Fort Myers, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches, deep-sea fishing opportunities, as well as shopping and dining along the waterfront. But did you know it offers so much more? From historical landmarks to RV parks, check out our recommendations for the 9 best things to do in The City of Palms.
Table of contents
- #1 Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- #2 Check Out Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
- #3 Visit Manatee Park
- #4 Catch an MLB Spring Training Game
- #5 Visit Fort Myers, Florida River District
- #6 Brewery: Fort Myers Brewing Co
- #7 Winery: Hangar 41 Brew Shop
- #8 Campground: Shady Acres RV Park
- #9 Hotel: The Lighthouse Resort Fort Myers, FL
- RVing in Fort Myers, Florida
- We Love Camping In Florida, and You Will, Too
#1 Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Price: $25 to $30
Why You’ll Love It: Enjoy a trip back in time, where scientific discoveries changed lives in illuminating ways. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford became good friends, building their winter homes next to one another in Fort Myers, Florida and today you can tour the residences, botanical gardens, and research laboratory of these geniuses.
Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901
What’s the Word: A recent review on Trip Advisor states, “Wow. Visiting and learning a ton while on this self-guided tour was a highlight of our trip. It was very hot, but there are lots of shaded spots while outside. The indoor museum is so full of relics and info you could probably spend 2 hours inside. My favorite part was the viewing the homes and listening to the details of both Edison and Ford’s personal lives.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
#2 Check Out Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Price: Up to $5 for parking
Why You’ll Love It: Follow an extended boardwalk through the wetlands at Six Mile Cypress Slough to get your fill of gators, otters, turtles, and wading birds. An interpretive center will help you identify critters. Any nature lover is going to flip over this up close and personal experience!
Address: 7751 Penzance Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966
What’s the Word: A recent review on Google exclaims, “Excellent place to go for a nature walk to see the local flora & fauna in a pristine environment. The all-weather boardwalk is easy to walk & wends its way alongside ponds and through marsh. It’s canopied and shaded by the trees most of the day. I always see a variety of birds and animals, maybe some otters playing or a family of wild pigs.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.5/10
#3 Visit Manatee Park
Price: Up to $5 for parking
Why You’ll Love It: Spend the winter months with gentle giants: the manatees of Florida. They flock to this region when temps dip below 68 degrees because the natural spring waters stay at a constant temperature. View them from the deck or rent a kayak and meander around the estuary in the midst of these amazing sea cows. It is absolutely one of the best things to do in Fort Myers!
Address: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33905
What’s the Word: A recent reviewer on Google said, “Saw 3 manatees, several manta rays and a black tip shark within 10 minutes of launching our kayaks. We were there the beginning of May. During our trip down the Orange River we saw 3 more manatees, lots of big fish (not sure what they were but very big) and an alligator. Additionally, many beautiful birds and gorgeous flora.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.6/10
#4 Catch an MLB Spring Training Game
Price: $52 and up
Why You’ll Love It: For a more intimate baseball experience, enjoy a spring training game in the Florida Grapefruit League. Fort Myers hosts both the Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox during February and March, and you’ll hit it out of the park with seats available almost every afternoon!
Address: 14100 6 Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33912
What’s the Word: A recent review on Google stated, “First time here and it was really easy to find. Parking was easy and abundant. The lines were always short for tickets and drinks, and security was quick. We sat in the outfield and behind home plate. There isn’t a bad seat in the place. Go Twins!”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.5/10
#5 Visit Fort Myers, Florida River District
Price: Free!
Why You’ll Love It: Check out the River District, where Fort Myers’ downtown has been totally revitalized with chic shops, vibrant music venues, and a wide selection of restaurants that will satisfy the palate of even the most discriminating diner. From museums to Bike Nights, historic walking tours to sculpture trails, you’ll find a little bit of everything here to keep you hopping.
Address: First Street & Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33902
What’s the Word: A recent review on Trip Advisor says, “There are a number of shops and restaurants to try during your visit to Fort Myers River District. It is a great place to walk and see the revitalization that seems to be at work. We were there on a Thursday and there was a small Farmers Market off of Second street. It is worth a look.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
#6 Brewery: Fort Myers Brewing Co
Price: $5
Why You’ll Love It: Craft brews are the staple at Fort Myers Brewing Company, with 30 on tap. Take a tour of the brewery, if you like, then hit up one of the food trucks onsite to pair with your choice of beer. They have ample outdoor seating here and are dog-friendly, as well!
Address: 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive #28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
What’s the Word: A recent reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote, “My wife and I went to the brewery tap for the first time in May 2019. It was packed with people, a live band and five food trucks – an amazing atmosphere. “
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.6/10
#7 Winery: Hangar 41 Brew Shop
Price: $15 and up
Why You’ll Love It: Instead of tasting the product, why not learn to make your own wine or beer? Hangar 41 offers winemaking classes and a brew school on-premises, along with sampling their own products as your education progresses! They also sell equipment and ingredients for your DIY libation experiments.
Address: 10970 S. Cleveland Avenue #304, Fort Myers, FL 33907
What’s the Word: A recent review on Google touted, “We love wine tastings and this place didn’t disappoint. Several different wines at decent prices. We took several bottles home (discounted cases). They also have beer tastings if you’re not into wine.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.3/10
#8 Campground: Shady Acres RV Park
Price: $59 to $74
Why You’ll Love It: Find a bit of peace and quiet at Shady Acres, where amenities include several pools and a jacuzzi, laundry facilities, a dog park, and a recreation hall. Jump into a game of corn hole, shuffleboard, or horseshoes, or stand in as a “rook” or “knight” in a life-sized game of chess! The entire family will love this home away from home.
Address: 19370 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908
What’s the Word: A recent review on Campground Reviews says, “The park is super. Friendly staff especially Chad. They are doing so many upgrades. I compare it to moving into a new subdivision. Only stayed 3 weeks but sure hated to leave. We plan are returning next year for a longer stay.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9/10
#9 Hotel: The Lighthouse Resort Fort Myers, FL
Price: $95
Why You’ll Love It: With two pools, a Tiki Bar & Grill onsite, and spacious rooms, the Lighthouse Resort provides a lush tropical vacation without a flight to the Caribbean. It’s only 200 feet from your room to one of the beautiful white-sand beaches of Fort Myers, Florida. Here sunsets abound and the sights and sounds of Estero Island will enchant you.
Address: 1051 5th Street, Fort Myers, FL 33931
What’s the Word: A recent reviewer on Hotels.com said, “The hotel is in an excellent location. The beach is a 3-minute walk across the street, the pier is right there as well. Lots of restaurants walking distance. The hotel room was spacious and clean, we had the business suite. AC worked good water pressure a little too low but hot water. 2 pools and the tiki bar was decent. Did not have any issues parking.”
Fort Myers, FL Morton Road Trip Rating: 9.5/10
The next time you’re visiting Fort Myers, Florida, don’t miss out on these prime destinations. No matter which ones you choose, we’re sure they’ll be a hit!
RVing in Fort Myers, Florida
Florida is an RV snowbird’s paradise. In addition to the lovely beaches, deep-sea fishing, and mild winter climate, Fort Myers draws RVers from all over the country for a warm and relaxing winter vacation!
We Love Camping In Florida, and You Will, Too
We love spending winters RVing in Florida! From the Florida Keys to the Panhandle, Florida has tons of beaches, springs, wildlife, and recreation to experience for the traveler.
While the RV Resorts can be top-notch, some can be quite expensive. Check out our Guide to Boondocking In Florida to find some beautiful, FREE, off-the-beaten-path places we’ve discovered.
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