courtesy of Kenneth Cole Schneider
With year-round sunshine and almost always warm temperatures, Ft. Myers offers a perfect destination option for an upcoming vacation to Florida. From historic estates to interactive nature adventures, there’s tons to explore while visiting The City of Palms. Check out E-Z Rent-A-Car’s top five picks for fun things to do in and near Ft. Myers, no matter what time of year you choose to visit:
1. Sanibel Island Beaches – Sanibel Island is popular for its gorgeous beaches, featuring seashell-lined shores that are a marvel to look at while enjoying the crystal-clear water, soft sand and bright sunshine. Visitors (and their leashed pets) can enjoy free access to these beaches, as well as to several picnic tables and showers, for a convenient and relaxing day with family or friends.
2. Lee County Manatee Park – For an up-close view of Florida’s large and adorable sea cows—known as manatees—the best spot for sighting them is at Lee County Manatee Park. Although manatee spotting in this 17-acre area is generally limited to the months of November through March, the park is open 365 days a year, offering a visitor center, a gift shop, a children’s playground, kayak and canoe rentals, and more.
3. Captiva Cruises – This excursion boat company offers an exciting program of tours and cruises from beautiful Captiva Island. Guests can enjoy cruises themed around dolphin and wildlife watching, sunset serenades, shelling, private sailing and multi-island touring. Whether in the company of family, friends or both, there’s a cruise for every type of group with Captiva Cruises, just a short drive from Fort Myers.
4. Southwest Florida Museum of History – Located in historic downtown Ft. Myers in the former Atlantic Coastline Railroad depot, this fascinating museum is dedicated to preserving and representing the history and traditions of Florida, with specific emphasis on Ft. Myers and southwest Florida. Visitors can explore a a variety of exhibits featuring artifacts of Paleo Indians, the Calusa, the Seminoles, Spanish explorers and early settlers.
5. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Offering more than 6,000 acres of picturesque wetlands, pristine beaches, mangrove forests and more, J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal location for spotting more than 250 unique species of birds, alligators, river otters, manatees and sea turtles. The refuge offers bike and hike trails, canoe and tram tours, and more for an interactive nature experience.
6. Sanibel Lighthouse and Fishing Pier – The most photographed structure on the barrier island, the historic Sanibel Lighthouse—still in operation today—offers a unique photo op for visitors to pose next to a 90-foot lighthouse that dates back to 1884. From the fishing pier, guests can see a variety of birds, jumping dolphins, gorgeous mangroves and driftwood, and more, while fishing for redfish, sea trout, snook, and snapper.
7. The Thomas Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates – Featuring 20 acres of historic buildings, lush gardens and more, the Edison & Ford Estates offer a intriguing and educational experience for guests of all ages to enjoy together. Guests can find hundreds of inventions, artifacts, special exhibits and carefully restored buildings in the Edison Botanic Research Lab, Edison Ford Museum and more.
Whether you’re vacationing in winter or summer, Ft. Myers is a great destination for visiting any time of year. Opt to explore some of these top attractions during your stay for an unforgettable experience in Florida.
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courtesy of Walter
