24+ Best Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS, FLORIDA?

We’ve got all the details you need! We’ve spent months traveling in Florida, and we love Fort Myers! It’s a really fun beach city to visit in Florida, whether you’re visiting as a couple or a family.

The Fort Myers beaches are definitely the highlight of the area, but there are so many fun things to do in Fort Myers, Florida, outside of the beaches as well. And we can’t wait to share them all with you!

things to do in fort myers, Florida

Although you are probably headed to Fort Myers to enjoy the beach, don’t let that stop you from exploring the variety of things to do in Fort Myers Florida. There are a variety of beaches, fun downtown areas, botanical gardens, and plenty of opportunities to get out to enjoy mother nature.

1. boat tour with fish-tale marina

One of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers, Florida is to get out on the water for a boat tour. We went out on the dolphin sunset cruise with Fish-Tale Marina and had a wonderful time.  The tour was 90 minutes and we toured along the Ft. Myers coastline as well as nearby Lovers Key State Park.

We saw a number of dolphins as well as other local wildlife. The boat we went on was small enough that the dolphins jumped behind us in the wake of the boat. It was so fun to get to watch the dolphins follow the boat and see them in their natural habitat. Our captain was very knowledgeable about the wildlife in the area as well as the history of Fort Myers.

In addition to dolphin and sunset cruises, Fish-Tale Marina offers fishing charters and boat rentals. After your day on the water, end your day at the onsite Fish-Tale Restaurant.

2. Sunset Sail

There’s something special about watching the sunset from the deck of a boat. Fort Myers is a great place to watch the sunset because the water is calm and the sunsets there are spectacular. We loved watching the sunset just off the shore of Fort Myers Beach which is one of the popular activities in the area.

This sunset tour is a family-run business with four generations of captains. They have a strong emphasis on eco-tourism and work to preserve the beauty in Southwest Florida.

It can get a little chilly out on the water at night so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket. Water and soft/drinks are complimentary. Another fun perk along the way is looking for eagles, dolphins, and other wildlife. This is a perfect way to spend the evening in Fort Myers.

Check Prices for a Sunset Sail Here!

3. lovers key state park

Another one of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers Florida is exploring Lovers Key State Park. The park is made up of four different barrier islands that make you feel like you are in the middle of the Caribbean. The powdery white sand is full of beautiful and unique shells. It reminded us a lot of Caladesi Island without the need to take a ferry.

Along with enjoying the beach, swimming, shallow water, and shelling, Lovers Key State Park is a popular destination for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. The paddling trail is 5 miles roundtrip and takes you through the mangrove forests along with birds and even manatees and alligators.

The paddling trail in Lovers Key State Park is part of the Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

If you or your kids enjoy collecting shells at the beach, we highly recommend bringing a shelling bag along. It makes it really easy to collect your shells so you don’t have to worry about losing them. It’s also nice because the extra sand you may pick up can fall out of the mesh sides. When we have a beach trip we always end up collecting way too many shells and these bags are so handy to have.

Check Prices for Shelling Bags on Amazon Here!

4. Shelling Tour

One of our favorite parts of the beach around Fort Myers is all of the beautiful shells you can find along the beach. In Fort Myers and on nearby Sanibel Island, the shells are amazing. There are piles of shells laying on the beach.

This shelling guided tour will take you out to Big Hickory Island which is only accessible by boat. This means way fewer people are out there so your odds of finding amazing shells are really high. You can find rare shells here like the conchs, Lightning Whelks, and more.

Snorkel gear is provided on this trip as well. If you love collecting shells or want some beautiful time on the beach, this is a great Fort Myers activity, especially during low tide.

Check Prices for a Shelling Tour Here!

5. Edison & ford winter estates

The winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are two of the area’s historical buildings that are considered one of the best attractions in Fort Myers. The homes are open to self-guided tours in a museum style-setting. There is a gift shop as well as interactive exhibits.

It gives visitors an idea of the lives of these wealthy individuals more than a century ago.

6. Manatee park

If you are looking for a place to see manatees during the winter near Ft Myers, one of the best and easiest places to see them is Manatee Park. The best time to see the manatees here is from December through March. We visited mid-March and there were five or six manatees in the park while we were there.

Along with the manatee area, there is a paddling trail with rentals available as well as a playground. This is a great Fort Myers Florida activity for families and those wanting a glimpse at the Florida manatees.

Park admission is free but there is a parking charge.

7. Parasailing in Fort Myers

One of the most adventurous and best things to do in Fort Myers, Florida is parasailing. This part of the coast is a great place for water sports. This is a great opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy the beautiful views of the Gulf!

This is a 400-foot flight and is great for all skill levels, even if you’ve never been parasailing before. Depending on your comfort level, you can upgrade to an 800 foot or 1200-foot line.

Guests as young as two years old can participate in parasailing making this an activity that everyone in your group will enjoy. You can also use a 2-seat harness so you can go up with someone else.

Check Prices for Parasailing Here!

8. JN “Ding” national wildlife refuge

The JN “Ding” National Wildlife Refuge is part of Sanibel island but is well worth the beautiful drive out to the island. It is home to over 245 species of birds like ospreys, egrets, herons, pelicans, and hawks. Bald eagles are also known to visit the area making it a great bird watching location.

The Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a four-mile-long road that you can drive, walk or bike through. There is also a guided tram tour as well. We drove through the preserve and stopped at multiple points throughout the park. This is a great spot for nature lovers, especially during the winter months.

We recommend stopping at the visitor’s center to get an idea of how to spend your time in the preserve. Tell the rangers how much time you have, and they will help you with your itinerary including where you are most likely to see the alligators. This is one of the great Fort Myers activities.

9. Calusa Blueway

The Calusa Blueway is the paddling trail that wanders through the coastal waters of Fort Myers and exploring the trail is one of the top things to do in Fort Myers FL. The trail is 190 miles with easy navigational signs.

The trail goes through areas like Bonita Springs, Estero Bay, and Hurricane Bay. There are a number of highlights and access points so no matter where you are in Fort Myers, you aren’t too far from the Great Calusa Blueway. Lovers Key State Park, Riverside Park, Bowditch Point Salty Sam’s Marina are popular access points.

10. Swamp Buggy Adventure Tour

One of the unique things to do in Fort Myers, Florida is a swamp buggy adventure. This is a fun way to explore the beautiful Big Cypress National Preserve near Ochopee. This is a beautiful part of Fort Myers and can show you a unique side of the Florida coast. You can also go on an Everglades boat tour.

Along this tour of the Florida Everglades, you will have lots of opportunities to see wildlife like alligators, turtles, birds, and deer. Your guide will also share lots of fascinating information about this important part of the Florida ecosystem.

The Big Cypress National Preserve is the largest subtropical swamp in the United States so there will be plenty to see along the way. This is an activity the entire family will enjoy.

Check Prices for Swamp Buggy Adventure Tour Here!

11. calusa nature center and planetarium

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a wonderful place to learn about the Fort Myers ecosystem and environment. The nature center is 105 acres and is filled with a variety of animals as well as nature trails and theater.

There are also a number of programs available throughout the day like animal demonstrations ad daily shows. Plan on spending two to three hours at the Nature Center and Planetarium.

12. six mile Cypress slough preserve

The Six Mile Slough Preserve is a well-preserved wetland habitat and one of the best things to do near Fort Myers if you’re looking to admire the local plant and animal species. The preserve is 3,500 acres with raised wooden boardwalks to make exploring the preserve easier.

The Boardwalk Trail and Butterfly Garden are open from dawn to dusk. The boardwalk path is about 1.2 miles long and has five observation decks. There are great views of the cypress swamp, trees, and Alligator Lake. Keep an eye out for the birds, alligators, and other wildlife that lives in the preserve.

The visitor center is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.

13. Cayo costa state park

Cayo Costa State Park is another gem if you’re looking for time on the beach. This island beach isn’t the most accessible Fort Myers activity because you have to catch a ferry to get there. You can get on the ferry at Jensen’s Marina. Camping and basic cabin rentals are available on the island.

Cayo Costa has about 10 miles of pristine beaches and is a great place for shelling. Not as many people visit this beach so your odds of finding the perfect shell is better. It is not uncommon to see dolphins offshore as well.

14. fort myers beach

The Fort Myers Beach is a beautiful 7-mile-long beach with plenty of room to play and enjoy the beautiful white sand. The beach is one of the safest things to do in Fort Myers with kids because the water is really shallow and there are no undercurrents. This is one of the best beaches in the area.

Spotting dolphins from the shore is one of the great things to do in Fort Myers Beach so keep your eyes open. We saw a number of dolphins while we played on the beach and near the Fort Myers Beach Pier. 

15. times square and crescent beach family park

This part of Ft Myers Beach is a fun place to eat some good food, window shop, and enjoy the beach. It is right next to the Fort Myers Fishing Pier making it easy to combine the two stops. It is a lively neighborhood with lots to see like street performers and live music. Mr. G’s House of 2000 Flavors is a great place for homemade ice cream.

16. fort myers fishing pier

Plan on either starting or ending your day at the Fort Myers Fishing Pier. It is a beautiful place to watch the sunrise or beautiful sunset. We ate dinner and enjoyed all of the fun things to do in Fort Myers Beach Florida and then ended the day watching the sunset and playing in the beach. Dolphins visited right at the end of the pier making the end of the day even more magical. I am a total sucker for sunsets at the beach.

17. the butterfly estates

The Butterfly Estates has a beautiful 3,600 square foot glass butterfly conservatory. It is home to many of Florida’s native butterfly species and work to protect and preserve them. Throughout the day there are educational programs.

If your schedule allows, they release live butterflies every day at 10:30 am.

18. sanibel and captiva islands

Sanibel and Captiva are two charming islands just off the coast of Fort Myers and are one of the best places to visit. They have some of the best blue water in Florida. Spending time on these islands was one of our favorite things to do in Fort Myers. The quaint and charming islands are lined with bike paths, romantic powdery white beaches filled with seashells as well as nice restaurants and shopping areas. The islands are quiet and have wonderful island vibes.

Here are some of our favorite things to do on Sanibel island:

• Causeway Islands Beaches
• Periwinkle Place
• Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
• Sanibel Lighthouse and Beach
• Tarpon Bay Beach
• Bowman’s Beach

19. lakes regional park

If you’re looking for some time outdoors in the beautiful Florida sunshine, Lakes Regional Park is full of great Fort Myers activities. The park has a freshwater lake as well as many family-friendly amenities like train rides, playgrounds, paved walking and biking paths, and food concessions. On warm days, there are two splash pads.

Bike and paddleboat rentals are available on site.  There is also a canoe and kayak launch as well as volleyball courts.

There are picnic areas for get-togethers and picnics.

20. marco island

Marco Island is about an hour south of Fort Myers but is well worth a day trip or weekend visit. The island has some of the top beaches in the world. In addition to the beautiful beaches, Marco Island is known for its golf courses, dining, and shopping.

We spent most of our time at Tigertail Beach, however, there are lots of beautiful beaches on Marco Island. 

21. river district

The Fort Myers River District is in the heart of downtown Fort Myers between the Edison Bridge and Caloosahatchee Bridge. Some of the highlights of the River District are the Legacy Harbor Marina, Imaginarium Science Center, Butterfly Estates, and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

In addition to these attractions, there are a number of restaurants, shops, and boutiques in the area.

There is a River District app available for both Android and Apple devices, making it easy to explore this great spot. 

22. Historic Walking Tour of Fort Myers

One way to get to know the fascinating history of the Fort Myers area is a historic walking tour. This 90-minute tour is great for first-time visitors who would like to get to know more about this beautiful area. The tour visits many of the historic areas downtown and gets into the history of how the frontier fort turned into the city it is today.

Some of the stops on this tour are the Franklin Shops, Florida Repertory Theatre, and the Art Center. This is a great way to get familiar with all of the fun things to do in Fort Myers, Florida. You should consider booking this tour at the beginning of your trip to help you get familiar with the area.

Check Prices for Historic Walking Tours Here!

23. siesta key beach

Siesta Key is about 90 minutes north of Fort Meyers. It is another world-famous beach in the area and has even been named the best beach in the United States twice. Siesta Key Beach is known for its quartz sand and turquoise water.

Because of its beauty, Siesta Key is a popular beach destination. We have outlined everything you need to know about visiting the Siesta Key beaches including public access points, parking, and more.

24. Major League Baseball Spring Training

The Minnesota Twins have their spring training at the Centurylink Sports Complex. Additionally, the Boston Red Sox practice at JetBlue Park in Fort Myers. If you are going to be in Fort Myers in March or April, this is a great opportunity for baseball fans to catch a game.

map of things to do in fort myers

How to Use This Map: Click on the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.

If you click the star next to the title of the map, this will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps. Then click on the menu button, go to “Your Place” and click on Maps. You will see this map added to your list.

things to do in fort myers for free

There are a ton of fun free activities to do in Fort Myers. One of the best things to do for free is to enjoy the miles and miles of beautiful beaches in Fort Myers Beach and the neighboring areas. Here are some other ideas of free things to do in Fort Myers, Florida –

• The art walk in downtown Fort Myers is held on the first Friday of each month.
• See the manatees up close at Lee County’s Manatee Park.
• Cool off at the water park and explore Lakes Regional Park.
• Watch the sunset at the Fort Myers Fishing Pier.
• Explore the trails of the Six Mile Slough Preserve.
• Collect seashells on Sanibel Island.

things to do in fort myers, Florida downtown

Downtown Fort Myers is a very fun neighborhood with lots of attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. The area is full of historic structures as well. The downtown area covers a few miles so it is not that hard to walk the area. Here are some of the best things to do in the Fort Myers, Florida downtown area –

• Explore the galleries, boutiques, restaurants and theaters in the River District.
• Download the self-guided Fort Myers walking tour guides.
• Tour the Edison Ford Museum
• Head to Centennial Park for an afternoon of fishing in the sun.
• Catch a show at the Florida Repertory Theatre.

things to do in fort myers, Florida with kids

My kids are always ready for a trip to the beach and our time in Fort Myers was no different. There are so many great things to do in Fort Myers, Florida with kids. Here are a few ideas to get you started with planning your Ft Myers Beach vacation –

• See the dolphins on a boat tour with Fish-Tale Marina.
• Build sandcastles, play in the ocean and collect seashells at the beautiful Fort Meyers beaches.
• Rent a boat and paddle at Lakes Regional Park.
• Get face-to-face with science at the IMAG History and Science Center.
• Spend a day filled with family fun at Zoomers Amusement Park.

things to do in fort myers, Florida at night

After a day at the beach, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Fort Myers, Florida at night. There are a number of amusements open late into the evening as well as restaurants.

• Enjoy the performances and dinner on the murder mystery dinner train.
• Play a round of miniature golf at Zoomers.
• Enjoy an evening of entertainment at the Barrel Room.
• Test your detective skills at the Escape Room Adventures.
• Enjoy the sunset and grab a bite to eat at Fort Myers Beach Times Square.

What is fort myers known for?

Fort Myers is known for its beaches, fishing, shopping, and nearby Sanibel Island. There is a lively downtown area as well as wildlife preserves for hiking, biking, and paddling. The city has a variety of Fort Myers attractions that will make it easy to fill your time.

A great place to go shopping is McGregor Boulevard which is lined with palm trees. This is a really fun part of town and is an area with special events.

Airports near fort myers

There are a number of airports close to Fort Myers. The nearest airport is Ft. Myers (RSW) Airport which is about 10 miles away. Other close airports are Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) (70 miles), Tampa (TPA) (103 miles), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) (112.3 miles).

Conclusion: Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning all of the fun things to do in Fort Myers, Florida. We had a great time visiting this area and loved finding all of the beautiful shells on the beaches there.

If you’re looking for more Florida adventures, consider heading up the coast on a Fort Myers to Clearwater road trip!

If you have any questions about Fort Myers, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below or to reach out on Instagram.

Pin for Later –

Want more Florida inspiration? Follow our Visit Florida Board on Pinterest!