The 20 Best Things To Do In Fort Myers, Florida

Known as the gateway to Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is the kind of destination that does it all. Yearning to explore a vibrant metropolitan? Fort Myers’s downtown has plenty to see, do, and eat—and did we mention it’s also situated on the beautiful Caloosahatchee River? Seeking a beach vacation where you can enjoy some R&R in the company of sand, sun, and surf? Fort Myers Beach has all you need. And if you want to venture down a road slightly less traveled, nearby Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offer even more room to roam. After sustaining heavy damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022, Fort Myers, and its surrounding communities, have recovered nicely and are more than ready to welcome visitors to experience the magic of the City of Palms. These are the 20 best things to do in Fort Myers Florida.

What To Do In Fort Myers, Florida

Take A Sunset Cruise

There are a million ways to enjoy the ample water that surround Fort Myers, but one of the best ways to appreciate the deep blue expanse is on a cruise with Off The Leash Charters. Their 40-foot pontoon boat tricked out with lounge seating, bar top tables, LED lighting, and a Bluetooth sound system. Trips explore Cape Coral’s 400 miles of  canals, as well as the Caloosahatchee River all the way to San Carlos Bay.

offtheleashcharters.com; 239-851-4663

Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Like much of South Florida, Fort Myers was once a winter retreat for American industry’s founding families. Both the Edisons and the Fords owned grand homes in Fort Myers, and today you can tour both of their former residences. Wander the main homes, guest houses, and gardens at these house museums to get a glimpse into the Gilded Age.

edisonfordwinterestates.org; 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901; 239-334-7419

Get In Touch With Nature At Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Coastline is the primary landscape associated with Fort Myers, but the city is also home to a number of other diverse ecosystems. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve gives visitors the opportunity to explore a 3,400-acre wetland ecosystem crawling with native critters like otters, turtles, alligators, and wading birds. The 1-mile boardwalk, punctuated by overlooks and interpretive signs, is the best way to get acquainted with this special spot.

leegov.com/parks/parks/sixmilecypress; 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966; (239) 218-1032

Hit The Beach

A Florida vacation doesn’t feel like a Florida vacation without a dip in the ocean. Luckily, Fort Myers and its surrounding areas encompass 50 miles of white-sand beaches to relax on. Book a stay with an ocean view on Fort Myers Beach, or make a small detour to visit nearby beaches like Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, Bonita Beach Park in Bonita Springs, and Gasparilla Island State Park on Gasparilla Island.

fortmyersbeachfl.gov/102/Beaches

Bike Through Cape Coral

If you want to feel the wind in your hair, there’s no better way to experience it than by biking through Cape Coral, a Fort Myers neighborhood known for its intricate canal system. Often called the Venice of the South, Cape Canal features 400 of miles canals lined with gorgeous waterfront homes. The best way to see it all is by hopping on a bike and weaving your way through 90 miles of interconnected trails.

visitfortmyers.com/neighborhoods/cape-coral

Take A Day Trip To Nearby Islands

One of Fort Myers’s biggest draws is that it allows visitors to experience what feels like several destination in one. To take full advantage of the lively, adventure-filled area, take a day trip to visit nearby islands like Sanibel, Captiva, Cayo Costa, Pine Island, and Gasparilla—all are under a two-hour drive away and more than worthy of a day trip.

visitfortmyers.com/islands

Stroll The River District

The heart of the city can be found in the River District, a lively waterfront neighborhood whose brick-paved streets are lined with excellent restaurants, creative shops, and historic buildings, and colorful murals. The historic downtown is a joy to visit any day or night, but it’s at its best during monthly Art Walks, where local vendors, artists, and crafters put their best works on display.

myriverdistrict.com

Go Kayaking At Manatee Park

This public park was once a popular winter retreat for manatees seeking warmer water in the winter. Today, manatee sightings here are scarce, but there’s still plenty of reason to pay a visit. Kayak rentals, playgrounds, a butterfly garden, and plenty of picnic areas make this a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

leegov.com/parks/parks/manateepark; 10901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905; 239-913-9993

Attend A Spring Training Game

Snowbirds who flock to this South Florida city get the bonus of being around for MLB spring training, which takes place at JetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins, respectively. Snag a ticket to these pre-season games that run from February to March, and don’t forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks!

visitfortmyers.com/spring-training

Where To Eat In Fort Myers, Florida

Try The Yucatan Shrimp At Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill (P)

Inspired by Doc Ford, the protagonist of author Randy Wayne White’s extensive novel series by the same name, this restaurant and bar is a longtime favorite in the area. The menu reflects classic coastal cuisine with a Caribbean twist. The restaurant’s signature dish, the Yucatan Shrimp, is a must-order. Order a ½ or full pound of the steamed peel-and-eat shrimp dressed in an addictive sauce of butter, garlic, Colombian chiles, cilantro, and Key lime juice.

docfords.com; 708 Fishermans Wharf, Ft Myers Beach, FL 33931; 239-765-9660

Have Drinks At Beacon Social Drinkery

Located 12 stories above downtown Fort Myers, this rooftop bar at the top of Luminary Hotel is the place to go for an incredible view and a tasty cocktail. Go for happy hour and order a few small plates, or swing by in the evening for a spectacular sunset show.

luminaryhotel.com/taste/beacon-social-drinkery; 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901; 833-918-1512

Have A Fresh Fish Dinner

A seafood dinner is a prerequisite when visiting any destination near a body of water. Fort Myers definitely got the memo, as evidenced by their many great restaurants that specialize in fresh-caught fish, shrimp, oysters, and the like. Izzy’s Fish and Oyster, a modern eatery in the heart of the River District is an excellent place to go all out by ordering a seafood tower or diving into creative dishes like Coconut & Macadamia Crusted Triple Tail with coconut rice, green papaya, and red curry sauce. For a more tried-and-true dinner, visit Dixie Fish Company, an Old Florida fish house that’s been around since 1937.

izzysftmyers.com; 2282 First Street, Fort Myers, Fl 33901; 239-337-4999

dixiefishfmb.com; 714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; 239-233-8837

Eat Authentic Italian At Bruno’s Of Brooklyn

If seafood isn’t quite your jam, or you’re just looking for something different, family-owned Bruno’s of Brooklyn always delivers. Decades-old recipes for authentic Italian cuisine like lasagna with meatballs, veal piccata, and eggplant parmigiano make this a neighborhood favorite.

brunosofbrooklyn.com; 2112 Second St, Fort Myers, FL 33901; 239-278-0211

Follow The Southwest Florida Ale Trail (P)

Sip your way through town along the Southwest Florida Ale Trail, which includes 16 breweries that span Lee, Collier, and Hendry Counties. Fort Myers favorites include Voodoo Brewing Company, Fort Myers Brewing Company, Riptide Brewing Company, and Millennial Brewing Company.

swflaletrail.com

Start Your Morning At McGregor Café

Fueling up before a long day of exploring is always a smart idea. McGregor Café’s menu of breakfast staples like scratch-made drop biscuits smothered in sausage gravy and malted flour buttermilk pancakes will keep you full for all your morning activities and beyond.

mcgregorcafe.com; 4305 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901; 239-936-1771

Savor A Sweet Treat At Pinocchio’s

Take a quick trip to the coast of Italy with a scoop or two from Pinocchio’s Original Italian Ice Cream. Popular flavors include the Sanibel Crunch (vanilla ice cream with toasted coconut, chocolate, and mixed nuts) and the Dirty Sand Dollar (caramel ice cream with malted milk balls and chocolate flakes).

pinocchiosicecream.com; 16230 Summerlin Rd., #202, Ft. Myers, FL 33908; 239-472-0547

Have Lunch At Farmers Market Restaurant

Grab a homecooked meat ‘n’ three lunch at this beloved spot that’s been serving Southwest Florida since 1952. Main entrees like country fried pork chops, chicken and dumplings, and barbecue ribs play well with an array of Southern-style vegetables like fresh-cut collards, fried okra, and black-eyed peas.

farmersmarketrestaurant.com; 2736 Edison Ave, Fort Myers FL 33916; 239-334-1687

Where To Stay In Fort Myers, Florida

Secure An Ocean View At The Pink Shell Resort & Marina (P)

This beachfront resort’s distinct bubblegum-colored façade puts guests in a good mood on sight. The 12-acre campus features 1,500 feet of private white-sand beaches, luxurious rooms and suites, a full-service spa, marina, rooftop and oceanfront pools, and two restaurants. When you’re ready to explore offsite, concierge can set you up with fishing and boating excursions or watersports.

pinkshell.com; 275 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931; 877-583-2901

Spend The Night At The Banyan Hotel

If a sleeker city stay is more your speed, The Banyan Hotel (part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton) is a great choice. The boutique hotel is located in the heart of the River District, which makes it super convenient for walking to shops, restaurants, historical attractions, and more. The hotel opened in late 2023, so it’s fairly new, but is already on track to becoming a Fort Myers favorite.

hilton.com/en/hotels/fmyfmup-the-banyan-hotel-fort-myers; 1520 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL, 33901; 239-337-3446

Relax At The Hibiscus House Bed And Breakfast  

For a more intimate experience, consider reserving one of five rooms inside The Hibiscus House. The historic house dates to 1923 and has a storied history that includes time as four different inns. Today, it’s run by mother-daughter team Lisette Puebla and Lisette Puebla Jr. With breakfast served each morning at 7 a.m., plus snack served in the afternoon, you’ll fell right at home during your stay.

thehibiscushousebnb.com; 2135 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901; 833- 545-3776