Best Things to Do in Fort Myers

This award-winning theater puts on world-class productions. Located in the heart of beautiful downtown Fort Myers, "The Rep" (as locals call it) offers patrons a wide variety of productions, from dramatic to comedic. Shows traditionally occur in the historic Arcade Theatre, built in 1908. It was originally a Vaudeville house, and celebrated figures the likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone watched films in this very building. However, the theater has moved many productions to an outdoor stage following the pandemic. Check the website for performance venue updates. Recognized nationally as "One of America's Top Repertory Companies," this group truly sets the bar for community theaters.

Whether you prefer fishing, people-watching, photography, strolling, or relaxing in the sun, the Fort Myers Beach pier is a great destination day or night. Extending far into the Gulf of Mexico and adjacent to the bustling Times Square area of Fort Myers Beach, the pier is a central hub of activity. Gaze down at beachgoers or up at parasailers, watch dolphins play, listen to live music, check out what the anglers are catching and watch the sunset. There's a small bait, snack and gift shop halfway down the pier. On the weekends enjoy a sunset celebration at the foot of the pier with bands, artists and other interesting performers. There is plenty of sand around the pier to spread out your blanket and set up camp for the day.

Florida is home to Spring Training for fifteen major league baseball teams and Fort Myers is the only city to host two. Every February the boys of summer descend on the area to hone their skills and rosters for the regular season. It's a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the players who are more relaxed and accessible. The Boston Red Sox train at JetBlue Park, also known as Fenway South. It holds 11,000 fans, including seats in the replica, Green Monster. The recently remodeled CenturyLink Sports Complex, is where the Minnesota Twins play. 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.

One of the many things that sets Barbara B Mann apart from every other entertainment venue in the area is it's proscenium stage. The largest of its kind in Southwest Florida, the stage is able to host epic Broadway tours that can't unload their extensive sets just anywhere; think Phantom of the Opera and Lion King. The auditorium is comfortable, seating just shy of 1900 and has gained a reputation not only locally but also in the entertainment industry for quality and professionalism. Besides national Broadway tours, the performing arts hall books well known musicians, bands, comedians and a host of entertainers. Located on the campus of Florida Southwestern University, arrive early for a walk through the neighboring Bob Rauschenberg Gallery.

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! Especially active 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.

The Shell Factory is known for offering quite the mix of shopping and fun outdoor activities. So one might find it curious to be mentioned in a museum list. We say why not? It certainly has everything else. There are actually four small 'museums' within the Shell Factory and they are all free. In the middle of the shops you'll find the Military Museum, exhibits here change often. There is a Natural History Museum, a Shell Museum and the most recent addition is the Fossil Museum. Collectors from across the state and nation have their amazing finds on display here. It's education in small doses that seems to appeal to many families with young ones. And when they've had enough of the history, you can take them outside to the Nature Park to discover some pretty amazing animals!

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.

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 threaten 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.

Sanibel Island is filled with magnificent beaches that are great for a lot more than just relaxing. The barrier island is renowned for its shell-filled shores and is often cited as one of the best places for shelling in the world. It is illegal to take live shells, so if you see a creature is still inhabiting something you find, put it back in the water and let nature take its course. Speaking of the water, it is clear, refreshing and lovely. One of the poplar spots to send the day is Bowman's Beach where amenities include plentiful parking, bathrooms, lots of shade and more. Blind Pass Beach, between Sanibel and Captive is the only spot where you might get some surf. Lighthouse Beach has a picnic area and fishing pier.

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are some of Fort Myers' most popular attractions. Covering more than 20 acres, this historic complex on the Caloosahatchee River offers an intriguing glimpse into the lives of two of America's greatest inventors, Thomas A. Edison and Henry Ford. Tour the impressive botanical gardens and nine historic buildings, including Edison's Botanic Research Laboratory and the Estates Museum, which is filled with inventions, artifacts and special exhibit galleries. Catch an up close look at Edison and Ford motoring through the Everglades or learn about some of the lesser-known of Edison's more than 1,000 patents. Some of his first light bulbs still burn in the lab. It's a fascinating place.