The Ultimate Fort Myers Travel Guide (Updated 2026)

Looking for the best Fort Myers travel guide? Here it is! After spending the weekend lounging on the white sand beaches of Fort Myers I have jotted down all of the very best things to do, the most amazing hotels, where to dine, and more in Fort Myers, Florida. Read on to discover the ultimate Fort Myers Travel Guide.

Fort Myers is a small city located in southwest Florida. It is often overlooked, as many travelers just fly into the Fort Myers Airport to get to Naples or Marco Island. But, Fort Myers is a worthy beach destination. There are top notch resorts, a few cute downtown areas, and it has that old Florida vibe. In this Fort Myers visitors guide we will go over it all!

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History of Fort Myers

The first known civilization is Fort Myers comes from the Calusa Indians (a powerful tribe that controlled most of Southern Florida).

The Europeans took control in the 1500s, as most of the Calusa died off from conflict and diseases brought by the Spanish.

In 1850, Fort Myers was established as a military outpost. The Civil War happened, so Fort Myers was mainly occupied by soldiers and military. After the Civil War, in 1876, the first permanent settlers arrived, and a small town began to form.

Today Fort Myers is home to many retirees and is a growing city.

Best Hotels In Fort Myers

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina

The Pink Shell Beach Resort is the perfect option for families looking for a beach resort in Fort Myers. I remember staying here with my family when I was like 7 and having such a fun time. This place is awesome for kids and it isn't like, too kid friendly, where it isn't nice for adults. The rooms are luxurious, the pool and beach are immaculate, and the food is amazing. The Pink Shell Resort is great if you are looking for the kind of place you don't have to leave.

The Lighthouse Resort Inn

The Lighthouse Resort Inn is a bit more affordable then The Pink Shell Resort, and is more quaint and charming. Located on Fort Myers Beach, The Lighthouse Resort Inn is a boutique hotel that offers adorable rooms with beachy decor, two outdoor swimming pools, a tiki bar, and dining. The Lighthouse Resort Inn is perfect if you are looking for a quiet and charming place to stay in Fort Myers.

Sanibel Inn

Located on the stunning Sanibel Island, The Sanibel Inn is the perfect Florida beach resort for any kind of trip. At the quaint and quiet Fort Myers beach resort you will find an outdoor pool, views of the ocean, airy and bright rooms, a bar, and private beach access.

Things To Do In Fort Myers

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Located in the heart of Fort Myers, on the Caloosahatchee River, The Edison & Ford Winter Estates is easily one of the best things to do in Fort Myers. This stunning winter homes were built in the late 19th century and are perfect examples of architecture in South Florida during that time. The homes are well preserved, so you really do feel like you have stepped back in time.

The houses themselves are truly beautiful. The property spans 21 acres and is home to a museum, botanical gardens, and waterfront views.

Explore The Historic River District

The Historic River District is the best place to go if you are looking for a cute downtown area in Fort Myers. The River District is located a short walks away from the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and is home to adorable cafes, boutiques, restaurants, and a cool art scene. While in the Historic River District, I suggest you checkout Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, The Standard Restaurant Downtown, and Centennial Park.

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Go To The Beach

The best thing to do in Fort Myers is definitely the beach. There are a few amazing beaches in the area that are worth checking out! My favorites were Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island), Lovers Key State Park, and Bunche Beach Preserve.

Fort Myers Beach is perfect for families and day-long beach days as there are tons of amenities, nearby restaurants, and shopping!

Lover Key is much quieter and is a bit of a hidden gem. The waters were so calm and clear - this beach is great for anyone looking for a quiet and secluded beach full of natural beauty.

Bunche Beach is also a quiet and secluded beach with calm clear waters. It is the closest to downtown Fort Myers and is great for kayaking. You may even see a few Manatees!

Walk The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Located a short drives away from the downtown area you will find this beautiful nature area. The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a wetland ecosystem teeming with wildlife and lush plant life. This place is a must if you love hikes or want to see some of Florida's wildlife (alligators, spoonbills, great egrets, anhingas, and more).

Manatee Park & Calusa Blueway

Seeing Manatees is always such a cool experience, and Fort Myers is the perfect place to see them! At Manatee Park and Calusa Blueway you can rent a kayak or stand up paddle board and paddle right besides the gentle giants. If you don't want to kayak, you can see the Manatees from the park - it's just not as fun.

If you want to go with a guide - this Manatee and Dolphin tour is a great option!

Spring Training Baseball

While I am not huge into baseball - I could see how this could be fun for fans. The Boston Red Socks and Minnesota Twins spend spring in Fort Myers. You can buy tickets to see a game at JetBlue Park here.

Go On a Sunset Cruise

Fort Myers is the perfect place to take a sunset cruise - the sun sinking into the water and dolphins hopping above the surface. This sunset cruise is affordable and fun!

Explore Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a small island connected to the mainland by a three mile causeway. The charming island is home to beautiful beaches, some of the best shelling in the United States, adorable b&bs, and that old Florida vibe. Sanibel is kinda an extension of Fort Myers. It is totally worth visiting (or staying on) this tiny island during your trip.

While on Sanibel Island be sure to visit Bowman’s Beach, explore Darling National Wildlife Refuge, stop by Sanibel Lighthouse & Fishing Pier, and have a go at kayaking!

Hidden Gems In Fort Myers

McCollum Hall

Built in 1938, McCollum Hall is an Art Deco landmark rooted in Fort Myers’ African American heritage. Some notable people who have performed at the hall include Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. Today the hall is a symbol of Fort Myers cultural history.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is a 105-acre environmental education center perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature. At Calusa you will find interactive exhibits, a butterfly house, a bird aviary, natural history displays, and a planetarium.

Burroughs Home & Gardens

The Burroughs Home & Gardens is a gorgeous estate built in 1901. Located in the historic river district, The Burroughs Home is similar to the Edison & Ford winter escapes its just a bit more difficult to see, but there are tours available. You just need to plan ahead - you can check the latest tours and happenings on their website here.

Mound House

The Mound House is one of the most fascinating - and often overlooked - attractions near Fort Myers, especially for history and archaeology lovers.

Located on Fort Myers Beach, the Mound House is this amazing blend of history and nature. It’s perched on a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound - and you can actually go inside the mound to see the layers up close. The restored 1921 home is full of fascinating artifacts and stories, and you will find surrounding mangrove trails right next to it.

Where To Dine In Fort Myers

Best Coffee Shops In Fort Myers

Summer Moon Coffee - Located in the southern area of Fort Myers, Summer Moon Coffee is Texas born, family owned coffee chain that is perfect for iced coffee lovers!

Shift Coffee Bar - Shift Coffee Bar is located in the Historic River District and offers amazing coffee and pastries in a trendy environment.

Sour & Dough - Sour & Dough is a bakery and specialty coffee shop located in Estero area (right near Lovers Key Beach). This place is perfect for working or just a grab and go coffee.

Best Restaurants In Fort Myers

Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille - If you are looking for that tacky Florida vibe, that is somehow appealing, Coconut Jack's got it. You will find fun drinks along with affordable, but delicious, food at the Bonita Springs restaurant.

The Standard - Located in the historic district, The Standard serves up causal southern food everyday!

Best Tours To Take In Fort Myers

3 Hour Tiki Pub Tropical Sandbar Getaway Cruise - This tiki bar sandbar cruise just screams vacation. If you want to lounge in the tropical sun with a pina colada, this tour is for you!

Jet Skiing Tour- Contrary to the tiki bar, this affordable jet skiing tour is perfect for my fellow adrenalin junkies. If you are looking for just a rental - you can rent jet skis here.

How To Get To Fort Myers

Fort Myers actually has a pretty big airport, so getting there is not too hard. You can find nonstop flights from almost every major US city, along with a few Canadian cities (Ottawa, Montréal, and Toronto).

Check The Latest Flights To Fort Myers

Getting around Fort Myers is difficult without a car, so if you are planning on exploring - rent a car here.

Best Time To Visit Fort Myers

In short, spring is the best time to visit Fort Myers. The weather is perfect and there is usually not much seaweed in the ocean. With that said, spring is tourist season, so you may be met with crowds and high prices. So if you are looking to travel on a budget, go during the shoulder seasons (for Florida that would be May and January).

The only time of year I would absolutely avoid Fort Myers, and the west coast of Florida in general, would be the fall. Fort Myers often gets hit with awful hurricanes during the fall.

Fort Myers Travel Guide FAQs:

What is the best month to go to Fort Myers, Florida?

Overall, the very best month to go to Fort Myers would be March due to the perfect weather and amazing ocean conditions.

What's better, Naples or Fort Myers?

It really depends on what you are looking for! Fort Myers is more affordable and has that cool old Florida vibe where Naples is all about luxury.

Is Fort Myers ok to visit now?

Yes! Fort Myers is ok to visit. In fact, it would be great if you did visit to help enrich the economy after the tragic hurricanes.

The Ultimate Fort Myers Travel Guide Wrap Up

Fort Myers is truly a lovely spot for a Florida vacation - the sunshine, ocean, and adorable hotels make it perfect. We hope that this ultimate Fort Myers travel guide helps you plan the perfect getaway to the sunshine state. If you liked this post check out our guides to Siesta Key and Tampa (both doable day trips from Fort Myers).