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If you want a retreat away from the rapid-paced city life, you might want to consider Fort Myers, Florida as your next destination.

Fort Myers is the gateway to Southwest Florida and a wonderful gem worthy to include in your must-see places with family or friends. This sunny city is well-known for its scenic beaches, fishing, and shopping opportunities. A tidbit of history that is worth knowing – Fort Myers is home to two distinguished inventors – Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Whether you are going to visit with family or friends, rest assured that you will enjoy a wide selection of must-see spots, attractions, and activities that will keep everyone thrilled for the next activity in store.

What are the must-see spots in Fort Myers, Florida?

Let us take a look at some of the best things to do in Fort Myers, Florida so that you will know what the city has to offer during your visit to this splendid city of clear skies and pristine blue waters.

Fort Myers Beach

During your stay in Fort Myers, Florida, you will never miss out on Fort Myers Beach. The 7-mile long scenic, golden strip of sand with warm, shallow water offers great views and a selection of hotels and restaurants. This is the ideal spot for walking, swimming, and spotting dolphins.

The beach runs from Bowditch Point Park to Lovers Key State Park. If you want to make the most out of your stay, nearly all of the action is focused around the pier area or Times Square.

On the area south of the pier, you will find crowds of sun-loving folks during the warm days. You can rent beach chairs to enjoy the beach scenery. For a peaceful retreat, you might want to head to the northern part of the pier where you will find the beach backed by a city park with picnic tables.

The Pier at Fort Myers Beach

The Fort Myers Pier dates back to 1921 but it has been fully rebuilt, gutting out 560 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and regarded as one of Southwest Florida’s premier sunset spots. It was locally called as Pelican Pier since pelicans frequently line the pier and observe people who are fishing.

During your stay in Fort Myers, drop by this spot and feel free to walk on the pier with its partly-covered viewing area at the end along with a small kiosk selling beverages, fishing supplies, and souvenirs. From the pier, you might be lucky to catch a glimpse of dolphins, not far offshore.

During the day, enjoy the lively beach scene at the south side with people parasailing and all sorts of boats moving back and forth. When evening draws near, you should not miss out on the stunning sunset. Join the crowd to witness the sun dip beneath the horizon.

Times Square

Just behind the pier is the lively Times Square that is worth checking out. This is where you can find several restaurants with patio seating, surf shops, souvenir stores, ice cream shops, and many more. During the cool evenings, street performers will keep the crowd entertained.

Explore Times Square by foot and expect a casual scene where people walk around in beachwear. You can easily spot the area by the vibrant-colored painted bricks. For a pleasant stroll while finding a good restaurant or store to check out, go northeast of Times Square along Old San Carlos Boulevard to Matanzas Pass.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The must-see wildlife refuge is situated southwest of the city center and covers around 8,000 acres on Sanibel Island. If you are interested in the wildlife in the area, you should stop by.

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge also serves as a conservatory for mangrove forests and home to a variety of alligators, crocodiles, and exotic bird species such as ospreys, herons, and cuckoos. It also serves as an important stopover for these birds since it is positioned in the middle of their migratory path. It is recommended to visit the refuge between November and April to see most of the wildlife.

You have the option to walk, bike, canoe or explore around in your vehicle. Additionally, there are paths where you can go on boating and fishing.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Your stay in Fort Myers is not complete without visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb while Henry Ford was the pioneer of the early automobiles. Both American inventors were good friends and built their houses just a few spaces apart.

The estates are situated just a mile south of Fort Myer’s downtown. You will surely delight in its historical value and a precious gem worth visiting.

In Edison’s estate, you can visit a botanical garden with trees that Edison planted himself along with his laboratory where he performed experimental research and a museum to check out his inventions and artifacts.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

For animal lovers, you might want to check out the local animals in Florida in Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, especially the selection of exotic birds and animals. You will find owls, bald eagles, hawks, alligators, and butterflies in the center along with the animal shows that both children and adults will love.

Spring Training

If you closely follow the baseball leagues, your stay in Fort Myers will keep you on your heels. For sports enthusiasts, the spring training takes place every March with leagues such as Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins that are worth watching. You can check out two ballparks and each can accommodate up to 10,000 people.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The 3,500 acres Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a haven for a variety of wildlife including otters, alligators, and turtles. This is one of the best birding locations in Fort Myers that you should not miss out if you want to see wading birds such as ibis, blue herons, snowy egrets, and even spoonbills.

One of the highlights is walking on the 1.4 mile-long boardwalk. Enjoy the looping trail complete with interpretative kiosks that take you along a variety of flora including wood ferns, red maple, and young cypress trees.

IMAG History & Science Center

For both children and adults, the IMAG History & Science Center, formerly Imaginarium Science Center, hosts interactive exhibits about science and history that are highly informative for both children and adults. The exhibits are rotating ones and ideal for children 12 years and younger. The center has a hands-on aquarium and a small 3D theater for children.

Manatee Park

When you are going to visit Fort Myers during the winter season, you should drop by at the Manatee Park. With the tropical climate in Florida, manatees are drawn to the warm waters of the city to escape the cold temperatures of the sea.

The Manatee Park will give you a chance to meet these gentle giants up close from the observation decks. The best part is when you kayak and paddle your way to experience a close encounter with the manatees. During winter, you might see up to 50 manatees. This is truly a sight to behold.

Final thoughts

Fort Myers, Florida is a wonderful destination surrounded by both fresh and saltwater sites. Aside from serving as a natural preserve for both animals and plants, the natural surroundings of the city have been the main reason why people enjoy a tranquil getaway. After a long day of visiting the main attractions and nature parks in Fort Myers, take on a peaceful stroll down the scenic white beaches. You will surely bring home wonderful and unforgettable memories during your stay in Fort Myers.