Fun things to do in fort myers florida

With an estimated number of around 271 sunny days a year, any season to visit Fort Myers, Florida is just about right. So pack loads of sunscreen and head to this region to explore the multitude of attractions in Fort Myers.

Fort Myers is known as the City of Palms and sits at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, a historic gem that still retains much of its vintage look and feel. While the city of Fort Myers isn’t actually on the ocean like Ft. Myers Beach, it is surrounded by both freshwater and salt and is a water-lovers paradise with every kind of outdoor activity on the water available to enjoy. It’s also an easy — and one of the most popular — day trips from Naples.

Here are some of the best sights of Fort Myers and the surrounding Gulf Coast islands, that every holiday buff should make a beeline for.

Best Time to Visit Fort Myers

There’s a lot to see and do in southwest Florida any time of year, but if you’d rather avoid the hot, hot, hot summers, plan your visit for the winter months or shoulder seasons. Winter is high season is SWFL (December - March) and Fort Myers gets crowded with tourists — lots of long lines at restaurants and heavier traffic. If you’re planning on visiting nearby Cape Coral or Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you should be prepared for extremely long longs going over bridges and causeways during certain time of the day.

If you don’t like heavy crowds and don’t mind a little heat, summer isn’t all that bad. Honestly. Many people stay inside or under shade during the hottest part of the day, but getting around the city is much easier — lighter traffic, less crowded beaches, no reservations required at restaurants, and super easy on and off the many bridges and causeways to get to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Cape Coral, just about anywhere.

The Thomas Edison Estate is one of the must-see Fort Myers attractions

Must-See Attractions in Fort Myers

1. Summer estates of Edison & Ford

2350 McGregor Blvd. Fort Myers

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were not only good friends but two of the best American innovators in their own right. They built their summer homes next to each other, just a mile from the Fort Myers city center. Though the admission rates are on the higher side, a visit to these grand mansions is a must for those who are interested in the history of these famous inventors.

Both the historic estates and the garden tour are open seven days a week for visitors. Apart from the homes, the 20 acres of grounds house a botanical garden, the Edison Botanic Research Lab, the Edison Main House, Ford House, Caretaker's House and a museum having hundreds of artifacts and inventions of the two entrepreneurs.

2. Historic Downtown

Some of the best places are best explored on foot, and Downtown Fort Myers historic district is no exception. The main reason for this is that the area is home to the largest numbers of historical structures in all of southwest Florida. Also referred to as the River District, this region covers an area of almost 540 acres from the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, right up to Victoria Avenue.

A maze of narrow alleyways and streets, lined with palm trees are tucked in an area full of swanky boutiques, cafes and cool restaurants. You can explore the dark side of downtown Fort Myers by a Haunted History Tour, covering the locations which are reputed to be spooky.

With its cool vintage downtown, downtown Fort Myers stands out among other towns in southwest Florida

3. Fort Myers Beach

Nearby Fort Myers Beach, Lover’s Key State Park on Estero Island and

Fort Myers Beach is where you’ll find the Fort Myers beach scene complete with a Strip to drive, see, and be seen. There’s a pedestrian area at the north end of the beach filled with charming shops and eateries, and it’s walking distance to the beach Pier, which makes for perfect sunset moments.

Paddleboarding, sunbathing, and enjoying time with your dog are best enjoyed at Lover's Key, a beach perfect for those seeking to spend quality time in seclusion.

4. Sun Splash Waterpark

400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral

In spite of the abundance of water around Fort Myers, the only true oasis is the Sun Splash Family Waterpark. With 14 acres of adrenaline pumping speed slides, pools and other exciting water based activities, that makes it the perfect spot for mom and dad to lounge in as the children play on the Tot Spot or the Pro Racers.

For the brave hearts, a ride on Cape Fear involves a ride through a dark tunnel to a 30 feet high platform and then a 215 feet plunge for a splash ending. Special deals are on offer throughout the summer, so make sure to check on the events online. The park is located 2.5 miles north in Cape Coral and remains open from March to September.

Just over the bridge from downtown Fort Myers is a great place for kids water park fun

5. Islands of Sanibel and Captiva

The seashell-laden pristine beaches of southwest Florida are renowned the world over for their laid-back vibe and the bright "green flash" seaside phenomenon that only occurs when certain weather conditions are just right.

The tiny islands of Sanibel and Captiva are just a short causeway away from Fort Myers and filled with treasures which can be explored round the year. Blind Pass beach, located between Sanibel and Captiva, is the best place to find shells, while Sanibel Lighthouse Beach has facilities for and picnics, a small fishing pier, and one of the island’s best photo ops. The mangroves and inner waterways on Sanibel are perfect for kayaking, especially at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Preserve, on mid-island.

6. Lakes Regional Park

7330 Gladiolus Dr, Fort Myers

If you are looking for some free things to do in Fort Myers, head straight to the Lakes Regional Park. This former gravel quarry, has been restored to a picturesque 289 acre park, perfect for families with kids.

The park features a playground and a ride on a real miniature train which happens to be the main attraction here. Visitors can also opt for a boat ride on an artificial lake where you can watch large shoals of fish and try a hand in catching one. Picnic sites, fitness centers and volleyball courts are some of the other laidback activities on offer at Lakes Regional Park.

A natural oasis in the midst of the city, Lakes Park a beautiful Fort Myers attraction

7. Smugglers Cove

5100 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

This unique adventure golf involves venturing past live alligators, waterfalls, caves and pirate ships for an unsurpassed educational American Alligator experience. Apart from feeding the reptiles with cane fishing poles, there are one-of-a-kind obstacles to be overcome before experiencing an outing of a lifetime at the Best Mini Golf in Florida.

Each Smugglers Cove golf course has an educational exhibit that is home to around 30 alligators which you can actually feed in the background of a stunning landscape.

8. Fort Myers Mighty Mussels

The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (formerly Fort Myers Miracle) are the local team to watch — the Minor League Baseball team of the Low-A Southeast and the Low-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. They play their home games in Fort Myers at the CenturyLink Sports Complex at Hammond Stadium, and a game night is always fun for baseball fans.

Hammond Stadium is open with comfortable seating, and games here are a pleasure to watch. Just be sure and root, root, root for the home team!

Root for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels at a MLB game

9. Butterfly Estates

1815 Fowler St, Fort Myers

This eco-friendly conservation effort is situated in Gardener's Park and is a special venue for preservation of the native species of butterflies found in Fort Myers. This 3600 square feet conservatory is a favorite attraction in Fort Myers, especially for the upcoming projects for the younger generation.

The extensive breeding program allows people to gain a valuable insight on the various stages of the butterfly's metamorphosis in an endearing environment. Butterfly Estates are open round the year and located in downtown Fort Myers. The shops and cafes offer a welcome escape from day to day life in tranquil surroundings. It is no wonder that visitors start taking videos and photos almost instantly.

Beautiful butterflies in a serene setting at the Fort Myers Butterfly Estates

So if you’re in traveling southwest Florida and happen to be in this neck of the woods, be sure to catch all of these attractions in Fort Myers for a fun-filled and action packed vacation.

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