3 Days in Fort Myers: Fort Myers Itinerary in 2025
Fort Myers is a great Florida destination because it offers a little bit of everything. There are options to explore history, nature, good food, and more.
Fort Myers is different from Fort Myers Beach (they are around 30 minutes apart, depending on traffic. But that’s close enough to enjoy a beach day.
In this 3-day itinerary, I include all of the Fort Myers must do activities as well as some hidden gems. Let’s dive in!
Quick Ft Myers Itinerary
Don’t want to scroll through the whole article? Here is a quick overview of your 3 day itinerary in Fort Myers.
Day One:
- Visit the Edison & Ford Winter Estates
- Grab lunch and/or stroll along downtown Fort Myers
- Go kayaking
- Check out a local brewery
Day Two
- Take a day trip to Sanibel Island
- Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge while you’re there
Day Three
- Rent a boat or take a boat tour
- Get into nature with a nature walk
Day One: Explore History and Nature
On day one, you’re going to get a good mix of everything. We’re going to start with some history and end the day on the water. If you want to swap activities with some of the other days, it’s easy to do that as well.
If you want to start your morning with coffee, I have a great guide on the best coffee shops in Fort Myers!
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Did you know that Thomas Edison and Henry Ford used to spend their winters in Fort Myers? Visiting their winter estate is one of the most popular things to do in Fort Myers.
It is now a historical museum and it’s a great way of learning more about history because it really feels like stepping into their world. There is a 21 acre botanical garden on site and the estate is located right on the Caloosahatchee River.
You can even download an app to learn more, but you don’t have to. There are plenty of signs to learn about the history of life back then.
This is one of the best places to visit during the holidays in Florida, too. The holiday decorations are gorgeous.
Eat Lunch and Explore Downtown Fort Myers River District
I absolutely love the River District, which is the downtown area of Fort Myers. You can spend the whole afternoon there after you eat if you want to shop. It’s located right along the Caloosahatchee River and there are short trails right along the water for some gorgeous views.
Here are a few good food options for lunch:
- Oxbow Bar and Grill for waterfront views with American cuisine
- Capones for coal fired pizza
- 10 Twenty Five for unique takes on bar-type food
- Ichiban for sushi
Go Kayaking
Spend your afternoon kayaking. This tour is in nearby Bonita Springs. You’ll paddle through mangrove tunnels and see some wildlife if you are lucky. You’ll learn more about the ecosystem and end the tour on a private beach where you can go shelling.
Drink Local from a Fort Myers Brewery
There are a handful of breweries in Fort Myers to choose from if you enjoy them like we do.
My favorites are Millenial Brewing (close to downtown, fun events, and free parking) and Crazy Dingo (located on a farm).
The below pictures are from Crazy Dingo. It’s a great spot for families because there is a playground and animals that our kids loved to visit. There are also flowers, food for purchase, food trucks, and of course, the brewery. They have live entertainment on the weekends as well.
Day Two: Islands and Wildlife
Fort Myers is actually a bit away from the beach. I think this can be somewhat confusing sometimes because of Fort Myers Beach. But Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach are actually a half an hour apart (though traffic can definitely make this more).
But the good news is that if you are staying in Fort Myers, then the beach isn’t too far away! I recommend making the drive to Sanibel.
Breakfast at FK Your Diet
Start your morning at FK Your Diet. I first learned about this amazing business after Hurricane Ian. The owner returned from evacuation and was shocked by the devastation. He wanted to give back so he started cooking for the locals. FK Your Diet did so much for the community during such a devastating time.
But that’s really just the start of it. FK doesn’t stand for the word you might think. It actually stands for foster kid. The owner was once a foster kid himself and wants to give back to other kids going through similar experiences. They often donate to foster kids, hold Thanksgiving meals for them, and more.
So now you know how amazing they are, but their food is amazing too. We have loved everything they serve. Their coffee is delicious, too. And yes, as their name suggests, you’re not going to be eating particularly healthy. And the portions are huge!
If you prefer to eat breakfast on Sanibel Island, the Lighthouse Cafe is a popular choice.
Take a Day Trip to Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is one of the best beaches in Florida (and I think it’s probably my personal favorite outside of the Tampa Bay area beaches). It is famous for shelling. You’ll also probably recognize the ever-famous Sanibel lighthouse as well.
Sanibel is home to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is well worth visiting before or after you hit the beach. The refuge has a four-mile Wildlife Drive where you can see wildlife such as alligators, birds, and more. You can take a tram, drive, or walk through. There is a visitor’s center as well. Just be aware that they are closed on Fridays.
We also love visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. They are still rebuilding from Hurricane Ian in 2022, but have very nice aquariums and a touch tank.
Another hidden gem is the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village which is brings you back in time to learn about Sanibel history. There are 7 restored buildings and we thoroughly enjoyed it! It is only open in the cooler months – approximately October through March.
Even though Sanibel is resilient, it is still recovering from Hurricane Ian (and some coastal flooding from Hurricanes Helene and Milton didn’t help those recovery efforts).
If you have never been to Sanibel before, it might not be obvious. But if you have been to Sanibel before, some of your favorite places to shop or eat may no longer be there. Or they may be re-opened in new places.
If you don’t want to go to Sanibel or maybe you’ve been there before and want something new, some other popular spots to enjoy the beach include Fort Myers Beach, Lovers Key State Park, and Captiva Island. The Gulf of Mexico offers some of the most stunning turquoise waters!
Dinner in Sanibel
Here are some good options for dinner in Sanibel. These are also great lunch options if you prefer lunch! And all of these options are open post-hurricanes (Ian, Helene, and Milton):
- Cheeburger Cheeburger – a retro diner feel with classic diner food like burgers and amazing milkshakes
- Doc Ford’s – Casual restaurant serving seafood and good drinks
- MudBugs Cajun Kitchen – Good Cajun food in a fun atmosphere (two-story breezy building with tons of decorative lights)
- Gramma Dot’s – good sandwiches and salads in an open air setting on the docks.
Day Three: Explore by Water
We’re changing up the views a bit by getting on the water! If you happen to be visiting when it’s too cold to get on the water, then I have another option for you.
Rent a Boat or Take a Boat Tour
One of my favorite things to do (especially on vacation!) is getting out ON the water. There are several different ways to get out on the water. You can BYOB on a tiki charter, rent a jet ski, go parasailing, or take a dolphin and sandbar tour.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a 3,500 acre wetland. You can go for a walk on the 1.2 mile trail where you might see wildlife such as birds, alligators, turtles, otters, and more. For a short walk, you can just turn around anytime.
There is also an educational center and amphitheater. It is free to enter the park, but you will need to pay for parking. It’s reasonable at $1/hour.
Check Out a Rooftop Restaurant and/or Bar
To end your day (and trip!), check out a rooftop bar. Or if you want to bar hop, check out a few of them. Here are some great rooftop bars in downtown Fort Myers:
Firestones Skybar & Martini Bar – A four story building overlooking the Caloosahatchee River and downtown Fort Myers. There is a good happy hour with 50% off drinks. The main dining room on the lower level is a bar and grill with good steakhouse-type food. They are open until 2 am.
Sidney’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden – More of a hidden gem but great for dancing, live music, and a cocktail. Their hours can vary, but they are typically open Wednesdays from 6 pm – 11 pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 6 pm – 12 am. Great views of Fort Myers and the Caloosahatchee River.
10 Twenty Five – They have both patio and rooftop seating. This is more of a restaurant with upscale casual food that’s made from scratch (it’s great food!) They have a little bit of everything such as salads, tacos, and sandwiches. They also have great cocktails. The view here isn’t quite as amazing as the other rooftop spots, but it’s still a rooftop and worth visiting
Beacon Social Drinkery – This is on the rooftop of the 12-story Luminary Hotel. They serve great drinks and bar food. The view here is incredible and there is a modern and classy feel. Their prices are a bit higher, but the views are worth it. It’s a perfect place to grab a cocktail at sunset.
Bonus Spots
Maybe you have more than three days in Fort Myers or maybe some of the activities I mentioned don’t sound as appealing as some of these other options. Either way, here are some more ideas on things to do in the Fort Myers area:
Manatee Park
Manatees often visit Manatee Park in the winter/cold months to warm up. They are most likely to be seen when the temperature drops below 68 degrees in the Gulf. While this will vary each year, but the best time of year to see them is generally December through March.
The manatees are not in captivity here, so there is never a guarantee but you can check out the Manatee Park webcam before you to see if there any manatees hanging out.
I personally find manatees difficult to get pictures of unless I’m in a kayak, but you can see one poking out his nose on the third picture:
Take a Tour of the Burroughs Home and Gardens
The Burroughs Home is not as well known as the Edison and Ford Winter Estate, but it is equally amazing to visit. It is the only home of its time still standing in its original location and open to the public. Original furnishings and pictures are still in the house.
It is located in the River District of downtown Fort Myers and not only offers beautiful views of the river but also live oaks and gardens.
It was built in 1901 and held a lot of high society parties to the elite of Fort Myers. If you visit, you’ll learn about the Burroughs family and famous guests who often visited the home.
This is a very popular spot for events, especially weddings.
Visiting the Burroughs Home does require a little bit of planning. You need to make reservations to visit ahead of time. You can either take a self guided tour or take a tour led by a guide.
Retrozone Arcade
Retrozone is a bit of a hidden gem in Fort Myers. It’s an arcade with video games, pinball machines, and more.
Kids will love it and it’s also nostalgic for adults.
They have unlimited play options so you don’t have to worry about how much you’re playing.
Fleamasters Fleamarket
This is a huge fleamarket that has literally anything and everything you can think of. There are both new and used items and you’ll find tools, clothing, toiletries, home decor, and so much more. It’s open from 9-5 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Take a Ride on the Murder Mystery Train
Fort Myers has a murder mystery show that takes place on a train. It’s also a dinner show, so you’ll get a 5 course meal as well. You’ll receive a playbill and a clue sheet so that you can follow along and write down clues as the show progresses.
The actors are really good and they are very entertaining.
The murder mystery train sits 4 to a table, so if you don’t have a party of 4 you’ll likely be sat with strangers.
Lakes Park Railroad Museum
The Lakes Park Railroad Museum is free to visit and it’s a nice hidden gem in Fort Myers. There is a track outside that you can take for a 20 minute ride on a 1.5 mile route. This does cost extra but is very reasonable at $5 per adult. Up to 2 kids can ride with the adult. During the holiday season, they open evening hours and the train rides through holiday lights.
Williams Academy Museum
Williams Academy is a Black history museum. It is housed at the site of the first government-funded school for Black students in Fort Myers. The school was built in 1912.
The museum is located within Roberto Clemente Park. There are two rooms, one with historical memorabilia and history. The other is a segregated classroom from the 1940s.
You’ll also learn about notable figures such as the Tiller family, the first Black family to arrive in Fort Myers in 1867.
The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 11-4 and Saturdays by appointment.
Visit the IMAG History & Science Center
The IMAG History and Science Center is especially good for kids/families. It’s a hands-on science and aquarium museum with exhibits on dinosaurs, fossils, Calusa culture, weather, animals, touch tanks, and more.
Enjoy Baseball at JetBlue Park
The Boston Red Sox come to Fort Myers each year for spring training. The field has exactly the same dimensions as Fenway Park.
After spring training, you can catch a minor league game. The Fort Myers Mighty Mussels call JetBlue Park home.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
The Calusa Nature Center is on 105 acres and has a natural history museum with animals, exhibits, plants, and more. You can learn more about plants and animals native to Southwest Florida and also see a planetarium show in a full dome.
Key West Express
The Key West Express is pretty special. It’s a ferry that goes from Fort Myers to Key West (you can also get on the ferry in Marco Island during the winter months). The ferry leaves the Fort Myers area at 8 am. Typically it is around 3.5 hours but can vary depending on weather.
The Key West Express leaves Key West to return to Fort Myers or Marco Island at 6 pm. You are welcome to come back any day you like, you can go to Key West one day and come back another.
Where to Stay in Fort Myers
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection is the absolute best choice if you want to stay downtown. It is right along the riverfront for easy access to everything you would want to do downtown. There is also a great coffee shop in the lobby.
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina in Fort Myers Beach if you want to stay at the beach. It’s also under a mile to Times Square, the most popular area in Fort Myers Beach.
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is in Cape Coral is close to Fort Myers and located right on the water overlooking the marina. They also offer a complimentary two hour dolphin tour with your stay!
Final Thoughts
Fort Myers is such a great place. I absolutely love the area for its laid back vibe while still having plenty to do. Hopefully you enjoyed this Fort Myers itinerary and it made planning your special trip super easy so that you can just have a great time and relax!
