Top Things to Do in Fort Myers 

What are the best things to do in Fort Myers, FL? Check out these top fifteen fun things to do in Fort Myers! 

Located in Southwestern Florida, the beautiful city of Fort Myers is renowned for its top-rated beaches, warm weather, golf courses, and family-friendly attractions. As one of the best places to live in Florida, Fort Myers continues to grow in population as more and more people learn what the area has to offer. 

Not only does Fort Myers have beautiful homes and a high safety rating, but there are plenty of delicious restaurants, world-class shopping centers, and fun things to do, all within city limits. Whether you are moving to Fort Myers or are visiting the area and want to know how to spend your time, our team has put together this guide to showcase all of the unique attractions in Fort Myers.  

Here are the best things to do in Fort Myers 

Edison and Ford Winter Estate 

Address: 2350 McGregor Blvd 

Hours: 9 AM to 5:30 PM 

The Edison and Ford Winter Estate is a must-visit in Fort Myers. Designated by TripAdvisor as a top-rated destination in 2022, this beautiful historical museum was the winter home of famous inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Located near the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida, this beautiful winter estate sits on 21 acres and features a museum, botanical gardens, and the Edison Botanic Research Lab. 

Luckily, since the historic homes on the property are elevated, the winter estate survived the onslaught of Hurricane Ian and was not damaged. A great place to visit with the family, visitors can explore the grounds through a self-guided or guided tour. Tickets can be purchased online. 

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve 

Address: 7751 Penzance Blvd 

Hours: 7 AM to 8 PM 

Do you love spending time in nature? Then make sure to visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. This beautiful nature preserve in Lee County has over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem which filters rainwater to Estero Bay—featuring a 1.2-mile boardwalk trail, an interpretive center, and an amphitheater. The slough, a narrow wetland with slow-flowing freshwater, changes its appearance with the seasons. Many animals call this preserve home, including alligators, sea turtles, and otters.

Open from dawn to dusk daily; the parking fee is $1 per hour per vehicle. Dogs are not allowed at the preserve; running and jogging are not allowed on the boardwalk. 

Manatee Park 

Address: 10901 Palm Beach Blvd 

Manatee Park is a non-captive warm water refuge for manatees in Lee County. Featuring walking trails, an amphitheater, kayak rentals, and up-close views of the Florida manatees, this park is a great place to bring the kids and family. Since this is a seasonal park, manatees are most likely to appear when the temperature in the Gulf of Mexico falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, generally between mid-December and March. 

The water at Manatee Park can stay warm from the Florida Power and Light Power plant located across the street. Offering free general admission, there is only a small parking fee of $5 an hour. Not only does this park support the local manatee population, but it is the perfect afternoon activity.  

Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium 

Address: 3450 Ortiz Ave 

Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday - Sunday, closed Monday 

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not-for-profit organization in Lee County dedicated to environmental education and preservation. Sitting on 105 acres, there are animals that live on the property, and exhibits about the native animals, plants, and environment. Three walking trails, picnic tables, and a bird and butterfly aviary are also located on the property. 

Established in 1970, this nature center and planetarium has been in the community for almost 50 years and is home to Southwest Florida's only planetarium theater. Offering affordable general admission, this is the perfect place to bring young children and school groups. 

Fort Myers Brewing Company 

Address: 12811 Commerce Lakes Drive #28 

Hours: 12 PM to 8 PM Sunday - Monday, 12 PM to 10 PM Tuesday - Thursday, 12 PM to 11 PM Friday - Saturday 

If you are looking for a great place to enjoy beer, head to the Fort Myers Brewing Company. With over 25 beers on tap, this brewing company is a lovely spot to hang out with friends after a long day at work or on the weekend. This brewery is the best spot in town for craft beer, featuring a tasting room, guided tours, outdoor seating, and at least one food truck onsite daily. 

Established in 2013 as the first microbrewery to open in Lee County, Fort Myers Brewing Company has made a name for itself and continues leading the growing craft beer movement in Fort Myers. Serving award-winning brews and seltzers, Fort Myers Brewing Company is dog-friendly and is known to have live music. Make sure to stop by for a pint or two. 

Fort Myers River District 

Address: 2180 1st St #510 

Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday 

Located in Downtown Fort Myers near the city's many beautiful neighborhoods on the banks of the Calloosahatchee River, the Fort Myers River District is a popular tourist attraction with local shops, live music, delicious restaurants, and a great atmosphere. From outdoor dining to beautiful sunsets, there is always something new in the River District. 

With unique local shops found on historic streets, visitors will find antique shops, art galleries, and small boutiques. With a history that dates back to the mid-1800s, this beautiful area of Fort Myers is full of historic buildings and brick-lined streets. Affordable parking garages and metered parking lots are available. 

IMAG History and Science Center 

Address: 2000 Cranford Ave 

Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM Monday and Wednesday - Saturday, 12 PM to 5 PM Sunday, closed Tuesday 

Providing a hands-on and interactive experience, the IMAG History and Science Center in Fort Myers is a unique and family-friendly attraction in Southwest Florida with a museum and an aquarium. Perfect for all ages, there are over 60 exhibits available to explore at this science center, including a hurricane simulator, dinosaur fossils, native and non-native animals, aquariums with touch tanks, and displays. 

The IMAG History and Science Center is a must-visit providing cool ways to explore science, math, technology, engineering, and history. When planning your visit, tickets can be purchased in advance online. You can check the center's website frequently for updated information about events. 

Lakes Regional Park

Address: 7333 Gladiolus Drive 

One of the best parts about living in Fort Myers is its access to green spaces and parks. Lakes Regional Park, located along Gladiolus Drive, first opened in 1984 and is operated by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation. This 279-acre park features 158 acres of freshwater lakes and is ideal for outdoor recreation activities, including hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, and rock climbing. 

Offering fun for the whole family, train rides, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, and fitness stations are scattered all around the park. There is even a community garden that offers one-year rental periods. Considered one of the best parks in the area, Lake Regional Park is the best place in town to picnic on a sunny day or walk your dog. There is so much to explore. 

Jetblue Park at Fenway South 

Address: 11500 Fenway South Drive 

Jetblue Park at Fenway South is an MLB Spring Training Facility, part of the Fenway South training and development facility. With a capacity of 11,000 fans, this large ballpark is the home of the Boston Red Sox spring training and amateur baseball games. Opened in 2012, many characteristics of this ballpark, including the manual scoreboard, resemble the infamous Fenway Park in Boston, but it also incorporates Southwestern Florida elements to reflect its location.  

Home to six practice fields and a rehabilitation center, Jetblue Park is a beautiful facility that is used year-round. No outside food or beverages are allowed during game days, and gates open two hours before the first pitch. For ticket information, call (239) 226-4700. 

Murder Mystery Dinner Train 

Address: 2805 Colonial Blvd 

Are you looking for a unique experience? Then look no further than the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. Accessible from I-75 and US-41 from most cities in Florida, this popular dinner theatre attraction offers a five-course meal with American fare and a comic mystery, all while aboard a retro one-of-a-kind train ride. All riders will choose between three freshly prepared entrees on board while the live murder mystery show happens. 

Traveling over 40 miles round trip, this three-and-a-half-hour experience takes off from Colonial Station in Fort Myers and is one of the most exciting dining experiences. Operating for over 30 years, all parties will be seated together. Unfortunately, due to damage from Hurricane Ian to the railroad and the Caloosahatchee Bridge System, the Murder Mystery Dinner Train service is on hold until further notice while the damages are repaired. Please have a look at the company's website for more information about reopening dates. 

The Butterfly Estates 

Address: 1815 Fowler Street 

Hours: 10 AM to 3 PM Tuesday - Sunday, closed Monday 

The Butterfly Estates is a non-profit organization that helps protects Florida's butterflies. As an educational facility, educational tours, classes, and outreach programs are provided to teach the public about the importance of butterflies to the environment. Every butterfly at this facility is hand raised from the egg to the chrysalis. 

Located in the Downtown Fort Myers River District, admission rates are $10 for adults 16 and above, $7 for ages 3 to 12, $9 for seniors, and $8 for students. Free admission is available for active military and veterans with valid IDs. 

Burroughs Home and Gardens

Address: 2505 First Street 

Found on the banks of the Calloosahatchee River in Downtown Fort Myers lies the Burroughs Home and Gardens. Also referred to as the Murphy-Burroughs house, this historical home was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1984. It still functions today as a museum with living history tours and operates as an event venue for weddings or parties. 

Built-in 1901, the Burroughs Home is the perfect example of Georgian Revival architecture. Recognized as the only remaining home from the original Millionaires Row in Fort Myers, guided tours give visitors an inside look into what life was like for Fort Myers' elite back in the day. Guided tour reservations and inquiries about hosting an event can be made online. 

Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre 

Address: 1380 Colonial Blvd 

Enjoy dinner and watch a show at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. This long-standing theatre has operated for over 30 years and is an award-winning lunch and dinner venue with Broadway-style performances. Featuring a live orchestra, professional performers, and delicious food, this popular Fort Myers attraction welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. 

Fleamasters Fleamarket 

Address: 4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd 

Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 

A hidden gem in Fort Myers, the Fleamasters Fleamarket is open on the weekends and features over 400,000 square feet of shopping space with a good selection of new and used items for sale. This giant fleamarket has hundreds of local vendors and up to 20 food stands. 

Key West Express 

Address: 1200 Main Street 

Did you know Key West and its beautiful beaches are just a short getaway from Fort Myers? The Key West Express is an affordable jet-powered catamaran that delivers you straight to the Southernmost Point of the United States. This three-and-a-half-hour trip between ports is an easy way to vacation in paradise, offering a comfortable air-conditioned interior, television, and a full-service bar. 

Things to do in Fort Myers, FL - Final Thoughts 

From nature parks to interactive museums, Fort Myers has so much to do for all ages. If you are moving to Florida and are ready to call Fort Myers home, check out our other local area guides when searching for homes for sale. Our team of Real Estate Experts is here to help kick-start your home search in sunny Fort Myers. Please feel free to contact us today.