Location: Fort Myers
Top Things to do in Fort Myers
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The 10 Best Things to do in Fort Myers, Florida (FL)
The City of Palms is located in Southwestern Florida on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Most visitors go to Fort Myers for the deep-sea fishing, the golf courses and the famous white sand beaches and islands that line the Gulf Coast. A renovation of the city's downtown waterfront promises new restaurants, clubs, shops and galleries. Attractions include the winter estates of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, as well as nearby Naples and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Restaurants in Fort Myers
1. Manatee Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,221 reviews
Look for the West Indian manatee.
Reviewed By BETHANYD626 - Fruitport, United States
Ever want to see a manatee in person and in their natural habitat? Then Manatee Park is a must stop location. Even if you are in the area for short period of time you should be able to view them here. We only had bout 30 minutes and saw several. The park has awesome nature trails that lead right down by the water. The manatee like to go here in the winter as the inland waters are warmer than the gulf. So this is an area they love and hang out in. So take a walk on the trails and enjoy the manatees. You can also see many different fish jumping in the waters while you walk If you are looking for a longer trip and up-close experience you can rent kayaks or paddle boards to view the manatee right below you. Highly recommend this option and when we are back in the area will for sure be doing this! It was awesome watching the people out on their paddle boards and having the manatee right next to them. You will have to pay to park but there is no actual entry fee. Then there is a nice little gift shop with bathrooms and manatee information. This shop is where you can set up your trip and rent the paddle boards and kayaks. The website is a must watch tool as well. They post if they are seeing manatees and if it is a good time to visit
2. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,580 reviews
Visitors to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy seeing the winter residences of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. There are historical buildings, award-winning gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Inventions Museum. The museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits. Edison Ford offers many tour options, including special "Inside-the-Homes" and "Inside-the-Lab" Tours on select days. The audio tour is available in English, Spanish, German and French. Historian led tours are also offered in German on select days. Group tours can be arranged in advance.
Reviewed By 123Shane - Calgary, Canada
Very scenic area and gardens with two beautiful homes that provide a glimpse into American history. My wife and I enjoyed a relaxing walk through the gardens and learned about two of the very influential business men and their families. The museum on site was also very educational. Definitely a excellent visit in the Fort Myers area.
3. McGregor Boulevard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
Reviewed By corvette44 - Fort Myers, United States
Beautiful drive down McGregor Boulevard I must when coming to this area of Southwest Florida okay, so surreal and comforting driving between Palm trees. Amazing.
4. CenturyLink Sports Complex - Hammond Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 629 reviews
The Fort Myers Miracle are the Class A Advanced minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins Major League Baseball club. Since moving to Fort Myers in 1992, the Miracle have qualified for the Florida State League Playoffs eight times and won the Florida State League Championship in 2014. Home games are played at Hammond Stadium at the CenturyLink Sports Complex. The Fort Myers Miracle season begins in April and ends in September.
Reviewed By Crownefmy
I am a big spring training fan and over the years have seen many a Twins game and several Miracle games here and have never been disappointed. Extremely friendly staff and very good ballpark food options. I have attended other events here like a cornhole tournament and had a great time for that too.
5. Lakes Regional Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,411 reviews
Lakes Park encompasses nearly 300 acres of beautiful nature trails, lakes and gardens. Two playgrounds and water parks, a miniature train ride and railroad museum, bikes and watercraft available for rental, food concession, fitness trail and lots of picnicking areas. Every year over a million people enjoy Lakes Park's natural beauty for exercise and family recreation.
Reviewed By JMomma2015 - Granger, United States
We go to Lakes Park quite often. It’s a beautiful park to that offers many opportunities to walk, bike ride, fish, picnic, splash pad for kids, rent a surrey, rent a boat or just enjoy nature. There are various gardens, open fields, sand volleyball courts. It is very clean and well kept. The lakes have a huge boardwalk that crosses over and has beautiful fountains. It normally has a little children’s train and merry go round but those are currently not running due to the pandemic. There is plenty of parking ($). Offers farmers market on Wednesday.
6. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,187 reviews
Reviewed By thetravellingeek
A great boardwalk through a cypress preserve with lots of birds, some alligators and other wildlife. They request you keep it a quiet area which most respected. Well maintained and excellent staff. Pay for parking only, no admission.
7. JetBlue Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 807 reviews
Reviewed By gumpish - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The BEST Spring Training facility in Florida by a mile. It runs like clockwork and why is this? It’s because the staff are AMAZING! From the car parking attendants, to the guys who greet you, the stewards and the concession stand and shop staff, not forgetting the cleaning staff who keep the place spotless, they all do an amazing job! My husband and I have been coming to Spring Training now for eight years on the run and have visited every facility, including Arizona facilities, and Jet Blue Park is the best! Big thanks to the Sheriff’s Dept too for making access and egress to and from the park so efficient. Major shout out to our two fave beer selling ladies PAT and JOY in the Green Monster. We have such a laugh with them every year. This Stadium would not be the same without these two fabulous ladies, thank you for looking after us!
8. Fort Myers Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Opened in March 2013, Fort Myers Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in Fort Myers, FL. Considered a hidden gem in the Fort Myers area, FMBrew has received numerous accolades for its beers including, among many others, a World Beer Cup (2018) and been named the Best Large Brewery in Florida (2016, Best Florida Beer Competition). 20+ beers on tap everyday. Family friendly. Food trucks onsite everyday.
Reviewed By Ptenstudios - Hoffman Estates, United States
We met some old friends from our home town Chicago and the place provided a great atmosphere and wonderful brews. A great place to enjoy friends
9. Fort Myers River District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 691 reviews
Reviewed By rockdrums - Fort Myers, United States
Something going on in the Fort Myers downtown area every weekend. In addition, you can count on Art Walk happening the first Friday of every month and Music Walk is the third Friday of every month. Unique shops, many restaurants serving various foods (Mexican, Italian, BBQ, Seafood, Great Tasting Pizza, Specialty Burgers, etc.) Almost all of the restaurants provide outdoor and indoor seating for your comfort. Bands (pop, rock, reggae, funky dance music, from the 60's to today, etc.) almost every weekend in the outdoor area called the "Patio" as well as several other clubs and bars. You can walk around the downtown area with a cocktail or beer. There's usually a cabana set up in the Patio area where you can easily get a drink to go and sometimes, restaurants and bars will have a portable bar set up outside along the streets. They close down the streets to auto traffic on Bike Nights which occurs on a Saturday evening about once every couple months. All kinds of people walking around sharing the experience. Some with kids--some walking their pet dogs. Many people wear masks--some don't, but its a way you can social distance, have a good meal, maybe hear a band and have some fun. You know the weather is usually excellent in Florida!
10. Bunche Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 397 reviews
Visit Old Florida, where things are done naturally.San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve is a 718 acre beach and mangrove forest preserve with a variety of recreational opportunities to enjoy including: Bird Watching, Canoe/Kayak Launch, Canoeing/Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking (Boardwalk), Nature Study/Photography, Picnic Area, Swimming and Sun Bathing.Step back in time visiting San Carlos Bay- Bunche Beach Preserve, one of the few natural beaches framed with native vegetation and mangrove tunnels to explore by kayak or canoe. In 2010, public beach facilities were completed & opened with ADA parking, restrooms, fishing piers, kayak ramp, picnic tables, and a small boardwalk overlooking Rock Creek. On the white sandy beach, there is an ADA mobie mat that leads to an ADA picnic table. Bunche Beach is not a barrier island beach. It is narrow compared to the beaches on Sanibel and Fort Myers beach. This adds to its unique charm. This Beach is never crowded and easily accessible with no traffic concerns. Kayak and SUP rentals are available through the on site vendor, Kayak Excursions, which also sells bottled water and assorted sundries at the Activities center located just behind the beach.Enjoy a quiet day by the bay.
Reviewed By cmedz
About a 30 minute walk from the hotel we stayed at. Enjoyed walking to this quiet beach to avoid crowds and having to pay for parking. Would recommend renting or bringing a bike to Fort Myers beach, parking is pretty expensive (approximately $20/day at peak) which adds up for trips to get dinner,etc.
