Although not nearly so well known or as large as its cousins Tampa Bay and Miami, Florida’s up-and-coming Fort Myers draws a large number of tourists in its own right. A winter home for many Americans and a great place to retire, Fort Myers, straddling the Caloosahatchee River, is also the perfect place to explore Florida’s south and western regions.
Known as the ‘City of Palms’, Fort Myers is renowned for its signature aesthetics. The city combines historic monuments with modern architecture amid the shadows of towering palm trees. Nothing in Fort Myers is far from the beach, which is just one of the reasons why it is so popular with tourists.
Many of the area’s attractions are outdoors. In the winter months, Fort Myers offers a rare chance to glimpse manatee and spot local birds and wildlife. The beaches at Fort Myers are long and almost completely unspoiled thanks to the land’s historic caretakers, the Caloosa Indians. Natural parks with excellent hiking and camping facilities surround Fort Myers and there are plenty of outdoor activities around the city from deep sea fishing to sunset cruises.
Fort Myers attractions
Fort Myers Beach: there are still many undeveloped and unspoiled areas of beach around Fort Myers to enjoy and the scenery along the coast is spectacular.
Edison-Ford winter estates: after visiting Thomas Edison’s wonderfully preserved laboratory and house, move on to the neighboring properties belonging to Henry Ford.
Manatee: perhaps one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the amazing natural world surrounding Fort Myers is on a tour to watch the winter congregation of manatees as well as other local wildlife.
Downtown: although the buildings in the historic quarter aren’t exactly ancient, they are still worth enjoying, especially from the vantage point of a table at one of the many outdoor cafés.
Bonita Beach: is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the region with brilliant blue waters located just outside Fort Myers.
Lover’s Key State Recreation Area: is a great place to hike or stroll and enjoy the miles of scenic coastline or find somewhere secluded to snuggle.
Imaginarium Museum: offers some wild exhibits for children including live animals and a hurricane simulation machine.