Florida has long since been a popular tourist destination for Americans and Europeans alike. Why? Well, the weather certainly doesn’t hurt. Sun-starved holidaymakers can expect up to 250 sunshine days a year and blissfully warm temperatures – yes, even in the winter months. While many of us associate the Sunshine State with Miami’s vibrant nightlife or Orlando’s bustling theme parks, there's so much more to enjoy. The southwest is known for its natural appeal, a mere two hours’ drive from Tampa or Miami, but a world away from metropolitan USA.

Read on to discover some of the best things to see and do in the Fort Myers area, situated on the state’s laid-back Gulf Coast, where natural conservation efforts meet Old Florida charm…

The rugged beauty of the Fort Myers region and surrounding barrier islands has loyal visitors returning year after year. And while you will certainly find the pristine beaches, palm-lined streets, shopping and entertainment you would expect in Florida, the area also offers a particular small-town charm that just hits differently. After it was deeply affected by Hurricane Ian back in September 2022, people from near and far rallied together to rebuild their beloved pocket of paradise.

Preserving the natural ecology has become vital. The mangrove thickets along the coast are not only the first line of defence, but they also create a unique ecosystem as well as offering shelter to an abundance of wildlife. While these plants have been protected in Florida since 1996, the biggest threat was, and still is, development. Nevertheless, an impressive 70% of Captiva and Sanibel – small islands three miles (4.8km) off the coast of Fort Myers – are protected for conservation, making them a haven for wildlife and heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. And despite the devastating storm's impact on the area, visitors believe it's still 100% paradise. Here are 25 things to see and do on the islands and in Fort Myers...

Let’s be honest: Who doesn’t love a boat trip? An excursion to the small island of Cabbage Key, located five miles (8km) off Pine Island, is certainly not one to be missed. Head over to McCarthy’s Marina on Captiva Island and board the Lady Chadwick to explore the Pine Island Sound. Captiva Cruises has over 30 years of experience navigating the waters around the barrier islands and your captain will provide tonnes of interesting facts along the way. If you’re lucky, you may even see a pod of dolphins racing the boat. Cheer them on as they perform their tricks in the glittering waves for you.

Cabbage Key spreads across 100 lush green acres and holds few residences and no cars. Once you’ve docked at the tiny marina, head over to the namesake family-owned restaurant and inn that stands atop a 38-foot-high (11.5m) Indian shell mound. We would recommend booking a table, as it can get busy. Enjoy some classic Floridian grub, ranging from fresh seafood to grilled cheese sandwiches and the best Key Lime pie around. We can also recommend the Cabbage Creeper cocktail, a mix of rum and pina colada with a coffee liqueur float.

The walls and ceilings of Cabbage Key restaurant and inn are covered in hundreds of dollar-bills swaying in the subtropical breeze. What started as a local tradition soon turned into an international phenomenon, and now tourists from all over the world add their signed memento to the wallpaper – if they can find space. Before returning to the boat, you can explore the winding nature trails or climb atop the water tower to soak up the stunning scenery.

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Named after cartoonist Jay Norwood ‘Ding’ Darling, the reserve spans 5,200 acres, which is a third of the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel. It is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the US and home to many species of wild animals and birds. While the vegetation is still recovering after the storm surge and looking a little worse for wear in areas, nature is still thriving and the new mangrove foliage is a beacon of hope. Head into the visitor centre to learn more about the reserve and the wildlife found here. Rent binoculars in preparation for your trip for some special sightings.

You can enjoy and explore the refuge using hiking trails, on a bicycle or in a car. If you do decide to head out by yourself, be sure to follow the ‘leave no trace’ rules. We would recommend hopping aboard the 1.5-hour-long Tram Tour with an experienced naturalist, who will help you spot roseate spoonbills, herons, egrets, otters and even alligators and manatees, if you’re lucky. The best time to visit is at low tide, but be sure to pack your bug spray, no matter the time of day.

Back in Fort Myers, dive into southwest Florida’s past and marvel at the many layers of history – quite literally. Mound House, located near Fort Myers Beach, is built atop a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound that can be viewed in the underground exhibit. Join a guided tour to learn more about the Calusa Native Americans as well as the cultural and environmental history of Estero Bay. Until the mid-1700s, the Calusa led a powerful empire that stretched across most of southern Florida. In order to protect their cities from floods, they were built on layers upon layers of shells. And it proves to be incredibly effective, even to this day: while much of the museum had to be rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, the shell mound survived the storm.

While at Mound House, you can also join a guided tour to explore Estero Bay from a kayak. Head through mangrove tunnels and learn about the unique ecosystem of the barrier islands and the estuary, which is fed from the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. While you paddle along, you’ll hopefully get to spot some native wading birds, dolphins or even manatees. There are numerous other tours in the area as well as kayak rentals and spots to launch them from for those experienced enough to head out without a guide.

One of the best ways to explore southwest Florida is on the water, but the Nautical Tiki Cruises party boat, run by Marie and Dan Hamilton (pictured), is certainly an experience like no other. Hop on board at the Excursion Marina in Fort Myers Beach and enjoy the warm breeze blowing under the thatched roof, while sipping on refreshing cocktails, juices or water – it’s BYOB, so your pick. There’s even a small toilet on board. Marie and Dan founded Nautical Tiki Cruises in March 2022 and their boats miraculously survived the hurricane, after being washed up on the docks. They were back up and running by March 2023 and their crew now ferry guests through the subtropical waters of Matanzas Pass and beyond.

There is an abundance of boat tours available in the area, but witnessing the vibrant colours in the sky as the sun sets on the Caloosahatchee River is a magnificent experience. Head out on an Off the Leash vessel from Downtown Fort Myers and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and other animals – cameras at the ready.

Point Ybel Light (as it is also known) was first lit on Lighthouse Beach in 1884 and soon became one of the most photographed attractions in the area – and it’s not hard to see why. You may catch a first glimpse of the 98-feet (30m) tall iron structure, when travelling on the Sanibel Causeway from Fort Myers to the island. The prominent landmark has recently become a huge part of the Hurricane Ian recovery story. Rumour had it that the beloved lighthouse had been washed away in the storm surge, but upon returning home, locals were overjoyed to find it had merely lost a leg. It was recovered in 2023 and the lighthouse is currently being restored.

There is definitely no shortage of fantastic, fresh seafood in the Fort Myers region. Most restaurants in the area will serve locally day-caught specials ranging from Gulf shrimp to mahi. The family-run Snug Harbor restaurant down in Fort Myers Beach, which owns a fishing fleet, is renowned for delicious grouper dishes. Located right on the waterfront, the views are stunning too. Pelicans love hanging out by the harbour, and you may even catch a glimpse of a dolphin or two frolicking in the water.

With four restaurants across Florida and two in the Fort Myers area, Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grille is a must-visit – just ask the locals. Head over to Fort Myers Beach or the flagship location on Sanibel Island to indulge in fresh oysters, Captiva crab cakes or a grouper sandwich. The sports bar was founded by local fishing guide-turned-author Randy Wayne White, whose popular mystery series is set on the west coast of Florida. The main character? None other than Doc Ford. And for bookworms, his novels are available to buy at the restaurant, so why not pick one up as a souvenir?

If you love seashells as much as we do, you’ll be happy to learn that Sanibel Island is the seashell capital of the world. Lighthouse Beach is great for shelling, but you can’t really go wrong anywhere here. So, don your sun hat, grab your sand scoop and do the ‘Sanibel stoop’ or ‘Captiva crouch’ – depending on which island you’re on, of course. And if you’re lucky enough to find the rare junonia, you may even get a picture and mention in the local paper.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium is appropriately located on Sanibel Island and is dedicated to gathering data on local shells as well as educating visitors about living mollusks, fish and corals – and their shells, of course. Unfortunately, the museum was heavily affected by the hurricane and is currently still being re-established, but it’s definitely still worth a visit. Meet Nicky the clam in the Aquarium on the first floor and get (gentle) hands on at the interactive touch pool exhibit.

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Lovers Key State Park spreads across 712 acres and is located on the barrier islands of Lovers Key, Black Island, Inner Key and Long Key. What was once supposed to be turned into luxury condominiums, was instead gifted to the people of Florida in order to preserve the mangroves and beaches. Start your visit in the Discovery Center to learn about the local flora and fauna, before heading out into nature. With over two miles (3.2km) of white sand beaches, it’s an ideal spot for some fun in the sun, shelling and swimming. Alternatively, you can hit the trails to marvel at the cabbage palms, gumbo limbos and sea grapes. There’s a boat ramp with access to Estero Bay and the Gulf here too, should you wish to rent a kayak or canoe.

Downtown Fort Myers is located along the Caloosahatchee River and is a vibrant urban area with a mix of beautifully restored historic buildings, modern high-rises and waterfront parks. Walk along the streets of the River District and explore the boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes. Love a vintage bargain? There’s some great consignment shopping here too. Also be sure to check out Bay Street Yard, an open air venue with great live entertainment and some classic food truck grub.

The 86 Room is hidden away in the Patio de Leon, in the downtown area of Fort Myers, and known for its excellent selection of whiskies and handcrafted cocktails. Everything about this small establishment is reminiscent of the speakeasies in Prohibition Era America – so throw a quarter in the original jukebox, take a seat at the bar and float back in time with a classic Whiskey Sour in hand.

Fort Myers’ oldest eatery may not look like much from the outside, but it's been serving hearty comfort food to locals and visitors for more than 70 years, which certainly makes for an authentic dining experience. The motto of this family-owned restaurant is: what you see, is what you get. And you will not be disappointed. Sit back with your ice-cold glass of sweet tea and take your pick from an expansive menu ranging from American classics like biscuits with gravy to pancakes the size of your face.

Located on a lush property beside the Caloosahatchee River, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is the area’s number one historical attraction and one of the most-visited historic homes in the United States. As the name suggests, it was the winter home of world-famous inventor Thomas Edison (yes, the lightbulb guy) and industrialist Henry Ford (yes, the car guy), who collaborated on a quest for a local source of rubber and became life-long friends. All buildings have been lovingly restored to the 1929 time-period, so be sure to take a peek through the windows. Tour the museum filled with Edison’s many patents and antique Ford cars as well as the old laboratory and the beautifully maintained botanic gardens. Many of the trees here were in fact used for Edison’s experiments.

In Fort Myers, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve encompasses a narrow wetland area that acts as a natural filtering system and flood protection. Despite its name, it is in fact, 11 miles (17.7km) long and catches rainwater on its way down to Estero Bay. Walking along the boardwalk shaded by Cypress trees makes for a lovely morning meander, but be sure to pause at the numerous observation decks. There’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot an alligator, otters, turtles and several species of wading birds. And always remember: patience is key.

The whole state of Florida is a dream for those who love to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. And a mere half hour drive from Downtown Fort Myers will present you with more than 140 designer and brand outlets in a charming little shopping village. There are a number of cafes and restaurants too, should you need a little refreshment break from all the shopping.

This renowned chocolatier has been producing beautifully handcrafted chocolate in Fort Myers since 2001. Having been named the best premium chocolate company in the US six times over, Norman Love Confections prides itself on its careful selection of ingredients without preservatives. These treats simply look and taste divine. And the Key Lime Shell and Florida Orange would make great souvenirs – in our humble opinion. While the flagship store is located in Fort Myers, there is also a shop at Miromar Outlets as well as a few others dotted about.

You are in Florida, after all. Whether you’re based in Fort Myers Beach, on Sanibel or Captiva Island, there are plenty of beautiful sandy stretches to choose from. Seashells included! Lighthouse Beach is definitely a favourite. If you’re lucky, you may even be visited by a curious dolphin or manatee during a swim in the warm waters of the Gulf. Always be sure to keep a respectful distance, though.

If you’ve escaped to Florida during winter to soak up some much-needed vitamin D, be sure to check out Manatee Park, northeast of Fort Myers. As the name suggests, it is a non-captive refuge for the Florida manatee that usually head into these warmer waters from December to February. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic and a great way to see these gentle giants in a natural environment. Kayak rentals and a launch are also available.

While there is an abundance of great dining options in and around Fort Myers, The Veranda certainly stands out with its historic old Florida ambience. The restaurant has been part of Fort Myers since the turn of the century and remained remarkably unscathed during Hurricane Ian. The romantic piano bar and charming garden courtyard make this restaurant a great pick for a special date night to indulge in upmarket Southern cuisine. Be sure to try the grilled filet mignon, cooked to perfection and served with a creamy bearnaise sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or an outdoor holiday with friends, the Fort Myers area offers a wide range of hotels to choose from, making it an ideal base to explore the region. With direct access to the white sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Margaritaville Beach Resort in Fort Myers Beach is a great option for families or couples. The rooms are decorated in a charming nautical style – even the taps are dolphin-fin shaped. And it doesn’t break the bank either. Alternatively, the Luminary Hotel in Downtown Fort Myers offers more upmarket accommodation right by the waterfront. It exudes classic luxury and is in an unbeatable location.

The Fort Myers area is served by the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which offers flights to and from several US cities, Canada and Europe. The airport is a mere 30-minute drive from Fort Myers Beach. Alternatively, Miami International Airport (MIA) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) are ideal for international arrivals – while a bit further away, you can then enjoy the stunning scenery on the drive to your desired base.

Tascha Walker Dean visited in June 2024 and was a guest of Visit Fort Myers.

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