Discover the famous city of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the city offers a rich cultural heritage and a host of fascinating attractions, including the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates. In addition, its beaches are beautiful with Caribbean waters that enchant everyone!
In this guide, we'll explore the top attractions and activities that make Fort Myers such a unique and diverse Florida destination.
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Where is and how to get to Fort Myers – Florida
Fort Myers is located in southwest of florida, in the United States.
Distances from Fort Myers:
- to Orlando: 255km
- to Tampa: 213km
- to Miami: 253km
To get to Fort Myers if you choose to go by plane Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the main airport serving the Fort Myers area. It is located about 10 miles southeast of downtown Fort Myers. After arriving at the airport, just rent a car.
Going by car one of the main highways is the Interstate 75 (I-75), which passes through the region.
If you are coming from other cities, you can come from bus, Greyhound and Megabus companies make routes that pass through the city. These buses usually have stops in the central area of the city.
And the last option is to go from boat, if you're cruising along the Florida coast, Fort Myers has several marinas and docks where you can dock your private boat. The city also offers ferry services to nearby islands such as Sanibel and Captiva.
Get to Know Fort Myers
Fort Myers is a city located in the US state of Florida and serves as the seat of Lee County. It was officially incorporated on March 24, 1886.
Fort Myers and Cape Coral together make up the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area, located in Lee County.
Best time to travel to Fort Myers – Florida
Many visitors choose to visit during the winter or spring to enjoy the beautiful weather and outdoor activities, but the city has something to offer all year round, depending on what you're looking for. Be sure to check the weather and conditions specific to the time of your trip when making your plans.
What are the seasons like in Fort Myers
Winter (December to February):
Winter is the high season in Fort Myers due to the mild and pleasant weather.
Daytime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 26°C, making this a popular destination for travelers looking to escape the winter chill in other parts of the country.
This is a great time to enjoy beaches, boating and outdoor activities.
Spring (March to May):
Spring is another great time to visit Fort Myers, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds than winter.
Temperatures start to rise gradually, ranging from 22°C to 29°C, making the weather ideal for exploring nature, bird watching and other outdoor activities.
Keep in mind that spring is also the peak season for wildflower blooms in places like the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Summer (June to August):
Summer in Fort Myers can be hot and humid, with daytime temperatures that can reach 32°C or higher.
This is Florida's rainy season, with the possibility of frequent showers and summer thunderstorms.
If you don't mind the heat and humidity, summer can be a good time to find lower room rates and fewer crowds.
Autumn (September to November):
Autumn is an in-between season, with temperatures gradually dropping from 29°C to 22°C.
It's a nice time to visit Fort Myers, with fewer crowds and lower prices compared to winter and spring.
This is also the height of the region's hurricane season, so it's important to keep an eye on weather forecasts if you travel during this time.
Where to Stay in Fort Myers, Florida
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Typical food from the region of Fort Myers - Florida
The cuisine of the Fort Myers region is influenced by its coastal location and tropical climate. You fresh seafood are the most requested in restaurants. Some popular seafood dishes are:
- grouper: This is a locally caught fish and often prepared grilled or fried.
- Shells (Conch): Try fried conch, a local delicacy made from the flesh of the conch shellfish.
- crabs: Soft-shell crabs are a seasonal treat. Blue crabs and stone crabs are also popular.
For those (like me) who love a sweetie, lemon pie lime pie key it's perfect and you need to taste it, lemon is typical of the region, so you'll only know this taste when you're tasting this pie.
Among the different foods and game animals, the Alligator is famous in the region, and that's right alligator meat. It's a culinary adventure that many Florida visitors enjoy. Alligator is often served in the form of fried nuggets or as a grilled dish.
Gator Tail: In addition to alligator meat, alligator tail is another option for an exotic dish. It is often breaded and fried, served with a dipping sauce.
Best Restaurants in Fort Myers, Florida
Mine's Bistro open from Tuesday to Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm. It is a restaurant with an Italian-Latin themed menu offering a huge variety, many gluten-free options, meat options and vegetarian options (examples: pizza, pasta, seafood dishes, among others). The chefs of the house are the owners themselves, who prepare fresh dishes on the spot. It's delicious.
Address: 4391 Colonial Blvd #104, Fort Myers
Ford's Garage Ft Myers open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. Conveniently located on First Street, between Cleveland Ave Bridge and Edison Bridge, this restaurant has a wide variety of beers and chopps, as well as delicious burgers, it's very American style and that tourists love!
Address: 2207 First St, Fort Myers.
The Firestone Grille, open daily from 4 pm to 10 pm. Housed in a historic building, Firestone Grille is a steakhouse restaurant with an extensive wine list. They offer a variety of meat cuts, fresh seafood and cocktails.
Address: 2224 Bay St, Fort Myers.
What to do in Fort Myers, Florida
Edison and Ford Winter Estates: Explore the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visit their homes, laboratories and botanical gardens. It is an educational and historical experience.
Beaches: Enjoy the area's beautiful beaches, including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Beach and Captiva Beach. Relax on the sand, swim, collect shells and enjoy water sports.
JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: This wildlife reserve is a paradise for birdwatching and marine life. Hike the trails, rent a kayak or take a trolley tour to explore the area.
nearby islands: Take boat trips to nearby islands such as Sanibel and Captiva. They are known for their pristine beaches and marine life.
Shopping: Fort Myers has shopping options including the Miromar Outlets and the Edison Mall. The historic center also offers charming boutiques and exclusive stores.
fishing: Fishing is popular in the area, either offshore or at local fishing spots. There are many charters available.
museums: In addition to the Edison and Ford homes, Fort Myers is home to other interesting museums such as the Southwest Florida Museum of History and the IMAG History & Science Center.
Golf: If you enjoy golf, there are many top quality golf courses in the area.
Events and Festivals: Check for local events and festivals during your visit. Fort Myers hosts many cultural, sporting and culinary events throughout the year.
Cruises: Consider taking a cruise on the Gulf of Mexico or the Caloosahatchee River to experience the coastal scenery from a different perspective.
Food and drink: Try the local cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh seafood such as crabs and shrimp. Don't forget to taste the famous “Key lime pie”.
Art and culture: Visit local art galleries and theaters, such as the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, to experience the city's cultural scene.
Nature and Parks: In addition to Ding Darling Preserve, explore other nature parks such as Lovers Key State Park and Lakes Regional Park to enjoy hiking, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
Beaches in Fort Myers Florida
fort myers beach (Fort Myers Beach): This is the main beach in Fort Myers and one of the most popular in the area. It offers a wide stretch of sand, numerous amenities, water sports and a lively beachfront shopping area.
Sanibel beach (Sanibel Beach): Sanibel Island is famous for its pristine beaches and excellent shell collecting. Sanibel is a popular destination for those seeking a natural and peaceful environment.
captiva beach (Captiva Beach): Captiva Island, near Sanibel, is known for its picturesque beaches and stunning sunsets. It is a romantic and relaxing place.
Bowman's Beach: Another beach on Sanibel known for its natural beauty and serene environment. It's less crowded than Sanibel Beach.
Lovers Key State Park: This state park includes several beaches, nature trails and wildlife viewing areas. It is a great place for those who appreciate nature.
Bonita Beach: Located in Bonita Springs, south of Fort Myers, this beach is popular for its crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Boca Grande beach: On the island of Boca Grande, this beach is known for its white sand and fishing opportunities.
blind pass beach: Located between Sanibel and Captiva, this beach is known for its shell collecting opportunities and natural setting.
Fort Myers, Florida Travel Guide
Fort Myers Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Exploring the Essentials of Fort Myers
Morning:
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates (Estimated 2-3 hours): Start your day by exploring the historic winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Visit the houses, laboratories and gardens.
Lunch:
- Downtown Fort Myers (1 hour estimate): Head into downtown Fort Myers for lunch at one of the local restaurants. There are several options to choose from in the city centre.
Afternoon:
- fort myers beach (Estimated 2-3 hours): Spend the afternoon relaxing on Fort Myers Beach. Soak up the sun, swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and collect seashells.
note: If you prefer a more natural experience, you can substitute Fort Myers Beach for Lovers Key State Park, which offers less crowded beaches and walking trails.
Night:
- Dining and Shopping: Return to downtown Fort Myers for dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, explore downtown's shops and boutiques for some late-night shopping.
2-Day Fort Myers Itinerary:
Day 1: As per the 1 day itinerary
Day 2: Nature and Adventure
Morning:
- JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Estimated 3-4 hours): Spend the morning exploring the wildlife and natural beauty of this refuge. Walk the trails or take a trolley ride.
Lunch:
- Sanibel Island (Estimated 1 hour): Head to Sanibel Island for lunch at one of the island's restaurants offering fresh seafood.
Afternoon:
- Sanibel and Captiva Beaches (Estimated 3-4 hours): Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. Explore the beach, swim or rent a paddle board.
Night:
- Dinner in Sanibel or Captiva: Dine at one of the beachfront restaurants in Sanibel or Captiva to enjoy a delicious meal overlooking the ocean.
3-Day Fort Myers Itinerary:
Day 1: As per the 1 day itinerary
Day 2: As per the 2-day itinerary
Day 3: Art and Culture
Morning:
- Southwest Florida Museum of History (Estimated 2-3 hours): Start your day by exploring the area's history at the local museum.
Lunch:
- Downtown Fort Myers (Estimated 1 hour): Have lunch at one of the restaurants in the city center.
Afternoon:
- IMAG History & Science Center (Estimated 2-3 hours): Explore this interactive history and science center, great for families and science enthusiasts alike.
Night:
- Theater or Live Performance: Check the local schedule for a theater show or live music at one of the city's theaters, such as the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.
This 3-day itinerary offers a blend of nature, culture and history for a complete Fort Myers experience. Tailor it to your personal preferences and the attractions that most interest you.
What is it like to live in Fort Myers?
Living in Fort Myers, Florida offers advantages such as a pleasant climate, access to beaches and outdoor activities, culture and a moderate cost of living. However, there are challenges such as summer heat, hurricane season, humidity, traffic and employment challenges in certain areas.
The decision to live there depends on personal preferences and individual circumstances.