Best Outdoor Activities in Fort Myers

Certain times of the year, it's faster and easier to travel by bicycle on Sanibel Island than by car, and it's more fun too. Billy's Bike Rentals is loaded with options to take care of everyone in your family, even those who don't know how to ride. Besides individual bikes and bicycles built for two, there are covered surreys so the entire family can share in the peddling. Grab a map and off you go to explore island highlights like the historic lighthouse and the world-renowned Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Be sure to take a break at a beach access for a dip, pack a picnic, or splurge at one of the fantastic local restaurants. But be sure to save space in your basket for shopping bags after visiting the numerous unique boutiques along Periwinkle Way.

There are so many ways to have fun on the water in Fort Myers and Holiday Water Sports has it all. One of the most popular experiences is flying high above the beach via a parasail. Board the six-passenger winch boat directly from the sand on Fort Myers Beach, flying solo or in tandem with one or two other people. You'll dangle peacefully at the end of an 800-foot line with a free-fall dip into the water. Jet Ski's are at the other end of the spectrum, a gas-powered personal watercraft offering speed and exhilaration. Other rentals include stand up paddle boards or SUPs, aqua cycles with giant flotation wheels and more.

There is so much water in the Fort Myers area but there is only one, true water park. Sun Splash Family Water Park has more than fourteen acres of water slides, pools and activities for the entire family. Kids go crazy for the adrenaline pumping speed slides and the five-and-a-half story free fall drop. If that's too much excitement, grab a float and peacefully bob down the Main Stream River Ride. There's a Tot Spot for the little ones and plenty of chairs for mom and dad to lounge in the sun. Food and concessions are available along with lots of special deals throughout the summer, so be sure to check the events calendar online. The water park typically closes at the end of October through February, then the site is used for carnivals, concerts and special events.

The Estero River is between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. A lazy stretch of waterway leading to the Gulf of Mexico, it is lined with mangroves, palm trees and moss-covered oaks. Rent individual or double kayaks, as well as canoes and be sure to pack snacks. There are numerous beautiful sites to pull over for a picnic, the first one being the Koreshan State Historic Site. The Estero Bay is about a 4 1/2 mile paddle and here you'll find more private places to beach your boat. Explore the historic Mound Key, sitting some thirty feet above sea level. Walk through the mangrove forest and sit atop the huge shell mound for an amazing view of the coasts of Bonita Springs and Fort Myers.

You don't need to go to a zoo or an aquarium to get an up-close look at manatees. You can see them for free at Lee County Manatee Park! Between the months of November and March, manatees swim into the canal of this 17-acre park to escape the cooler Gulf of Mexico temperatures. Over the years, the mammals have been drawn to the warm-water discharge from a former, nearby power plant. The shallow water makes viewing the creatures in their entirety, perfect. On site there is a visitor center and gift shop and a playground for kids. Rent a kayak or canoe for a reasonable price and you can explore the waters on your own.

Walking the 2.5 miles of paved and unpaved paths at Lakes Park is free but if you have a few extra dollars there are boat and bike rentals too. Workout stations with waterfront views are perfect for burning a few calories. The small water park is free for kids to cool off and concessions are available. Check out the Miniature Railroad that offers a 15-minute ride past a small scale village. Also, look for exotic vegetation and the occasional alligator in the 158 acres of freshwater quarry lakes; fishing is allowed. On your walk or ride, look for birds like Ibis and Heron, enjoy the fragrance garden, a seasonal community garden and rest in the gazebo or the many covered picnic areas. The park is also hosts a seasonal farmers market on Fridays.

Shelling is one fo the most popular and most famous pastimes for beachgoers in Southwest Florida. The shape of the barrier islands in combination with the gulf currents make them massive depositories for shells. There are times, on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, when you can scarcely walk without stepping on them. Even on Fort Myers Beach there are often mounds of shells on the shoreline, waiting to be plundered. The best shelling is in the morning, during low tide, or after a storm when you never know what treasures mother nature has beached. So many people come here to shell that locals have nicknamed their stance--head down, backside up--the Sanibel Stoop. Those who are really serious can even stop by the Bailey-Mathews National Shell Museum.

This pristine wildlife refuge, named after famous "Des Moines Register" cartoonist and conservationist J. N. "Ding" Darling, offers more than 6,000 acres of South Florida's wildest wetlands, pearly-white beaches and mangrove forests. The refuge has an international reputation for its massive migratory bird population, more than 250 species live here. Among the park's many other permanent residents are alligators, river otters, manatees, snakes and sea turtles. Many endangered and threatened species find solace in the refuge as well. While you have wide access, it's important to remember that this is their turf. Visitors can bike or hike more than 7 miles of trails within the park or take advantage of the guided canoe trips and narrated tram tours.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates cover more than 20 acres along the Caloosahatchee River, offering a glimpse into the lives of two of America's greatest inventors: Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The estate museum is 15-thousand square feet of fascinating exhibits from the nations most influential inventor. You'll get to see some of Edison's most famous creations such as the light bulb, telegraph, telephone, phonography, x-ray machine and more. You may also be surprised to discover more than 1000 of Edison's lesser-known patents as well as personal photographs and other items. Henry Ford's original Model T is also there, a gift to Edison from his friend and fellow winter resident. The botanical gardens are full of unique flora and fauna.

Florida is home to Spring Training for fifteen major league baseball teams and Fort Myers is the only city hosting two. Every February the boys of summer descend on the city to hone their skills and rosters for the regular season (games get into full swing the month of March). It's a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the players who are more relaxed and accessible. The Red Sox train at JetBlue Park, also known as Fenway South. This stadium replaced the quaint City of Palms Park for Spring Training in 2012 and includes seats in the replica, Green Monster. Hammond Stadium, where the Twins play, recently underwent a multi-million renovation project. One of the best features of this park is the bullpen picnic pavilion, where fans can get great photos and autographs of their favorite sluggers.