The Fort Myers Area, a Place for Every Traveler

There's a new experience to be had each and every day spent in the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Visitors to this diverse destination in Southwest Florida will be met by more than 100 inviting islands, miles of white-sand beaches, world-class golf and shopping, a vibrant nightlife scene and plentiful kid-friendly and family-oriented attractions as well as a smorgasbord of nature and wildlife.

Families visiting Fort Myers and surrounding neighborhoods have a lot of choices when it comes to kid-friendly entertainment and experiences, including the IMAG History & Science Center offering a wide range of fascinating exhibits. The 279-acre Lakes Park or waterfront Manatee Park are also ideal for families looking to stay entertained while enjoying Fort Myers' phenomenal weather. The Mound House offers a one-of-a-kind cultural and environmental learning experience as well. In Sanibel, kids can also have fun while learning about the importance of conservation at the CROW Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. Visitors will also want to tour the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and engage in ocean activities at the Sanibel Sea School.

Golf enthusiasts have no shortage of spectacular courses to choose from in Southwest Florida. Of the 90-plus area golf courses to choose from, a handful stand out, including the scenic Dunes Golf and Tennis Club in Sanibel, Lexington Golf & Country Club in Fort Myers and Estero's Raptor Bay Golf Club.

Visitors to Fort Myers and surrounding areas will discover up to 50 miles of beautiful white-sand beaches, including coastlines ideal for lounging under the sun and others perfect for shell collecting or seclusion. Sanibel is the ideal place to pick up a free souvenir while you explore the coastline. Island hoppers can split their time between blissful havens such as North Captiva, Boca Grande, Cayo Costa and Cabbage Key offering glorious panoramic views of the Pine Island Sound. Of course, islands and long stretches of coastline and waterfront locales mean tons of water-based activities, whether kayaking the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, windsurfing, fishing, boating or enjoying a relaxing standup paddleboarding session.

Dogs, cats and other pets are more than welcome throughout the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers. Let Fido run wild at Dog Beach Park in Bonita Springs, where your four-legged family members can enjoy being off-leash while splashing around in the bay. Additionally, Fort Myers offers an abundance of pet-friendly bars, restaurants and other areas as well as a half-dozen fenced-in dog parks for more off-leash fun.

Beyond the blissful beaches, Fort Myers and surrounding areas offer visitors an array of nature and wildlife. Highlights include some mammals that visitors to Southwest Florida might come to expect like manatees and bottlenose dolphins. However, this unique region is also home to loggerhead turtles and more than 245 species of migratory birds. Fans of the latter will absolutely love the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel as well as the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in nearby Estero. Additional nature and wildlife await visitors to Fort Myers' Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lovers Key State Park.

Shoppers rejoice! Because the greater Fort Myers area offers endless opportunities for shopping. From the Gulf Coast Town Center and the open-air Bell Tower Shops to the Sanibel Outlets and the Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point in Estero, visitors will have numerous chances to replace that item they forgot to pack, secure a souvenir or even update their wardrobe.

Fort Myers' islands, beaches and neighborhoods come to life at night, when visitors and locals alike flock to bustling Times Square in Fort Myers Beach to enjoy drinks and live music with a view. The lively Downtown River District also boasts a buzzing nightlife scene that travelers can take part in. Two notable events in downtown Fort Myers are Art Walk and Music Walk. Art Walk takes place the first Friday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. On the third Friday of each month, music takes center stage for Music Walk. Beginning at 7:00 p.m., performers and bands fill the streets and venues. Downtown Social House is another great option for travelers wanting to participate in the local nightlife. In addition to live entertainment, visitors will find delicious street food and unique cocktails.

Travelers touring Fort Myers and surrounding areas have many exciting opportunities when it comes to sampling the best local suds. The Gulf Toast Brew Trail is a must for those who savor a craft beer. Visitors will find as many as a dozen local breweries throughout the destination's islands, beaches and neighborhoods, including Fort Myers Brewing Company, Big Storm Brewing Co., Coastal Dayz Brewery, Hopsized Brewing, Palm City Brewing, Point Ybel Brewing Company, Eight-Food Brewing, Ceremony Brewing, Scotty's Bierwerks, Millennial Brewing Co., Crazy Dingo Brewing Co. and Riptide Brewing Company's Bonita Springs Brewhouse.

Visitors to the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers can dive into history in a myriad of ways. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are an excellent first stop, but history buffs also won't want to miss Pine Island's Calusa Heritage Trail, a one-mile interpretative walkway traversing a wide range of landscapes. True Tours Historical Walking Tours are ideal for visitors to the River District while travelers can also journey back in time at Koreshan State Park in Estero. The iconic lighthouses of Sanibel and Boca Grande are equally as alluring given their history and unparalleled settings.

The Downtown River District is a must for art and culture seekers as visitors to this walkable destination will discover not only charming bars and restaurants but inviting art galleries and theaters. The River District also plays host to a handful of marquee festivals in events such as the Fort Myers Film Festival, Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and the Festival of Trees, among others. The Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs is another gem blending art and nature as is the colorful fishing town of Matlacha.