We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Fort Myers, Florida, the palm city, serves as the gateway to the beautiful beaches of Southwest Florida. It can be found about two hours south of kid-friendly Tampa, and though most people drive through, it is worth exploring. Here are the best things to do in Fort Myers, Florida, including the best Fort Myers, Florida activities for outdoor lovers, the best breweries in Fort Myers, Florida, the best Fort Myers, Florida activities for museum-goers, and iconic Fort Myers activities not to miss. The best news is that Ft. Myers is one of the cheapest places to visit in Florida, helping you stretch your travel budget!
Please note that this area suffered a lot of damage in September 2022 due to Hurricane Ian. This post will be updated as recovery continues.
Best Fort Myers, Florida Activities for Outdoor Lovers
Outdoor lovers will find plenty of activities to keep them busy. Here are some of the best activities if you’re wondering what to do in Fort Myers and you like to explore the outdoors:
1. Manatee Park
10901 State Road 80 (Palm Beach Road)
Hours: 8 am to dusk
Admission: Free ($2 per hour parking fee; $5 per day)
Who doesn’t love manatees? These gentle giants love hanging out near the warm waters created by the nearby Florida Power Light plant. Rent a kayak and get close (but not too close!).
2. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
7751 Penzance Blvd.
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Admission: Free ($1 per hour to park)
Guided walks throughout the year at various times, so please check the website.
3. Lakes Regional Park
7330 Gladiolus Dr.
Hours: 7 am to Dusk
Admission: Free ($1 per hour to park; $5 per day)
Rent bikes and boats, or just enjoy the trails in this park.
4. The Butterfly Estates
1815 Fowler Street
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 3 pm
Admission: 13 and over $10; 3-12 $6; Military Member (Active or Veteran) Free
PRO TIP: Be there for their butterfly release held every day at 10:30 am.
5. Visit the nearby beaches
While Fort Myers itself does not have beaches, a short drive will take you to some fabulous beaches. Visit nearby Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva, Bonita Beach, Naples, Clearwater Beach, and all areas in between!
Best Fort Myers Brewing Options
When it comes to breweries in Fort Myers, Florida, craft beer lovers have lots of choices. With six breweries within city limits, visitors have plenty of options in choosing their favorite breweries nearby:
1. Fort Myers Brewing Company
12811 Commerce Lakes Drive, Suite 28
2. Coastal Dayz Brewery
2161 McGregor Blvd, Unit E
3. Millennial Brewing Company
1811 Royal Palm Ave
4. Crazy Dingo Brewing Company
8500 Penzance Blvd
5. Point Ybel Brewing Company
16120 San Carlos Blvd
6. Palm City Brewing Company
7887 Drew Cir., #130
Best Fort Myers, Florida Activities for Museum-Goers
Whether you’re a lover of museums, looking for what to do if it rains in Fort Myers, or need an excuse to get out of the sun, Fort Myers’ museums provide plenty of options for museum lovers or those looking to get inside.
1. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd
Hours: Daily 9 am – 5:30 pm
Admission: Adults $25; 13-19 $20; 6-12 $15
PRO TIP: The museum occasionally offers an Insider’s Tour limited to 15 participants. You’ll get a behind the scenes look at the estates, including lunch. The tour lasts from 9 am to 2 pm and costs $95 per person ($80 for members).
2. IMAG History & Science Center
2000 Cranford Ave
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm; Sunday noon to 5 pm
Admission: Adults $15; Seniors $14; Children & Students $12
Don’t miss the animal encounters and “sea-to-see” touch tank.
3. Railroad Museum of South Florida
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Hours: Monday – Friday 10 am – 2 pm; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 10 am – 4 pm (closed Christmas Day)
Admission: 6 and over $5; including a ride on the train
The train leaves the station every 30 minutes, on the hour and half hour. Boarding is on a first-come, first-serve basis, about five minutes prior to departure.
4. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
2301 First Street
Special shows and events, so check their calendar of activities.
5. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
3450 Ortiz Avenue
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 4 pm; Sunday 11 am – 4 pm
Admission: Seniors $9; Adults $10; 3-12 $5
Iconic Fort Myers, Florida Sights Not to Miss
1. Walking tour of downtown Fort Myers
Downtown Fort Myers has the most historic structures in all Southwest Florida, making it an ideal location for a walking tour. Whether you choose to wander on your own or take a tour, downtown Fort Myers is worth exploring.
Visitors will find statues all over downtown, from the harbor to the courthouse, and everywhere in between. Or choose to enjoy a meal at one of the many downtown restaurants.
2. Enjoy a Cruise
Located on the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is the perfect spot to catch a boat and experience a cruise. Whether selecting a fishing outing, a dinner cruise, or a sunset cruise, the Fort Myers waterfront is a great place to relax and start an outing.
Should you choose to go to Key West, the Key West Express will make for a great option (though I recommend a weekend or two-day getaway).
3. Watch a Spring Training Game at Hammond Stadium
14100 6 Mile Cypress Pkwy
Spend a fun day watching spring training for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins at the local stadium.
Have you visited Fort Myers, Florida? Have we missed any best things to do in Fort Myers today? Give us your suggestions to add to the list!
If you’re in the area, you should also read the following posts:
- Best places to see the sunset in Southwest Florida
- What to do in Sanibel (other than the beaches)
- Best things to do in Naples
Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler