A Fort Myers vacation in southwest Florida offers a different experience than those in the more touristy parts of the state. Life moves a bit slower here, but there are still lots of things to do in Fort Myers and the nearby area.
- Go to a Baseball Game
- Spend a Day at the Beach
- Book a Ride on the Key West Express
- Watch the Manatees
- Visit Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
- Kayak in Estero Bay
In February and March each year, professional baseball teams from all over the country head south to warm up for the new season. Fort Myers is the spring training home for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
The Red Sox practice and play at JetBlue Park, a replica of Boston’s Fenway Park with a Green Monster and Fenway franks. And the Twins’ stadium also serves as the home field for the city’s minor league team, the Fort Myers Miracle.
One of the most popular things to do in Fort Myers is head to the beach. Shallow water and gentle waves make this a great spot for swimming. Build sand castles in the soft sand, or search for shells at low tide.
The beaches in the area range from the lively Fort Myers pier to the secluded shores of Cayo Costa. Sanibel and Captiva have unobstructed views of the sunset. Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa Island State Preserve allows overnight camping in tents or rented cabins.
Skip the traffic and enjoy the ride to Key West on the Key West Express. This boat takes guests from Fort Myers to the southernmost point in the United States in just over three hours. Spend the day or stay overnight.
Florida’s official marine mammal flocks to southwest Florida from December to February. One of the best places to see them is at Manatee Park off the Caloosahatchee River. Visitors can watch them from an observation area or a kayak.
Located just off Interstate 75, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium gives guests a chance to walk through examples of native wetlands and learn more about the plants and animals in the area. It’s also home to the only planetarium in southwest Florida.
Called the “back bay” by locals, Estero Bay separates the barrier island from the mainland. The water here is tranquil, making it ideal for exploring the area in a kayak or canoe. Popular stops in the bay include Mound Key and Lover’s Key State Park.
From the beaches to the baseball fields, there are plenty of things to do in Fort Myers. It truly is a place where vacationers feel like they escape their regular lives. So start planning a getaway, and check out vacation rentals available in the Fort Myers area.