10 Best Things to Do in Fort Myers

If you’ve got a growing young scientist or if you’re just looking for a fun way to explore science and history, the IMAG History & Science Centre is the place to go in Fort Myers. This family-friendly destination has hands-on exhibits as well as aquariums and animal displays.

You can feed a stingray at the Sea-to-See tank or even build a thrilling roller coaster. Or maybe you’d like to feel what it’s like to control the Earth’s weather systems. There’s also a place to dig for fossils and a television studio to feel what it’s like under the spotlight. After a day of play, grab a bite to eat at the Snack House Café.

The Riverside District is where the charm of historic southwest Florida meets international cuisine. This funky area features historic walking tours along brick-paved streets with 19th-century homes. There’s also shopping galore, live music, and art to enjoy. The first Friday of each month is Art Walk, with vendors selling arts and crafts.

Dining options span the globe, including sushi, tacos, and British dishes. Don’t miss the chance to take a gorgeous sunset selfie at the River Basin Plaza, located on Bay Street between Hendry Street and Bayview Court, or one of the many rooftop bars. The Edison Ford Winter Estate is also in this area as is the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Centre.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or are always on the hunt for fabulous vintage finds, add Fleamasters Flea Market to your itinerary. With 400,000 square feet of shopping space, you’re guaranteed not to leave empty-handed.

Buy from local farmers and artisans selling fresh produce and arts and crafts. The booths are packed with bargains on all kinds of antiques and collectibles. There are also 20 snack bars throughout the space, so there’s plenty of choice when you’ve worked up an appetite. Don’t forget to check out the website for live music and themed events.

Manatees, gentle floating creatures who graze on sea grass, are often called sea cows and you can see them seasonally when they return each year to Manatee Park. This non-captive preserve is 17 acres of natural beauty. The best time to see the manatees is from late December to February, as they hang out in the Gulf of Mexico the rest of the year.

You can make it a day at this spot if you’d like. There are often educational programmes and plenty of other things to do, like renting a kayak to paddle alongside the manatees. There are also walking paths, playgrounds, gardens, and picnic spots. In the summer, you can walk through a butterfly garden abuzz with life.

Fort Myers Beach is one of the spots Hurricane Ian hit hard in 2022 but the town and beach have bounced back and are open for business once more. Fort Myers Beach is a narrow, sugar-white sand beach that is beloved by locals and tourists.

This barrier island is 7 miles long and has many spots to get your blood pumping with water sports like jet skiing. For something gentler, you can rent kayaks or glide above the waves on a parasail. Try to catch a big one on a fishing charter or get up close to dolphins on an eco-tour. There are plenty of vibrant eateries around to refuel between spots of sunbathing.

Lakes Park is more lake than park, which makes it an awesome spot for water sports and wildlife watching. There are some paved and unpaved trails and boardwalks to help you get around or, if you’d rather explore by water, you can rent canoes and kayaks. There are outdoor fitness stations throughout and tonnes of spots to go fishing.

The Fragrance Garden contains a variety of plant life from succulents to bromeliads and provides a peaceful backdrop for picnicking. The park is also a fantastic place to go birdwatching, and you’ll no doubt see white egrets and maybe even a glossy ibis.

If you’re a history buff, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are a must-do in Fort Myers. Inventor Thomas Edison spent his winters along the Caloosahatchee River and his friend Henry Ford bought the place next door. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is one of the most visited historic homes in the country.

Walk inside the homes Edison and Ford lived with their families. Explore Edison’s laboratory and then head over to the museum where you can learn about the invention of electric lighting. The 15,000-square-foot museum also has historic Ford cars, including Edison’s 1916 Model T. And don’t miss the 20 acres of stunning botanic gardens.

The Caloosahatchee River runs through Fort Myers and is a top destination for adventure-seeking travellers. With stunning scenery such as lush ferns and verdant oaks lining the waterfront, it’s a great place to paddle or freshwater fish under the Floridian sun.

Charter an eco-tour or sunset cruise along the river to enjoy mesmerising vistas of the city at dusk. The Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve is tucked away on the north bank of the river and features a pleasant boardwalk to explore the wetlands. There are also tonnes of spots to hike and mountain bike all along the river.

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Centre is credited with helping to revitalise city centre Fort Myers, earning it the nickname the “crown jewel” of the town. The visual and performing arts centre has a different art exhibition every month, so there are always new creations to see from both local and international artists.

The Centre also has regular series of live music and there’s much to choose from, whether that’s jazz, chamber, tribute acts, and more. You might even catch a fashion show or a film festival. Whatever art you decide to immerse yourself in, don’t miss the rooftop sculpture garden which features workshops and yoga.

If seeing an alligator is on your to-do list, head to Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers. A slough (pronounced slew) is a narrow wetland with slow-flowing freshwater, usually teeming with wildlife. You might glimpse an otter playing in the water or a turtle basking in the sun. A slough also happens to be the kind of place alligators like to call home, so be prepared to spot a few gators.

The preserve is huge, with 3,500 acres of wetlands, and it’s 11 miles long but narrow. A boardwalk provides an up-close view for wildlife watching, and guided tours are available. There’s also an interpretive centre with informational displays, a resource library, and a nature store.