One of the top places for visitors to explore the coastal beauty, Fort Myers is popular for fishing and its beautiful beaches. This destination is the gateway to South Florida, popular among families who seek to explore the great family-friendly activities on offer. Nestled on Estero Island, this picturesque town offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico, a location whose serenity makes it an apt getaway from the stresses of daily life. When here, be sure to visit the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, one of the most popular attractions in Fort Myers, with a fascinating display of marine life. Alternatively, simply lay on the beach, soak up the sun and feel the cool ocean breeze sweep you to comfort. As you plan your trip, check out our list of things to do in Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
1. Paddleboard with fur babies at Dog Beach (from USD 115.0)
Paddleboard at Dog Beach with everyone’s all-time favourite furry friends! A one-of-a-kind-experience indeed, you get to try your hand at paddleboarding with a furry friend right beside you. This three-to four-hour tour includes a safety and demonstration lesson first, followed by an exploration of the bays of Love’’s Key. If you’re lucky, you might even get to see some dolphins swimming by. After that, you can stop at Dog Beach where you get to paddleboard with dogs.
Paddle Boarding Mangrove Islands Dog Beach & Dolphins
Duration: 2 hours
2. Enjoy panoramic bay views at Bowditch Point Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Bowditch Point Park is a nature preserve as well as a park with a recreational area by the bay. With gorgeous views of turquoise blue waters and a white-sand beach, Bowditch Point Park is a great place to spend a nice sunny afternoon. You can explore the various hiking trails in the park, sunbathe on the beach, or go for a dip in the water. With changing rooms and washrooms, you can literally spend your whole day here without worrying about anything. With panoramic bay views, you will always have a good time at Bowditch Point Park.
Bowditch Point Park
Address: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Website: Bowditch Point Park
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Party with your friends on a cycle boat (from USD 49.0)
Party with your friends on a cycle boat! If you and your friends want to explore Fort Myers, why not hire a boat to have a fun party with them? When you’re on the water, you can blast your favourite songs, pop some bottles of champagne, enjoy some park snacks and take in the panoramic view of the ocean. The best part? While this is a power paddle boat, there is a gas engine switch too so paddling is only an option. When you no longer feel like paddling, just ask the captain to switch to engine-mode for a smooth-sailing ride.
Party with Friends on a Cycleboat!
Duration: 2 hours
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Participate in various workshops offered by Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery is an art gallery in the city where you can view art or buy some fine pieces of artwork. This site also offers various workshops and art classes that you can participate in. If you don’t want to visit in person, there is also an option to enjoy a virtual viewing of the gallery. To know about the upcoming shows, events, and art exhibitions, check out Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery’s website.
Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery
Address: 3030 Shell Mound Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Website: Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
5. Grab a bite at Smokin' Oyster Brewery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have yourself a seafood feast at SOB today!
Posted by Smokin' Oyster Brewery on Thursday, September 3, 2020
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in the area. Located very close to the beach, this restaurant is a great place to head to if you’re in the mood for an afternoon bite or maybe you want to have some ice-cold beer with a little snack. The garlic crabs, fried oysters, and coconut shrimp go perfectly with the freshly brewed beer. If you want something more filling, you must try their buffalo shrimp, conch chowder, and fried shrimp po-boy.
Smokin' Oyster Brewery
Address: 340 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Website: Smokin’ Oyster Brewery
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
6. Go on an educational tour of Matanzas Pass Preserve
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Matanzas Pass Preserve, as the name might suggest, is a nature preserve in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. This nature preserve is around 60 acres (24 hectares) and runs along Matanzas Pass. One of the very few untouched and underdeveloped areas on the island, it is home to wildlife such as rabbits, hawks, owls, raccoons, and songbirds. With guided tours, stress and detox tours, walking tours, and even a children’s education program, Matanzas Pass Preserve is a very interesting and educational place that you must visit.
Matanzas Pass Preserve
Address: 199 Bay Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
Website: Matanzas Pass Preserve
Opening hours: Dusk to dawn (daily)
Price: Free entry
7. Check out shops at Times Square
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Yes, Fort Myers Beach has its very own Times Square, and it is literally located in the heart of the island. Filled with shops and boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and casual cafes, this is the place to go if you’re in the mood to shop and eat. From street performers to street-food stalls, Times Square really has it all. Since Times Square is located very close to the beach, it’s a great place to go grab a meal or just walk around the city after you’re done relaxing at the beach.
Times Square
Address: 1133 Estero Blvd #4, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, United States
8. Learn more about the golden age of pirates with Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise
The cruise lasts approximately 90 minutes, climbing aboard the 20-meter (65-foot) Spanish Galleon. The crew consists of different pirate characters interacting with the children. On arrival, children will get their pirate pack: Water Pistol, Eye Patch, Pirate Hat, Pirate Hook and a Pirate Booty Bag with Coins guaranteeing a more interactive experience with the pirates! Activities include treasure hunts, face painting, and pirate games. Snack and drinks are available to be purchased on board. The cruise also provides running talks of the golden age of pirates and the history of the subject. Information about the beautiful Fort Myers Beach history is also a part of the talks. Children get a chance to also man the ship with lots of photo opportunities for the family to treasure.
Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise
Address: 2500 Main St, 33931-3416 Fort Myers Beach, FL
Website: Pieces of Eight Pirate Cruise
9. Enjoy an interactive animal experience with Everglades Adventure Tours (from USD 120.0)
The Everglades is one of the most knowledgeable and popular among tourists visiting. After all, what’s a trip to Florida without visiting the Everglades? The tour begins with a pick up by your guide and a short ride to the glades, there you will embark on a thrilling airboat ride through the Everglades guide through saw grass.
The tour includes a break with lunch which is included in the price. The final part of the tour is a thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone. The interactive animal experience allows visitors a chance to hold friendly alligators, 23-kilogram (50-pound) snakes, parrots, and macaws.
Holding the animals is optional- but when else will you get a great photo opportunity with a 5.5-meter (18-foot) snake? The final stop of the tour is a nature drive through the freshwater swamp area. The tour begins at 9 a.m. and ends roughly at 5 p.m.
Florida Everglades Private Airboat Tour and Wildlife Park
Duration: 1 hour
10. Admire the most intriguing collection of seashells at Paradise Charters
Sea and nature lovers will love this tour, beginning at Snook Bight Marina on the beach. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon you are in for a glorious adventure coasting through the oceans to seek out Dolphins, manatees and other natural inhabitants along a beautiful secluded beach. For nature lovers along the secluded beach boasts the most intriguing collection of seashells and sea life such as sand dollars, starfish, and conches. All charters sail for a minimum of four hours.
Paradise Charters
Address: Paradise Charters (239) 247-8288, 4765 Estero Blvd, 33931 Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Website: Paradise Charters
11. Get a chance to see dolphins with Magic Wind Sailing
This has been hailed as the best charter in Fort Meyers since 2009. With glowing reviews as a must-do during your trip, you should board the relaxing trip to take in the glorious sites of the Gulf Coast and the chance to see dolphins! Tripadvisor has some fantastic reviews. A Tripadvisor member states:
“My husband George, mom Nancy and her friend Cheryl came out for a four-hour sail aboard Star of Orion today and were not disappointed! Captain Dan and Dianne were friendly, skilled and knowledgeable, answering all our questions and telling us all about the Fort Myers area. We sail smaller boats in Michigan so the experience of being on a larger craft like this was a new one for us. We really enjoyed it, found it peaceful and relaxing and well worth the cost. Would do this again and recommend it to anyone!”
Magic Wind Sailing
Address: 2500 Main St, 33931 Fort Myers Beach, FL
Website: Magic Wind Sailing
12. Try a variety of watersports with FMB Fly Board
This is the number one place to come to try a massive variety of water sports, FMB offers four different types of rentals. Including Kayaking, Fly board, and paddleboarding. The most popular of the rentals is the Fly board, the best way to look like an extra in James Bond. Rentals start from 100 USD for 30 minutes.
FMB Fly Board
Address: 18400 San Carlos Blvd, 33931 Fort Myers Beach, FL
Website: FMB Fly Board
13. Sign up for a sunset tour with Fish Tale Marina
Everything you need and more for a fun day in the sun, everything is available, including powerboat rentals, dolphin cruises, sunset tours, fishing charters, and kayak rentals. Just minutes away from the Gulf of Mexico, there are many nearby locations that can be accessed as well as pristine beaches, country fishing, and entertainment. Fish-Tale Marina gives you a chance to experience a fun boating experience in the southwest.
Fish Tale Marina
Address: 7225 Estero Blvd, 33931 Fort Myers Beach, FL
Website: Fish Tale Marina
14. Learn more about dolphins with Estero Bay Express Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tours
One of the most highly recommended dolphin tours in the area, this tour is great for people of all ages, but especially for families with young children. The tour is guided by a captain and his ‘first mate’ who dispenses knowledge of the area and the inhabitants. Leaving port from Fish Tale Marina, board the Estero Bay Express on an exclusive experience to Mound House.
Estero Bay Express Dolphin & Sunset Boat Tours
Address: 7225 Estero Blvd, 33931 Fort Myers Beach, FL
15. Go on a coral reef tour aboard Key West Express (from USD 62.0)
Those looking for a relaxing and easy way to see the Gulf Coast, then look no further. The Express Ferry heads south towards the island of Key West, this is a wonderful and relaxing way of traveling faster than driving and is cheaper than flying. The ferry departs from two different locations, the Fort Myers to Key West boards as early 7:00 a.m., with departure at 8:30 a.m. This is the easiest way to access Key West, the ferry is well air-conditioned, with sun decks, couches and reclining air style seating to get your adventure set off in style.
Key West Glass-Bottom Boat, Coral Reef Tour with Sunset Option
Duration: 105 to 120 minutes
Exploring the waters
This is one of the best places to explore the beauty of the Fort Meyers area, be on the lookout for dolphins and alligators. The only way is by luxury cruises or cruising the swamp areas.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to