Once only the domain of locals and snowbirds-in-the-know, Fort Myers & Sanibel is fast becoming a destination in its own right and a worthy alternative to the higher price tags and maddening crowds of Florida’s mainstream tourist draws.
Flanked by gorgeous white-sand beaches, the region packs a punch for natural beauty, boasting noteworthy state parks rich with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Its emerging dining scene draws upon the bounty of ocean-fresh seafood, and puts a Modern American twist on Florida’s wealth of Southern flavors and recipes inherited from its many European expatriate admirers.
Whether you fancy nature, the beach, good food, or art and culture, there’s something to discover in Fort Myers & Sanibel.
For Nature Lovers
The Fort Myers region is home to seven state parks comprising a total area of around 12,000 acres, alongside many smaller county-managed parks, gardens, and nature preserves. If you love birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, and biking, these easy-to-reach nature and wildlife sanctuaries will not disappoint.
JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge constitutes one of the country’s largest mangrove wilderness areas, featuring walking trails, kayak routes, resident alligators, and abundant birdlife. There’s also the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, with its elevated boardwalk through the mangroves, often compared to a miniature version of the Everglades due to its abundance of swamp and bird life that enchants kids and nature lovers alike.
From November to March, you can get up close and personal with the adorable resident manatees at Lee County Manatee Park. Remember to look, but please don’t touch or approach these gentle giants. The park is open year-round, and kayaks are available for hire.
For quieter encounters with nature, there’s the secluded Lovers Key State Park, which, as the name implies, is the perfect beachside spot for a picnic and seaside frolic with someone special. Alternatively, on the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, the popular Gasparilla Island State Park boasts five beaches ideal for watching the gorgeous Gulf Coast sunsets along with a picturesque lighthouse.
For Beach Bums
With over 50 miles of coastline and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches at its doorstep, you’re never far from the water in Fort Myers & Sanibel. Regardless of the type of beach holiday you envision, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you desire a private pool on the keys of Cape Coral or a family-friendly getaway on Fort Myers Beach, indulge in leisure with the snowbirds of Sanibel or enjoy the stylish atmosphere of Captiva. It’s essential to spend some time with your toes in the sand.
Sanibel Island’s standout beaches are fantastic for birdwatching, shelling, sunset-gazing, swimming, and sandcastle building. Bowman’s Beach offers wide-open vistas, gorgeous azure waters, and plenty of space to spread out.
Fort Myers Beach is one of Florida’s most popular spring break destinations; however, throughout the rest of the year, it remains a favored spot for family vacations, featuring an array of dining and accommodation options catering to various tastes and budgets. Notably, it also hosts the world-famous American Sandsculpting Championship each November.
If you’re looking for something a little more remote, choose your spot anywhere on Captiva Island’s western shores for prime sunset views.
For Foodies
Southwest Florida is maturing as a culinary hub with downtown Fort Myers (and Cape Coral) at its epicenter. Further afield, Bonita Springs, Gasparilla Island, and Estero each boast upscale eateries offering countless opportunities for romantic sunset dinners and waterfront dining. This burgeoning food scene, complemented by a thriving craft brewing industry, should be on the radar of any self-respecting Florida-bound foodie.
Some fine-dining favorites include Fort Myers’ cornerstone restaurant, The Veranda, which combines romance and French-inspired cuisine in a heritage setting. Additionally, the newcomer Blanc draws from European and Asian influences to create ever-changing menus in an intimate atmosphere. Among the region’s many beachfront eateries, Fresh Catch Bistro stands out as one of the best; reservations for sunset dining are essential. Sublime sunsets are also on display at Mad Hatter, a cozy yet upscale Sanibel staple serving beautifully presented Modern American cuisine.
For music lovers, Roadhouse Café features live jazz and blues alongside Modern American dishes and an excellent wine selection. While its strip mall location may seem incongruous, the establishment offers a classy dining experience. If you’re in search of a laid-back spot to enjoy seafood with a cold beer, Smokin Oyster Brewery is a local favorite, renowned for its live music most nights and a relaxed, bayside location.
The microbrewery phenomenon that has swept through the US hasn’t overlooked this part of Florida. The town’s namesake craft brewery, Fort Myers Brewing Company, was the first of its kind in the area and maintains a loyal following, as does the small-batch Point Ybel brewery, developed in 2013, which thrives despite the influx of new microbrews.
For Culture Fans
In a state not known for its cultural bounty, the Fort Myers region stands out, offering a variety of fun and educational sights and activities, ranging from historical museums and art galleries to a vibrant local theatre scene and plentiful hands-on, family-friendly experiences.
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford both spent their winters in Fort Myers, and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is home to their lavish estates and manicured gardens, complete with a museum that extensively documents the lives of these American innovators. Another must-visit museum is the beloved IMAG History & Science Center, which has been revitalized following a recent merger with the Southwest Florida Museum of History, bringing new life, technology, and exhibits to this family-friendly ‘Imaginarium’ and Science Center.
For those interested in local art, the small island village of Matlacha boasts a collection of colorful galleries and boutiques offering original islander crafts. Moreover, on the first Friday of each month from 6-10pm, Fort Myers’ galleries open their doors for the Fort Myers Art Walk.
For dinner and a show, there’s the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, which regularly hosts Broadway and off-Broadway productions, or the Seminole Gulf Railway Murder Mystery Dinner Train, featuring entertaining and suspenseful whodunit dinners as you ride in historic rail cars.
