Things to do in  Fort Myers

Big Cypress National Preserve is the northern neighbor of Everglades National Park, but with fewer crowds and more wildlife. Among the first national preserves to be established in the US, Big Cypress still permits many of the activities that are forbidden in national parks, inviting visitors to go off-roading, hunt, take an airboat ride through the swamp, and more.

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected mangrove estuary and research center in Naples, Florida. The land was purchased in the 1960s to prevent further destruction to Collier County’s ecological area. Today, these untouched mangroves offer on-water exploration while the research facility provides interactive and educational events.

A far cry from the busy beaches of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, this 7-mile (11-kilometer) expanse of pristine Florida coastline has managed to preserve its sleepy charm. Beachgoers can enjoy the sprawling sky and white sand dunes of the Gulf Coast, all while staying in a nearby resort town that offers a relaxed vibe and upscale amenities.

A noncaptive, natural refuge for the endangered Florida manatee, Fort Myers’ Manatee Park is one of the top places in the area to spot the aquatic mammal. You’ll also find walking paths, kayak and canoe rentals, playgrounds, and more.

Step back into old Florida, and explore the estates of two of the United States’ most prominent men. Registered as National Historic sites, the buildings and beautifully landscaped lawns of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates tell stories of early Florida as well as the lives and times of the inventors.

Spend the day surrounded by wildlife one of the best spots for bird-watching in Florida. This 6,300-acre (2,550-hectare) refuge, which occupies a third of Sanibel Island, includes a wildlife drive, tram tour, picnic spots, and a scavenger hunt. The wetland swamp is also part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States.

The Loop Road is known for alligator viewing and being the Wild West of the Florida swamp. The 24-mile (38-kilometer) unpaved road offers an opportunity to get off the main road and explore Big Cypress National Preserve at a slower pace. The vegetation and swamps lining both sides of the road make it ideal for spotting alligators, birds, and otters.

Sanibel Island, known as the Seashell Capital of the World, is a tropical retreat with quiet shores and warm, shallow water. Beachgoers can enjoy local seafood restaurants, swaying palm trees, and of course, seashell hunting—the island has more than 450 varieties. Nature lovers flock to the island for birdwatching, heading to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or for biking, as the island has 25 miles of bike trails.

Few places show off the biodiversity of Florida’s waterways better than Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Here, 3,500 acres (1,416 hectares) of prime Florida wetland and upland ecosystems—created as rainwater drains into Estero Bay—provide a habitat for alligators, wading birds, wild pigs, otters, butterflies, and other native fauna.

The 17 acres (7 hectares) of Bowditch Point Park are split in a way that pleases beachgoers and nature lovers alike. The majority of the land is a dedicated preserve, while nearly half was developed for recreation. This edge of Estero Island looks out to San Carlos Bay and the Bunche Beach Preserve, and when low tide comes, it’s an inviting time to comb the sand for shells.

From roller coasters and bumper boats to miniature golf, Zoomers amusement park in Fort Myers is a prime destination for family-friendly fun. Enjoy a variety of outdoor rides and indoor games, including air hockey and video games. Guests can pay as they go or opt for an all-access pass.

The Fort Myers River District is the historic downtown area of Fort Myers. Once the site of a military fort in the 1800s, this small cattle town blossomed into a bustling city, thanks in part to famous folks like Thomas Edison calling Fort Myers his winter home. Today, the Fort Myers River District is a shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.

Bunche Beach Preserve is a 718-acre (290-hectare) natural tide wetlands area on San Carlos Bay. Beach, mangroves, and salt flats create this natural, non-invasive area of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Everything from swimming and shoreline fishing to kayaking and photography are permitted at the preserve.

More than 400,000 square feet of shopping space has made Fleamasters Flea Market a must-visit for bargain hunters. Opened in 1986, this sprawling sales floor in Fort Myers is lined with 900 hundred vendor booths selling more than 1.3 million items, including food, goods, jewelry, and antiques. Expect rare finds and new items as you peruse the ever-evolving shops.

At the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, visitors stroll along trails and boarded walkways to spot native Florida wildlife, or enter an aviary where bald eagles, owls, wild skunks, pythons, and other rescue animals live. The planetarium tells the story of the skies during daily presentations.