There are plenty of things to do in Fort Myers, helping make it one of the best cities in Lee County. From the incredible beaches and other natural environments to the area’s exciting food and nightlife scene, the fun never ends. There’s even history here, such as the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where American icons Thomas Edison and Henry Ford came to escape cold temperatures up north.
Outdoor Activities
Few people come to the southwest Florida region without hitting up the area’s famous Gulf beaches. There’s no shortage of beaches near Fort Myers, including the highly popular Fort Myers Beach, the quieter, more secluded options on nearby Sanibel or Captiva islands, or the preserve areas of Lover’s Key State Park. The latter options are among some of the best boating destinations near Fort Myers.
There are also plenty of opportunities to get out into the area’s incredible natural environment, from the wetlands of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve to Manatee Park, a local warm-water refuge for manatees during the winter. Fans may even be able to catch a ballgame during the yearly Spring Training games held here by the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
Restaurants, Breweries, and Bars
Foodies and cocktail enthusiasts will find a city to love in Fort Myers, thanks to its vibrant dining and bar scene. The nearby Gulf plays a major role in the Fort Myers food scene, supplying fresh, high-quality seafood for local menus. Some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants include The Veranda, Osteria Celli, and Blanc. Those looking for a more casual but equally beloved spot should check out Izzy’s or Ford’s Garage. Those who love a nice drink will enjoy a variety of breweries and distilleries in the area, like the Millennial Brewing Co. or Wicked Dolphin rum distillery in the nearby city of Cape Coral.
Nightlife
As might be expected, downtown Fort Myers tends to be the heart of the city’s nightlife. A wide variety of spots are located on First Street between Cleveland Avenue and the Edison Bridge. Some of the most popular of these include The 86 Room and The Firestone Skybar. Downtown also hosts the popular monthly Art Walks and Music Walks, which take place on the first and third Fridays of the month, respectively. These events showcase local and regional artists in a free, outdoor community setting and are a favorite for people of all ages.
There are plenty of things to do in Fort Myers Beach nearby, which also offers many beachfront spots geared toward younger or rowdier crowds. People of all ages can get in on some nightlife excitement in Fort Myers at GameTime, a restaurant with video games for the kids and a bar with TVs for adults.
