Amidst the hub of tourist attractions that Florida is, Fort Myers manages to stand on its own. It's not artsy, it's not posh, and it neither has the rustic vibe of countryside nor an urbane sophistication. The charm of Fort Myers lies in being detached. The town doesn't cry out loud for attention and it doesn't overwhelm tourists with attractions, it just lets them be so that they can explore it at their own pace.
Edison and Ford Winter EstatesDid you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were friends? The matter of the fact is that they were such good friends that when Edison purchased a property in Fort Myers for building a winter home, Ford bought just the adjacent property for the same purpose. Both these historically prominent figures would come to their sprawling bungalows in Fort Myers and spend the winter. Now their collective estates, covering a total of 21 acres, are government-owned and are open to public for exploration.
The Calusa Nature Center and PlanetariumConnecting the locals with nature, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a 105-acre site in Fort Myers. The organisation works without any profit toward generating environmental awareness in the area. Along with a nature center and a planetarium, it boasts a museum, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and public areas where you can just sit and breathe in the fresh air. Several engaging events are organised here throughout the year to forge an understanding bond between local communities and the plant, animal and bird life here.
City of Palms ParkA baseball stadium, City of Palms Park owes much of its popularity to the fact that Boston Red Sox used it as their spring training ground from 1993-2011. The baseball enthusiasts among the tourists like to come here, get a few pictures clicked on their way to downtown Fort Myers.
Edison MallFort Myers is proud of the genius who once lived here, and has many significant monuments and structures dedicated to him. The Edison Mall which opened in 1965 is an enclosed shopping mall with 160 stores, and a lifestyle center. The mall became the first one in the US to have the stores of both J.C. Penney and Sears, arch-rivals, under the same roof.
Imaginarium Science CenterThe Imaginarium Science Center is a museum that hosts a collection of dinosaurs and fossils among other science-related things on display, covering fields like weather and nanotechnology. The museum also has an aquarium that is home to many native and non-native marine animals.
Southwest Florida Museum of HistoryContaining the history of Fort Myers in its artefacts and antiques, Southwest Florida Museum of History features exhibits on Spanish explorers, ancient settlers of the area, its agricultural and military history as well as its boating and fishing past.
Besides these, the Murphy-Burroughs House and Historic Downtown areas also hold a keen interest for visitors to Fort Myers.
Fort Myers BeachFort Myers Beach on the 7-mile long Estero Island is a place where the festive atmosphere reigns all year long. Here time is measured between one festival to another, and people socialise over community events and fests. From Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival that is held in March to the Taste of the Beach taking place in May and from Fort Myers Beach Pirate Festival in November to Fort Myers Beach Christmas Boat Parade in December, the town remains busy in celebration.
Estero Bay Preserve State ParkBuilt for the conservation of the water, inlets, and islands in the 10 mile radius of the Estero Bay, Estero Bay Preserve State Park is great place to get in touch with the nature. There are trekking trails that extend miles and present the visitors with the opportunity to spot the region's varied wildlife and vegetation.
Bowditch Point Regional ParkAt the northern tip of the Fort Myers Beach you will find the Bowditch Point Regional Park which is ideal for picnicking and spending some leisurely hours with the family and friends. Among the amenities found here is a village deck for group gatherings and a picnic area.
Times SquareThe hub of all action in the Fort Myers Beach, Times Square is a place where you'll be spoilt for choice by an array of restaurants, shops and entertainment avenues. Situated adjacent to the pier, Times Square is a place where you'll find entertaining street performers engaging you with their talents. Pierside Grill, Famous Blowfish Bar and Pete's Time Out are the restaurants that you must visit for some delectable food whereas West Coast Surf Shop and Local Color are ideal for shopping. Adding fun to the weekends are the sunset celebrations held at the Times Square when the place comes alive with live performances.
Lovers Key State ParkA wildlife haven, Lovers Key State Park is a popular attraction in the Fort Myers Beach area. Home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles, the park has a two-mile long beach that attracts visitors to its shore. The place is ideal for hiking, bicycling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing in peace. Special tour of the park is arranged for the visitors on request as also the kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding adventures at the sea. It is said that earlier the place was so secluded that it was only accessible by a boat. The lovers would come here to spend some leisurely hours, hence, the name of the park.