Fort Myers - Do & See

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Fort Myers

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Overview

Do & See The guide was updated: 2023-09-01

A beach holiday can feel monotonous after a while, but Fort Myers provides many different pastime alternatives, from inland nature trips to sights, art galleries and social events.

Chosen as a winter refuge by Thomas Edison at the turn of the last century, Fort Myers sits away from busier and more opulent Florida centers, maintaining the carefree, low-key atmosphere of a sea town. Assuming beach life is Fort Myers's only attraction would be a mistake: the town center boasts a vibrant street life, with a plethora of indie art galleries and interesting spots for history and science lovers. The area's natural beauty continues inland, where protected animal species take shelter among mangroves and narrow bayou bends.

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian pummeled the cost of Florida. Many local beaches and attractions are still being restored to their pre-hurricane conditions. Folks from Visit Fort Myers (www.visitfortmyers.com) are diligently documenting the reopening of each tourist attraction.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The former winter residences of these two important Americans are today a cultural site that is worth a visit, whether you're interested in history, technology or nature: Thomas Edison set up a laboratory and a botanical garden which you'll be able to explore, together with the historic house interiors and a museum dedicated to the inventor.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park

Stretching across 10 acres on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Centennial Park is a good location for a walk or a picnic in town, offering a playground and a fishing pier. Here you will also find the Uncommon Friends, a sculpture commemorating the town's most famous visitors.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The area around Fort Myers offers beautiful, diverse landscapes, which you can admire in the many nature reserves. It's not only about the ocean — inland, you'll find river banks lined by woods and coastal wetlands. Bird watchers should head to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1945 on Sanibel Island, it is home to 245 different bird species, along with mammals and marine creatures. It also offers activities for guests, such as kayaking, tram tours and fishing.

Boat Tours

Boat Tours

Another popular way of getting to know Fort Myers's landscapes and nature is going on a boat trip. Manatee & Eco River Tours organize trips along the Caloosahatchee and Orange rivers, with a naturalist on board to tell you about the local flora and fauna. Different options are available — check out the manatee tours (only December to March), which allow visitors to get close to these uncommon sea creatures, or get into a romantic mood with a sunset tour. Book your trip on their website. www.manateeandecorivertours.com Magic Wind Adventure Sailing is run by an enthusiastic couple that offers sailing trips on the gulf for up to 6 passengers. Book your trip on their website or by phone. www.sailmagicwind.com

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The 3500-acre-wide Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve also makes for good hiking grounds. On its 1.2-mile boardwalk, between dense trees and bayous, you'll meet herons, egrets, alligators, turtles, and other typical Floridian fauna.

IMAG History & Science Centre

IMAG History & Science Centre

An eclectic venue for curious children and science lovers, Fort Myers's Imaginarium is an aquarium and hands-on museum with more than 60 interactive exhibits about sea life, fossils, Florida's history, nanotechnology and much more.

Art Walk & Music Walk

Art Walk & Music Walk

For some cultural entertainment, add Fort Myers's Art Walks and Music Walks to your agenda: these free happenings animate the social scene of the downtown River District at fixed times every month, while shops, art galleries and restaurants stay open until late at night, providing drinks on the sidewalk. The Art Walk takes place every first Friday of the month, 6pm–10pm, and takes you to 13 art galleries that offer self-guided tours and meet-ups with the artists. The Music Walk starts every third Friday of the month at 7pm, with bands and singers taking over the streets, performing in a wide range of music genres.

Burroughs Home & Garden

Burroughs Home & Garden

This luxury mansion was a well-known social event venue among Fort Myers's elite at the turn of the century. Built in 1901 in an imposing Georgian Revival style, it is now open for historical tours, and it's also a popular location for marriages and private ceremonies.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

With a planetarium, a butterfly house, nature trails and an aviary for rehabilitated birds, the independent non-profit organization of Calusa Nature Center provides environmental education for all ages.

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