Fort Myers sits just across the river from Cape Coral — 15 to 25 minutes from most of our homes — and it's where you'll find the region's headline attractions: Thomas Edison's winter estate, a walkable historic River District, wild manatees in winter, and beaches out toward the Gulf. Here's the local list of what's actually worth your time in 2026.
History & Culture
1. Edison & Ford Winter Estates
The must-do. Thomas Edison's and Henry Ford's neighboring riverfront estates, botanical gardens, a working lab and a museum. Give it a half day — it's the single best attraction in the area.
2. Fort Myers River District
The historic downtown along the Caloosahatchee: brick streets, restaurants, rooftop bars, galleries and a lively monthly Art Walk and Music Walk.
3. IMAG History & Science Center
Hands-on exhibits and an aquarium — a reliable indoor pick for families or a rainy afternoon.
4. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Boardwalk trails, an aviary, and planetarium shows on the east side of town.
Nature & Wildlife
5. Manatee Park
In the cooler months (roughly December–February), manatees gather in the warm-water canal here. One of the most reliable free manatee viewings in Florida — bring the kids and a camera. More in our manatee guide.
6. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
A gorgeous 2.5-mile boardwalk through a cypress wetland. Alligators, wading birds, turtles — shaded and stroller-friendly.
7. Lakes Park
A big regional park with a botanic garden, a seasonal train, paddle boats and a farmers market.
8. Lovers Key State Park
Quiet Gulf beaches, kayaking and frequent dolphin and manatee sightings between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita.
Beaches
9. Fort Myers Beach & Times Square
The classic sugar-sand beach with a rebuilt pier, beach bars and shops. See our full Fort Myers Beach guide.
10. Bunche Beach
A shallow, calm nature preserve beach that's excellent for birding and low-tide wading.
11. Sanibel & Captiva
World-famous shelling a causeway away — pair it with our shelling guide and Sanibel day trip.
Sports, Food & Fun
12. Spring Training Baseball
February–March, the Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium — both in Fort Myers. See our spring training guide.
13. Fort Myers Brewing & Local Taprooms
The area's craft-beer scene has grown fast — Fort Myers Brewing Co. is the anchor, with food trucks on weekends.
14. Gulf Coast Town Center & Bell Tower
Open-air shopping, dining and movies when you want an easy, air-conditioned afternoon.
15. Riverfront Dining
Waterfront seafood from the River District out to the beach — see our best restaurants roundup for nearby picks.
Day Trips & Nearby
16. Cape Coral
Your home base across the bridge — 400+ miles of canals, tiki bars and manatees. See Things to Do in Cape Coral.
17. Matlacha & Pine Island
Colorful art village and old-Florida seafood, about 30–40 minutes out.
18. Naples
Upscale shopping and dining to the south — compare in Cape Coral vs Naples.
19. Boat Tour to Cabbage Key / Cayo Costa
Island-hop by boat to unspoiled state-park beaches and the legendary Cabbage Key restaurant.
20. Sunset on the Water
End any Fort Myers day with a sunset cruise or dinner overlooking the Gulf.