Figuring out what sights you want to see while on vacation can be a hassle, especially when you’re traveling with family. Whether you’re searching for fun things to do in Fort Myers for all ages, or you just can’t pick from all of the fantastic options, you shouldn’t have to spend all of your time trying to make a decision.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Fort Myers. Everything from historical estates to preserves and parks are waiting for you to visit in sunny Fort Myers. With plenty of options, you can find the perfect fit for your vacation and your family.
To make planning for your trip a little bit easier, here’s a comprehensive list of the top 20 fun things to do in Fort Myers. Check them out, pick your favorites, and enjoy your amazing vacation.
What is Fort Myers Best Known For?
Fort Myers is known as the City of Palms because of the Royal Palm trees planted by Thomas Edison and is perfectly located right at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River. Travelers and locals know the city for its wide variety of attractions and the older feel of the area.
Fort Myers Beach is just half an hour from Downtown. Between the beach and Downtown, you’ll find everything from local fishing spots to well-known art galleries to notable historical sites. You can also experience some amazing hands-on encounters at many of the parks, preserves, and museums all around Fort Myers.
Is There A Lot To Do in Fort Myers?
There truly is something for everyone in Fort Myers. Everyone from avid history lovers to small kids can find the perfect thing for them to do while on vacation.
If you want to learn about the history of Fort Myers, check out the winter homes of one of the famous inventors and his neighbor, a renowned business leader. For the food lover in your group, there are plenty of excellent restaurants throughout the city, especially downtown. And for the kids, some various museums and parks offer interactive and hands-on learning experiences.
20 Fun Things to Do in Fort Myers
While there are hundreds of fun things to do in Fort Myers, here is a list of what is considered to be the top 20 fun things to do. This list can either be your one-stop to figuring out what you want to do while you’re in Fort Myers, or it can be a launching-off point for your own research into the city. The possibilities are endless.
See American Innovation at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Probably the most famous attraction in Fort Myers is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. As two of the best innovators of the 19th and 20th centuries, their estates will allow you to travel back in time and gain a better understanding of those two men.
In addition to their winter homes, there is also a garden center, museum, and gift shop that are open to the public year-round.
Experience IMAG History and Science Center
The IMAG History and Science center is perfect for all ages. There are over 60 exhibits, many of which are interactive, that allow guests to explore a variety of STEM topics and the history of Southwest Florida.
Along with the exhibits, there are live shows and movies for you to enjoy, and be sure to check out the touch tank for a one-of-a-kind experience.
See Sea Cows Close Up at Manatee Park
Witness the majesty of the manatee at Manatee Park. This park is a non-captive warm water refuge for Florida Manatees.
The park is open 7 days a week, year-round. But, due to the warmer weather, it is unlikely that you will see any manatees in the park from May until November. The best time to try and spot a manatee is from late December through February.
Please do not feed the manatees. It is illegal to do so under federal and state law.
Take in Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a 3,500-acre wetland preserve with a Boardwalk trail and an Interpretive Center. The entire preserve is 11 miles long and is just filled with a variety of animals and vegetation.
If you’re looking to really trek through the preserve, there are Slough Wet Walks happening from September through to October. Be sure to check out the preserve’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Cast Off at Lakes Park
Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, or kayak, Lakes Parks has something for everyone. You can bring your own bike or kayak, or you can rent what you want with Wheel Fun Rentals’ two locations at Lakes Park. They have bikes, kayaks, and even pedal boats to explore the park.
There’s a Miniature Railroad and Train Village for the kids that offers a 1.5-mile train ride around part of the lake. There’s also a rock-climbing wall and a splash pad that they will love.
Imbibe with Local Style at List Distillery
For the cocktail connoisseur in your group, be sure to check out List Distillery. Started in 2015, List Distillery is the first small-batch craft distiller in Fort Myers. To experience the distillery, you have to schedule a tour either through their website or by calling them.
If you just want to see the types of alcohol they produce, List Distillery has a gift shop that is open Monday-Saturday.
Get Back to Nature at Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium’s 105-acre site hosts a true Florida swamp that is home to many rescue animals and has butterfly and bird aviaries. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium also house a natural history museum with exhibits about the animals, plants, and environment of Southwest Florida.
The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is also Southwest Florida’s only planetarium theater. They host evening laser shows Thursday-Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm.
Paddle Through Four Mile Ecological Preserve
At 365 acres, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is the second largest preserved green space in Cape Coral. It has a 1.2-mile loop hiking trail that is great for all ages. Starting at the Visitors Center, this loop connects to the observation pier on the Caloosahatchee, where you can fish and look over the whole preserve.
There are also kayak rentals available to travel through the preserve. However, there is an 800-foot portage along the kayak trail. So it’s not recommended for beginners or children.
Catch a Game at Boston Red Sox Spring Training/Fenway South
Baseball fans should check out the Boston Red Sox spring training at Fenway South. The baseball stadium inside Fenway South is called JetBlue Park and has the exact same dimensions as Fenway Park. The most notable replicated feature is the Green Monster in left field that has three rows of seating within the wall.
Check out their Facebook page for the Spring Training schedule and purchase tickets closer to the start of Spring Training.
Wander Through Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is dedicated to bringing world-class art to the Fort Myers area. Every month they have different exhibits that feature everyone from local to world-renowned artists. And the first Friday of every month, The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts an Art Walk where the Center is open later into the evening to be able to see the brand new exhibits.
Shop and Dine in River District
Experience the historical charm of the city in the heart of Fort Myers. There’s plenty of restaurants with varying cuisines for you to find your perfect food match. The River District also has a variety of stores for you to shop at, housing everything from artwork to jewelry and even a Tibetan Tea House.
If shopping isn’t your style, the River District also hosts a music walk on the third Friday of every month. Here local and regional musicians line the streets of Downtown Fort Myers and play all night long.
Appreciate Architecture at Burroughs Home and Gardens
Step back in time and learn about life in Fort Myers more than a century ago. Built in 1901, the Burroughs Home and Gardens was the scene of many social events that housed the Fort Myers elite. This home is the last of its kind that is open to the public and still standing in its original location.
Burroughs Home and Gardens has weekly self-guided and guided tours for you to enjoy year-round.
Have Fun and Find a Souvenir at Shell Factory
Come check out Southwest Florida’s #1 family destination. The Shell Factory has been entertaining tourists and locals alike for more than 80 years. Visit the over 400 live animals on-site, play a game of mini-golf, or walk through the 50,00 square feet of shopping space to find the perfect treasure to take home with you.
Flutter by Butterfly Estates
The Butterfly Estates is arguably Fort Myers’ most beautiful attraction. With its glass butterfly conservatory that contains cascading waterfalls, lush gardens, and, of course, butterflies, it’s not hard to see how it received that title.
Home to the Florida Native Butterfly Society Conservatory, the Butterfly Estates aim to protect and raise the Florida Native Butterfly species by educating visitors and locals and creating and preserving green space in the city.
Explore Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
The first aquatic preserve established in Florida, the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve protects the water, inlets, islands, and wildlife along 10 miles of Estero Bay. Spend the day navigating the numerous miles of hiking trails, paddling down Estero River and Bay in a canoe or kayak, or playing with your dog, as the preserve is dog friendly.
Ride Back in Time at Railroad Museum of South Florida
Located inside Lakes Park, the Railroad Museum and Train Village make an excellent destination for a family outing! Inside the museum are several scale model trains and even a live steam scale locomotive.
In the train village, there’s a one-of-a-kind miniature village layout depicting Southwest Florida around the 1950s that you can witness during the 1.5-mile mini train ride.
Make a Splash at San Carlos Bay
This 718-acre park was built and designed to employ and promote green practices. The outdoor activity center at the bay consists of a 310-foot boardwalk. Which connects the two paddle craft launches perfect for kayaking and SUPing, two wildlife viewing and fishing piers, and a designated Great Florida Birding Trail site.
Important: there is no running water at this park.
Sip and Paint at Vino’s Picasso
Check out Southwest Florida’s 1st and favorite paint bar and art gallery! Gather up your friend, family, or significant other and see why locals and tourists have made Vino’s Picasso the #1 paint and wine studio in Southwest Florida. They’ll supply everything you’ll need; just make sure to bring your own drinks and leave with your new masterpiece.
Crack-Up at Laugh-In Comedy Cafe
Get ready to laugh it up at the #1 comedy club in Southwest Florida at the Comedy Cafe. Comedians perform all weekend, with two shows happening on Saturday evenings. The Comedy Cafe hosts veteran comedians and newcomers to the comedy scene.
Check out their upcoming line-up and purchase tickets online.
Tee Off at Fort Myers Golf Courses
The City of Fort Myers owns two 18-hole golf courses that are open to the public. The Fort Myers Country Club and the Eastwood Golf course offer an affordable golf experience to Fort Myers residents and visitors. You can make a tee time reservation at both courses online up to 7 days in advance or 1 day in advance when you call.
Find More Fun Things to Do in Fort Myers with Royal Shell Vacations
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Fort Myers. Whether you’re staying in Fort Myers for a week or just visiting for the day, there’s plenty of options for you to find the perfect fit for your vacation.
Check out all of these amazing sights and more when you stay in Fort Myers with Royal Shell. Explore our Fort Myers vacation rentals and book your next Florida vacation with us today!
