35 Fun Things to Do in Fort Myers, Florida

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Fort Myers is one of the most popular cities in Florida for its beaches, fishing, and shopping. It is also home to several nature reserves, theaters, and the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.

With so many ​​fun things to do in Fort Myers, Florida, you can’t go wrong with planning a visit here. Whether you are looking to relax on the beach or plan a trip full of activities, Fort Myers has a ton of activities to offer!

• 35 Fort Myers things to do

35 Fun Things to Do in Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers Things to Do Map

A map of Fort Myers. Use the map to explore all the things to do.

See a show at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Seeing a live performance is always a fun activity! Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is the largest proscenium stage in Southwest Florida, and a Fort Myers must do.

While enjoying the show, make sure to grab a drink or a snack at the full-service concession bars.

Birdwatch at Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

Accessible via boat only, the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a major wintering area for the endangered West Indian manatee. Several other birds also make their home here.

It’s the perfect spot to pull out your binoculars or camera and try to view rare wildlife, so make a day out of it!

Connect with nature at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium

Over 100 acres cover this unique nature center that has been a part of the Southwest Florida area for almost 50 years. ​​

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium is filled with ​​Fort Myers activities, including butterfly and bird aviaries, natural trials, and a planetarium theater. The Planetarium also hosts an all-ages Laser Show on the weekends.

Catch a home run at Lee County Sports Complex

Every year the Minnesota Twins come to Fort Myers, Florida, for Spring Training. While you're here, stop by Hammond Stadium, located in Lee County Sports Complex, to watch these teams prepare for the new season.

The entire complex, formerly known as CenturyLink Sports Complex, has five additional playing fields and is home to two minor league teams. Catching a Spring Training session is one of the cool and unusual things to do in Fort Myers, Florida.

romrodinka/Depositphotos.com

Take a tour of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates date back to 1885 when the first estate, the Edison Estate, was built in 1886, followed by the Ford Estate being constructed in 1911.

When here, you’ll see the museum and 21-acre garden on the site of the winter homes of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Shop all day at Fleamasters Fleamarket

If you love shopping, you’ll be amazed by this flea market that covers over 400,000 square feet and features more than 900 shops.

Spend your day looking through the booths that feature everything from antiques to kitchen products and jewelry or snacks. As one of the top things to do around Fort Myers, you can’t go wrong with Fleamasters Flea Market.

Photograph wildlife at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

The Flordia Panther National Wildlife Refuge features two hiking trails through a varied landscape full of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Panthers do frequent the area but are considered a rare sight.

Bring your camera and appreciate the scenery at this beautiful refuge!

Enjoy the arts at Florida Repertory Theatre

Relax and enjoy a show in the historic Arcade Theater, built in 1915, where the Florida Repertory Theatre performs. Although this theater has celebrated 24 years of Award-Winning Regional Theatre, this activity is a do-not-miss and is loved by tourists and locals alike.

Parasail at Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Fort Myers, Florida. It is covered with white sand and sits on a barrier island that stretches about seven miles long.

The beach is most popular for water sports, and what is a better way of seeing the beach than parasailing at 400 feet high?

Join this tour and you can see for yourself!

Have a drink at Fort Myers Brewing Company

Fort Myers Brewing Company serves as an off-the-beaten-path gathering place for many Fort Myers locals. Tourists will enjoy the free brewery tours. Afterward, grab a beer and a bite to eat.

The brewery hosts fun weekly events. Stop by on Thursday nights when there are food trucks and live music. It is one of the fun things to do in Fort Myers at night.

Soak in the history in the Fort Myers River District

In downtown Fort Myers, you’ll find the Fort Myers River District, a mix of history and modern restaurants, shopping, and more.

Join this historic walking tour that begins in front of Franklin Shops in the River District and takes you through the beautiful streets of Fort Myers. You’ll learn about the iconic figures and buildings that make this city so unique.

Touch a live marine animal at IMAG History & Science Center

Enjoy a day of fun with over 60 interactive exhibits at IMAG History & Science Center. Here you can touch live marine animals in a 3,200-gallon aquarium displaying fish and sharks.

In addition, this Fort Myers to do features a walking path, earth and space center, 3D movie, and more.

Hike Wildlife Drive at J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Want a chance to spot an alligator or bobcat? Take a chance and hike Wildlife Drive or one of the other trails at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.

The refuge covers almost one-third of Sanibel island and protects one of the largest undeveloped mangroves in the United States.

Burn off energy at John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail

Looking for the perfect spot for a run or bike ride? The John Yarbrough Linear Park Trail is where locals come to sweat and enjoy the views.

One of the understated places to go in Fort Myers, this trail will delight with the canal nearby and bird-spotting opportunities.

Take a picnic to Lakes Regional Park

Covering over 275 acres just north of downtown Fort Myers, Lakes Regional Park offers all sorts of fun activities for the whole family. Bikes and paddleboats are available to rent for a fun adventure.

Once you’re done exploring the park, enjoy your picnic lunch at one of the many picnic locations on site.

Experience serenity at Lovers Key State Park

One of the best Florida beaches, Lovers Key State Park covers over 700 acres and includes four barrier islands. Now reachable by car, stop by this unbelievable destination for a day of enjoying the impeccably white sand.

Dolphins, coastal birds, and manatees can be seen from the beach, so don’t forget your binoculars!

Enjoy the manatees at Manatee Park

Imagine a warm water refuge for the manatees that call Florida home. That's exactly what you'll find at Manatee Park, where dozens of Manatee flock for this warm water natural habitat.

Popular with both tourists and locals, the park also features picnic areas, a kid's playground, and trails to enjoy.

Ring the bell at the Railroad Museum of South Florida

This is one of the great Fort Myers points of interest if you have young kids with you. The Railroad Museum of South Florida features a live steam scale locomotive and a brass bell that visitors can ring.

Make sure to stay and watch a video of the history of the park and railroad if you have time!

View Sanibel Island via a dolphin cruise

Sanibel is an island located near Fort Myers, Florida. It is most known for its beaches, sunsets, and lighthouse.

Take a cruise near the island and try to spot some of the famed dolphins while getting up close to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse.

You’ll definitely appreciate the pontoon boat and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Walk the boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail and includes a nature center with interactive exhibits. While you’re here, make sure you take a self-guided walk on the boardwalk.

There are several different types of trees and wildlife species here; you could spend the entire afternoon following the self-guided tour if you wanted.

Have dinner in Times Square

One of the most popular ​​places to visit in Fort Myers, Times Square, is the heart of the downtown area. Here you’ll find a lot of restaurants with outdoor seating, street performers, and stores.

Grab some dinner and enjoy the evening or spend some time checking out the numerous shops in the area.

Tasfoto/Depositphotos.com

Take a drive down McGregor Boulevard

Experience the feeling of a Hollywood movie with this beautiful 2 lane road lined with palm trees. You’ll see many beautiful houses and even pass by the Ford and Edison Estates on the route.

Roll the windows down, and be prepared to soak in all the scenery on this drive!

Catch a glimpse of the Gulf Coast Model Railroad

You’ll be surprised that this model railroad is located in a retirement home, but it was created by a small group of residents who enjoyed making model railroads as a hobby.

This really great sight to see is a 43’ by 41’ Gulf Coast Railroad in the shape of Florida, which attracts thousands of visitors each year!

Go inside the Florida Native Butterfly Society

As a nonprofit organization, the Florida Native Butterfly Society operates a 3,100+ square foot glass butterfly house that hosts a variety of native butterfly species during the year.

This educational facility opens its doors to visits to learn more about native species and appreciate their beauty. Don’t miss this butterfly paradise on your trip to Fort Myers!

Relax on a Sunset Cruise

The beautiful coastline and exotic animals are a Fort Myers must-see, and what better way to enjoy them than with a sunset sailboat cruise?

Relax away from the day's stresses and take in the sunset from a new perspective on the water.

As you sail along the coast, appreciate the beaches, the water, and maybe you'll squeeze some birdwatching in.

Watch Spring Training at Jetblue Park

Jetblue Park is the primary spring training home of the Boston Red Sox and features the same dimensions as Fenway Park, including the “Green Monster” in left field.

The grounds also feature six additional fields and are the home field for a minor league team. Stop by and watch some games!

Get curious at the Murder Mystery Dinner Train

What a unique experience this Murder Mystery Dinner Train offers guests! Get ready for a 5-course meal and a murder mystery show to entertain you throughout your dining experience.

You’ll be on a moving train with beautiful views for over three hours for this great show.

Get sandy at Bunche Beach

A fun fact is that Bunch Beach Preserve is one of the few natural beaches with native vegetation and mangrove tunnels that kayaks can explore.

This 718-acre beach and mangrove forest preserve also features other recreational activities like swimming, fishing, and hiking. Don’t miss out on another one of Fort Myer’s great beaches!

Book your Bunche Beach Guided Eco Tour Kayak here!

Rent a boat at Port Sanibel Marina

Port Sanibel Marina is located in Fort Myers, Fl, close to Sanibel Island. It is the perfect location to rent a boat, kayak, or canoe to have your own fun on the waters near Fort Myers.

You can also catch a fishing charter or an eco-tour here if that is also more up your alley.

Experience Alliance for the Arts

Whether you love art or performance, the Alliance for the Arts has something for you! This nonprofit is a visual and performing arts center located in Fort Myers that offers a calendar of performing arts or live exhibitions.

When looking for ​​fun in Fort Myers, this is a great stop!

Jump around at Defy Fort Myers

This all-ages activity is sure to be fun for the whole family! There are trampolines, foam pits, a ninja obstacle course, and more. Imagine practicing your parkour in the parkour pit or ziplining through the facility.

This is the perfect spot to have a little fun indoors with the entire family!

felixtm/Depositphotos.com

Appreciate art at Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center

The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center is a beautifully restored building, but they also focus on bringing a wide range of events to the public in Fort Myers. The center hosts many events ranging from art exhibitions to galas.

Celebrate shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

The area surrounding Fort Myers is known for being one of the best areas for shelling, and the Baily-Matthews Shell Museum showcases the beauty of shells for everyone.

This fun museum on Sanibel has educational opportunities for everyone in the family. Visitors can touch live mollusks or watch the Giant Pacific Octopus!

Take a walk at Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier

Close to Times Square, you’ll find the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier, which extends 560 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. A very beautiful place to walk, you’ll see a lot of locals fishing here.

It’s one of the best places to see the sunset in Fort Myers, so make sure to come by in the evening to enjoy the view!

fiskness/Depositphotos.com

Play sand volleyball at Crescent Beach Family Park

Only a little south of the pier is Crescent Beach Family Park. You’ll find a more active scene with beach volleyball courts at this beach area. In the afternoons, you’ll notice several games going on.

Bring a chair and watch the games or ask to join; either way, this beach has a lot of activities going on during the day!

Conclusion

Fort Myers, Florida, is a great place to visit if you are interested in conservation, beach hopping, or outdoor activities.

It also has an abundance of family-friendly activities to excite people of all ages! Sports fans can even catch a spring training game while they are here. Fort Myers really has it all!

This article was edited by Loredana Elena.

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