Location:
Fort Myers, also known as the “City of Palms”, is located along the
eastern shores of the Caloosahatchee River, just east of the Gulf of
Mexico. Visitors fly into the Southwest Florida International
Airport. Fort Myers is north and west of the airport.
Attractions: Fort Myers is the historical heart of southwest
Florida, beginning as a cow town in the 1800’s. This history is
continues in the attractions founds in and around the area. In 1885,
Thomas Edison made Fort Myers his winter home and, ever since,
northerners have flocked to the area to enjoy the tropical climate,
beaches and activities. In fact, the
Edison-Ford
Winter Estates is the most well-known Fort Myers attraction –
daily tours are provided. Other attractions you’re sure to enjoy are
the Shell Factory, the
Imaginarium children’s museum and a performance at the
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall or the
Broadway
Palm Dinner Theater. There are lots of choices for outdoor
activities and nature adventures. Just northeast of Fort Myers,
Babcock
Wilderness Adventures offers “swamp buggy” rides, a tour where
you’ll see a variety of wildlife and five different ecosystems. Or
take a sightseeing airplane tour from Page Field.
Map
of Fort Myers Attractions
Beaches: The sugary-white gulf beaches are just a short ride
from Fort Myers. You can choose Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and
Captiva Islands, Bonita Springs or Naples for your day at the beach.
Some of the beaches are full of activity and others are secluded,
providing for relaxation. While most of the Fort Myers Beach action
is near the pier, Lover’s Key State Park, at the south end of the
island, is a favorite known for its natural unspoiled beach.
Shelling enthusiasts will want to head to Bowman’s Beach or one of
three other public beaches on Sanibel Island.
Shopping: Fort Myers offers all types of shopping
experiences. Edison Mall is a typical name brand indoor mall. Bell
Tower is an outdoor boutique mall, with Saks Fifth Avenue and a
variety of other shops and restaurants. Bargain-hunters will want to
make a trip to the Sanibel Tanger Factory Stores (just before the
Sanibel Causeway), the Miromar Outlets (south of Fort Myers in
Estero) or Fleamasters (the largest flea market in the area).
Finally, the Shell Factory is where you want to shop for all types
of shell-related goods, but plan to also enjoy the other attractions
the Shell Factory offers.
Dining: In Fort Myers, you’ll find all the national chain
restaurants, primarily along U.S. 41. Downtown on the riverfront,
you can try Shooter’s Waterfront Café for a casual,
reasonably-priced meal. For an intimate dinner, the Veranda offers
continental cuisine in a romantic setting. Iguana Mia is a personal
favorite for Mexican.
Accommodations: While most visitors choose a hotel, resort or
condo near the beach, there are many fine accommodation choices in
Fort Myers.
Directory
of Southwest Florida Hotels & Vacation Rentals
Map
of Fort Myers Hotels & Vacation Rentals |