From gorgeous seashores and wildlife encounters, to a vibrant arts scene and scrumptious eating choices, these are the most effective issues to do in Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva in Florida.
In the event you didn’t know from searching the pages of my weblog, I’m a self-confessed color addict! I’ve at all times been drawn to vibrant locations around the globe. I’ve walked the rainbow steps in Turkey, looked for the most effective avenue artwork in London, loved the murals in Isla Holbox in Mexico and snapped countless photographs of Gaudi’s vibrant creations in Barcelona.
Subsequent on my checklist? Fort Myers in Florida. The sunshine state is famend for its vivid and cheerful spots. You already know, the type of locations that convey you pleasure simply by them! A favorite of mine has at all times been Miami’s Artwork Deco scene in South Seashore, together with its fabulous Wynwood Partitions.
I’d heard about Fort Myers on Florida’s Gulf Coast too. I’d heard it was residence to vibrant murals, a thriving artwork scene and streets the place each constructing is a special color. I couldn’t wait to hop on a aircraft and see it for myself!
Now I’m again I can firmly add Fort Myers to my checklist of favorite vibrant locations on the planet. Nevertheless, there are a lot extra causes to go to Fort Myers and the encircling areas.
There are the pristine and upmarket islands of Sanibel and Captiva, the place completely shaped shells wash up on the shores every day. It’s a area that has taken steps to guard the landscapes, so indigenous creatures reminiscent of alligators, roseate spoonbills, dolphins and manatees can reside safely. Plus, there’s a powerful heritage with innovators Thomas Edison and Henry Ford marking Fort Myers firmly on the map.
My information to the highest issues to do in Fort Myers is good in case you’re planning a visit to Florida and may’t determine the place to go, otherwise you merely need a bit assist to take advantage of your time on this explicit area. I packed loads into my time there, so it doesn’t matter what you’re concerned about, there will likely be one thing that takes your fancy!
The place is Fort Myers?
In the event you’re not acquainted with it but, town of Fort Myers is positioned on Florida’s Gulf Coast, south of Tampa and north of Florida Keys. Key locations to go to embody town’s downtown zone, Fort Myers Seashore, Cape Coral and the islands of Sanibel, Captiva and Matlacha. I’ve made a downloadable Fort Myers map too, which you’ll view here. In the event you’re questioning the right way to get to Fort Myers or the place to remain, you’ll discover some useful data in direction of the top of this publish.
I believe folks typically overlook how a lot there may be in Florida past the theme parks. Whereas they’re superior, a twin-centre journey would most likely be my high suggestion, so you possibly can slot in a mixture of actions.
Prime issues to do in Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva
Immerse your self in nature at 6 Mile Cypress Slough Protect
Go away your opinions of Slough within the UK on the door, this lovely nature protect is worlds aside! Pronounced ‘slew’, 6 Mile Cypress Slough Preserve encompasses 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem. In the event you’re visiting Florida with desires of seeing alligators, turtles, racoons and birds, you merely have to go to!
I beloved strolling the boardwalks by way of the protect. There are trails that lead you thru the mangroves, reaching serenely nonetheless ponds stuffed with wildlife. The spotlight was the massive alligator we noticed lounging in shallow water. It was so effectively camouflaged; you actually do should be eagle-eyed!
I’d suggest becoming a member of one of many 9.30am guided walks by way of the protect. The volunteers working right here have an enormous breadth of data and know precisely the place to search for all types of creatures. It was additionally fascinating listening to concerning the ecosystem, and the best way the cypress slough filters water earlier than it reaches the coast.
Return in time on the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Nicely, that is fairly some legacy! Do you know that inventor Thomas Edison (sure, he of lightbulb fame) and Henry Ford (creator of the Ford Motor Firm) owned winter residences subsequent door to one another?
They really struck up a friendship again within the Nineties. Then, when Henry Ford visited Edison at his winter residence, Seminole Lodge, in Fort Myers in 1914, he was received over by the world. Simply two years later he purchased the property subsequent door. The 2 inventors and entrepreneurs would spend a few of their winters having fun with the nice and cozy Florida local weather, with Edison working in his laboratory (which you’ll tour at the moment).
The property has been fastidiously preserved and is now some of the widespread points of interest in Fort Myers. Gaze by way of the home windows of the houses on the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and also you’ll really feel such as you’ve rolled again the clock, seeing eating rooms laid for dinner events and a storage stuffed with unique Ford motor autos. Edison’s laboratory is especially fascinating, with so many apparatuses in place. It seems as if he’s simply popped out and will likely be again any second!
There’s additionally a big museum house devoted to the 2 masterminds. You’ll be able to peruse a few of Edison’s most well-known innovations and be taught extra concerning the unlikely friendship.
Remember to enable time to stroll the botanical gardens that are residence to over 1,700 crops. With tall mango timber, palms, flowers and even an unlimited banyan tree, there’s quite a lot of magnificence to understand right here.
Admire the structure of Downtown Fort Myers
You may not know that that is really my fifth journey to Florida. As talked about, one in all my favorite journeys was the week I spent in Miami. I fell in love with its pastel color palette and Artwork Deco structure. So, I used to be elated to find that Downtown Fort Myers is residence to a number of iconic buildings too.
I’d suggest spending an hour strolling across the centre, passing the marshmallow pink Edison Theatre and the olive inexperienced and yellow Arcade Theatre. They’re fairly spectacular so that you’ll wish to admire them from each angle.
Benefit from the buzz of Fort Myers River District
Downtown Fort Myers has a thriving foods and drinks scene too, with institutions reminiscent of
Ford’s Garage Downtown and super-trendy rooftop bar Beacon, positioned contained in the model new Luminary Hotel.
Ford’s Storage performs homage to the world’s heritage, being only a stone’s throw from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Inside this Florida primarily based chain you’ll discover a number of quirky décor, together with a classic shifting automobile suspended over the bar and petrol tanks within the home windows.
The idea continues proper by way of to the loos, the place you’ll discover sinks comprised of automobile tyres and faucets comprised of outdated petrol pumps! Even the cocktails have automotive themes. Who fancies a Motor-jito or a Again Seat Driver? In the event you’re hungry, I’d suggest the burgers right here, in addition to the sesame-crusted tuna.
For espresso and ice cream in Fort Myers, cease by Peter’s, one block from the Edison Theatre. Run by German couple Stefan and Marika, all the pieces you discover in retailer is selfmade, even the ice cream!
That is additionally a beautiful space for purchasing in Fort Myers. Cease by The Franklin Outlets for a variety of presents, garments and homewares, choose up some flavoured popcorn in Wild About Popcorn or embrace your interior Edison at Timeless, the place you should purchase vintage lamps.
In the event you time your journey proper, you would possibly be capable of be part of one of many month-to-month artwork or music walks. The music walks sound notably enjoyable! They normally happen on the third Friday of the month and see a number of musicians acting on the streets of the river district. You’ll hear a little bit of all the pieces too – from jazz and blues to rock and roll! You’ll be able to try the schedule of occasions here.
Chill out on Fort Myers Seashore
Trying to go to top-of-the-line seashores in America? Nicely, you’ve come to the best place! With its excellent white sand, turquoise water and iconic pier, Fort Myers Seashore is a must-visit!
Fort Myers Seashore really stretches for seven miles alongside the Gulf shoreline, however the central hub (and the place you’ll discover many of the motion) is round Instances Sq.. I couldn’t resist however take a dip within the water right here. It was like entering into a beautiful heat bathtub. Let’s face it, the balmy temperatures are an enormous purpose we love visiting Florida!
Lining the beachfront and San Carlos Boulevard you’ll discover a handful of vibrant eating places, serving up American classics and cocktails. For one thing a bit completely different, cease by Smokin’ Oyster Brewery and tuck right into a plate of oysters and a locally-brewed craft beer. (As an apart, I’ve additionally heard Fort Myers Brewing Company is superb in case you’re a beer drinker!)
Or make a journey throughout the bridge to The Dixie Fish Co, top-of-the-line seafood eating places in Fort Myers Seashore. The constructing dates again to 1937, when it was constructed as a fish market. I beloved sitting on this open-air constructing, sipping on a refreshing cocktail whereas gazing out on the water.
You’ll be able to watch the shrimp boats coming and going from Matanzas Move as you tuck into some recent blackened triple tail, pan-seared grouper, mahi mahi tacos or a zingy bowl of shrimp ceviche. Seafood actually doesn’t get a lot brisker than this!
Hold your eyes peeled for birds too. We noticed a number of pelicans perched on the top of docks and swooping into the water round Fort Myers Seashore.
Take a tram tour of Ding Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel
One in every of Sanibel’s greatest points of interest is that this superb wildlife refuge. What a enjoyable identify too! It’s named after the cartoonist and avid conservationist Jay Norwood Darling, who was identified higher as “Ding” Darling.
Together with 6 Mile Cypress Slough Protect and Manatee Park, that is an unimaginable place to view many species of their pure habitats. All year long you’ll be capable of see manatees, alligators, raccoons, bobcats, roseate spoonbill, river otters, crabs, spiders and extra!
We selected to hop on the 90-minute guided tram tour, which I’d positively suggest. Our information was stuffed with fascinating info concerning the creatures who reside within the refuge. He identified all types of creepy crawlies too. Arachnophobics beware!
In the event you’d somewhat journey by yourself schedule, you possibly can really take your automobile alongside the 4-mile ‘Wildlife Drive’. Think about it your very personal Florida safari! You’ll be able to cease alongside the best way and for a better have a look at the animals and birds. Alternatively, hop on two wheels and cycle the route, or take a stroll alongside one of many trails.
If I had one piece of recommendation on when to go to, it will be to make a journey throughout low tide. It’s loads simpler to identify creatures within the mangroves at that time. We additionally heard from our information that there’s infinitely extra to see within the winter and spring, when many birds cease right here on their migration path.
Go shelling on Sanibel’s seashores
Every single day, hundreds of fairly sea shells wash up on the white sandy seashores on the island of Sanibel. Why? Nicely, it’s all all the way down to the island’s geography. Sanibel curves round in direction of Fort Myers Seashore the place the present of the Gulf of Mexico pushes the shells in.
These seashores are a number of the greatest on this planet for ‘shelling’, which isn’t a time period I’d really come throughout earlier than this journey! Basically, it’s a bit like looking for treasure on the seaside, besides the treasure is totally all over the place!
When you begin sifting by way of the layers and layers of shells, you’ll discover it onerous to cease. It’s surprisingly addictive. We discovered a great deal of lovely shells on the seaside by Sanibel Lighthouse.
First, I noticed a small conch shell, then a set of big cockle shells, after which I discovered an increasing number of! It was a difficult deciding which two have been coming residence as souvenirs! In the event you’re trying to determine what you discover, this photo will assist.
Study shells and molluscs at Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum
In the event you loved getting your shell on in Sanibel, you’ll want to cease by the National Shell Museum! It’s residence to round half 1,000,000 shells, with a number of unique varieties on show.
There’s loads of details about shells you’ll discover regionally in addition to additional afield. It’s actually interactive too, with contact swimming pools and aquariums. In the event you’re searching for enjoyable issues to do in Fort Myers with children, this can be a nice choice.
Have a unusual lunch at The Bubble Room Restaurant
The islands, seashores and neighbourhoods of Fort Myers are stuffed with rainbow colors, however this actually steps up a stage if you attain The Bubble Room! This kitsch restaurant on the island of Captiva is sort of a dwelling museum of novelty ornaments, retro video games, toys from the Nineteen Thirties and 40s and the enduring bubble lights (from which the restaurant will get its identify!)
Overlook common servers too. At The Bubble Room you’ll be greeted by an enthusiastic ‘scout’ (in uniform!) who will take care of your each want.
Oh, and get this… at The Bubble Room it’s Christmas each single day of the yr! Ensure you go to the Christmas room and also you’ll be capable of admire the tree and novelty decorations, together with a bit military of festive elves!
This restaurant does provide a menu of ordinary dishes reminiscent of salads, burgers and fish. My suggestion? Skip lunch and arrive hungry for a candy deal with. The cake right here is famous. One slab might be your complete day by day calorie consumption, so order one slice to share between the desk. The orange crunch will get my vote, with the purple velvet a detailed second.
Chill out on Captiva’s pristine seashores
In the event you’re searching for a seaside day away from the crowds of Fort Myers Seashore, then drive over to Captiva. The seaside right here is spectacular, with mushy white sand and shallow waters.
I had a wander alongside the shore and noticed heaps of people that had arrange camp for the day. They’d introduced down tents and parasols, together with well-stocked coolers stuffed with foods and drinks. It regarded like an ideal place to spend a day within the sunshine.
Kayak by way of the mangroves in Matlacha
This was positively one in all my favorite issues to do in Fort Myers! We spent a morning on the water with Gulf Coast Kayak, who provide kayak and stand-up paddle boarding excursions by way of the mangroves of Matlacha. It was such a phenomenal expertise, paddling by way of the untouched wilderness, recognizing herons, osprey, cormorants, anhinga (aka the snake fowl) and different species of birds.
The spotlight got here close to the docks the place I used to be light paddling as a dolphin shimmied up in direction of my kayak, took a breath after which disappeared beneath the water once more! It could’t have been greater than a metre away from me, and it felt prefer it placed on a bit present only for me! It’s moments like these that makes me admire travelling in an entire new manner.
The locals of Fort Myers are so extremely fortunate to have experiences like this on their doorstep. I hope they realise that!
Take in the humanities scene in Matlacha
Matlacha (pronounced Mat-lash-ay) is residence to a thriving arts scene. The little fishing village is surrounded by water on all sides and solely stretches for a couple of blocks. Regardless of being diddy, it packs a punch with its vibrant rainbow colors strewn over buildings, billboards and contained in the small artwork galleries and present retailers.
The brightest spot within the space is Leoma Lovegrave’s gallery and tropical gardens. This Matlacha-based artist makes use of solely the brightest shades to create work of vivid pink flamingos, lime inexperienced palm timber and orange alligators and extra. They’re loud, in your face, however assured to make you smile!
Exterior, the gardens are equally exuberant, with a Beatles-themed stage, technicolour caravan and a herd of neon flamingo sculptures bobbing within the sunshine.
When you’ve perused her artworks, you could possibly cool off with an ice cream at CW Fudge Manufacturing unit (suggest the Key Lime Pie flavour!) whereas admiring the colorful murals exterior.
Remedy a homicide thriller on board the Seminole Gulf Railway
In search of distinctive issues to do in Fort Myers and surrounding areas? How about hopping on board the outdated Seminole Gulf Railway for a murder mystery dinner train expertise. This was one other spotlight from our journey because it’s in contrast to something we’ve finished earlier than!
Not solely is it a good way to see extra of the landscapes of Fort Myers, you additionally get to get pleasure from an awesome 5-course dinner with some very amusing leisure! They alter the reveals recurrently, so it’s one thing you could possibly do time and again.
In the event you’re celebrating a particular birthday or anniversary, this could be an excellent exercise. The meals was glorious, with programs together with a delightfully creamy leek and potato soup, a lightweight and ethereal spiced apple and cinnamon cake and an especially beneficiant prime rib steak for foremost course.
Over the course of three+ hours we watched little scenes from the homicide thriller acted out within the prepare carriage. We scribbled notes on our papers and ended the expertise making an attempt to determine ‘whodunnit’! All in all, it was a really pleasurable and distinctive night out in Fort Myers.
Eat your physique weight in pizza at Good Guys Pizza in Cape Coral
Who loves pizza? Everybody proper?! Among the finest pizza joints within the space is Nice Guys Pizza in Cape Coral. In the event you’re a toddler of the 80s you’ll admire this place much more as there are a number of retro arcade video games and pinball machines right here too.
When you’ve feasted on pizza, you’ll want to work your manner by way of the big menu of cocktails and craft beers. That is the type of place you would possibly go to for dinner, however wind up staying till the early hours!
Dine with an ocean view at Thistle Lodge
There are quite a lot of nice locations to eat in Fort Myers and surrounding areas, however few provide the white tablecloth expertise. For a particular meal, ebook a desk at Thistle Lodge. This fine-dining restaurant is a part of Casa Ybel, a Sanibel seaside resort set throughout 23 acres.
As with so many Florida eating places, I’d suggest sampling a number of the fish and seafood dishes. Once we visited, they included grouper, scallops, Gulf shrimp, clams and octopus. I ordered the pistachio-crusted salmon which was completely scrumptious, served pink within the center, accompanied by a wealthy beurre blanc. This restaurant is in a shocking setting – preferrred for a memorable dinner.
Feast on shrimp tacos at Blue Canine Bar and Grill in Matlacha
In the event you’re planning to spend a couple of hours within the vibrant neighborhood of Matlacha, attempt to coincide your journey with a lunch cease. Blue Dog Bar and Grill is in an enthralling location backing onto one of many canals. Sit exterior within the sunshine having fun with the view as you tuck into the home speciality: Gulf shrimp tacos.
Contemplating the shrimp boats are proper exterior, I couldn’t resist making an attempt these and WOW… genuinely the largest shrimp I’ve ever seen! Large, juicy and stuffed with flavour. I discovered that these Gulf shrimp are also known as ‘pink gold’ as when the pink shrimp have been found close to Fort Myers in 1949, it modified the world’s financial system perpetually. Overlook the Gold Rush, this was the Pink Gold Rush!
Parts are on the big measurement at Blue Canine, so I’d suggest ordering a foremost course to share, or taking residence a doggy bag!
Find out how to get to Fort Myers?
Fort Myers is simple to succeed in by automobile from any of Florida’s worldwide airports. The town does have its personal airport (Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport) however there aren’t presently any direct flights from the UK.
For this journey we in contrast flight choices to Miami, Tampa and Orlando. We selected to fly into Orlando Worldwide Airport because it provided the most effective flights and costs at our time of reserving. The drive from there took three hours. Tampa and Miami are a bit nearer, at simply over two hours’ drive away.
I’d suggest having a look on the Icelolly web site, which has a number of superb Florida vacation offers. You might have a look at choices of twin-centre holidays in case you fancy spending a couple of days on the theme parks in Orlando earlier than visiting Fort Myers.
The place to remain in Fort Myers
We stayed at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, a 4* resort proper on the water. With swimming swimming pools, a health suite, a number of eating choices and an al fresco cocktail bar, this luxury resort has all the pieces you want for a calming keep.
One in every of my favorite issues concerning the resort was the view from our room. We had a one-bedroom suite on the 17th flooring (close to the highest) which boasted sweeping panoramic views over the mangroves, nature protect and the water. As we arrived after darkish on our first night time, it was fairly a particular second opening the curtains within the morning and seeing the gorgeous views for the primary time.
We loved a couple of meals in the primary restaurant Marker 92. The resort has a pledge to utilizing native and sustainable produce, so that you’ll discover loads of recent fish and seafood dishes on the menu. A few of my favorite objects have been the small rooster and beef taco bowls, topped with pico de gallo and salad – a delight to eat!
A extremely nice function of this resort is the complimentary water taxi that runs between the marina and Fort Myers Seashore every day. There are even sundown excursions to see dolphins within the winter months.
I actually loved being primarily based within the marina space, as there are a handful of different eating places and retailers there too. It was additionally enjoyable wandering the boardwalk and testing the huge yachts and pace boats… a woman can dream proper?!
I hope you’ve loved studying about my journey to Florida and all of the superb issues to do in Fort Myers! In the event you’re searching for extra content material about the USA, you possibly can try my different weblog posts right here.
In the event you’re contemplating a twin-centre journey to Florida, you could possibly pair Fort Myers with one in all these nice locations:
An enormous due to Go to Florida, Icelolly and Go to Fort Myers for making this journey occur. As at all times, all opinions are my very own.
