer tours of their facility. 131 SW 3rd Place, Cape Coral
Fort Myers Coastal Sealife Dolphin and Shelling Cruise– Check out the area’s ocean life, including looking for seashells on some of Florida’s most incredible beaches.
Fort Myers Cycleboat Cruise– Spend two hours navigating the waterways around Fort Myers on a cycleboat, a specialized vehicle that is powered by peddling. You can bring your own drinks on board.
Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers– Learn about the city’s rich history, including the town’s founders and people who made it what it is today. The tour lasts around an hour and a half.
Where to Eat in Fort Myers
Cristof’s on McGregor– Set in a historic home, Cristof’s has indoor and outdoor dining with Southern and classic American dishes like fried green tomatoes. 10231 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, (239) 791-8473
Farmers Market Restaurant– The longest-running restaurant in the county, this restaurant focuses on farm-fresh ingredients and Southern fare. Daily specials include baked chicken, shrimp and grits, and squash casserole. 2736 Edison Avenue, Fort Myers, (239) 334-1687
Fine Folk Pizza– The award-winning pies at Fine Folk appeal to every diet and taste, including vegan and gluten-free options. Build your own pie or choose from one of their signature creations. 11300 Lindbergh Boulevard #114, Fort Myers, (239) 313-5155
Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood– Seafood is the draw at this restaurant and seafood market, which offers favorites like lobster rolls, fresh Gulf oysters, and Ahi tuna. Don’t miss the spicy lobster spring roll! 1229 Southeast 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, (239) 257-3167
Gather– The waterfront restaurant brings together Mediterranean and American dishes with craft cocktails. 5971 Silver King Boulevard, Suite 116, Cape Coral
Nervous Nellie’s of Ft Myers Beach– The colorful waterfront restaurant specializes in massive cocktails, Key lime pie, steaks, and seafood. 1131 First Street, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 463-8077
Norman Love Confections– Started by one man before becoming a well-known brand, this is the place to indulge your sweet tooth, whether it’s chocolates, gelato, or pastries. 11380 Lindbergh Boulevard, Fort Myers, (239) 561-7215
Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market– As the name implies, seafood is the draw. The menu features shrimp, scallops, lobster, and grouper. 13451-16 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, (239) 489-2226
Rum Runners– The waterfront restaurant has some of the best steak and seafood in town. Don’t miss the cocktails and daily specials. 5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant– The waterfront restaurant is accessible by boat or foot and has hearty seafood fare and frozen cocktails. 645 Old San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach
Twisted Lobster– This casual seafood restaurant has daily specials and local craft beer. Enjoy fish tacos, crawfish, and soft shell crabs for lunch or dinner. 1341 Del Prado Boulevard South #1, Cape Coral, (239) 800-2879
Veranda Restaurant– This award-winning restaurant has been a staple since 1978, set between two historic homes. Classic menu items include steaks, Veal Piccata, and Parmesan-crusted snapper. 2122 Second Street, Fort Myers, (239) 332-2065
Where to Stay in Fort Myers
The Banyan Hotel Fort Myers Downtown– Set in the heart of Fort Myers, this hotel is a modern option set in the former post office. It has a restaurant and bar as well as a rooftop fitness center. 1520 Broadway Circle, Suite 104, Fort Myers
Cabbage Key– The Fort Myers area has so many surrounding islands, but Cabbage Key might be the most unique. Accessible only by boat, the island offers fishing, kayaking, and nature trails. P.O. Box 200, Pineland
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach– The new addition to the Jimmy Buffett empire opened in December 2023 with over 250 guest rooms, five bars and restaurants, and a beach club with private seating and pools. 251 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach
Sanibel Inn– The cozy property has over 90 rooms, suites, and condos and a heated pool, two restaurants, and access to a nearby golf and tennis club. 937 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel
South Seas Island Resort– The whole family will enjoy the large rooms at this hotel and vacation rentals that have harbor access. There’s also golf, tennis, and a spa. 5400 Plantation Road, Captiva
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa– The family-friendly hotel has large condo rooms with kitchens and living areas. The resort has tennis, pools, a fitness center, a spa, multiple restaurants, and a kids club. 1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel
Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant– The resort in Pineland is remote, only accessible via boat, but has countless recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and even visiting ancient Indian mounds. 13771 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village– This resort is like a city unto itself with multiple restaurants and waterfront rooms. The resort’s amenities are unmatched, including the pool that overlooks the river, a spa with steam room, fitness center, full-service marina, kids club, and stores. 5951 Silver King Boulevard, Cape Coral
Camping- If you’re camping or bringing your RV, Fort Myers/Pine Island KOA Holiday has the standard amenities like cabins, a bike path, and a heated pool.
Rentals- VRBO has the best selection of rentals throughout greater Fort Myers, including beach rentals. Airbnb is another option.
PIN IT
Leave a Reply