The beaches of Florida are some of the most popular destinations for visitors craving fun in the sun. Whether you prefer to sink your toes in the sugary sand on the beach or hike nature trails that span miles, Fort Myers Beach features plenty of attractions and new experiences. By staying at a vacation rental in Fort Myers Beach, you can enjoy easy access to oceanfront activities such as parasailing and kayaking, as well as indoor entertainment like bowling and theatre performances. When planning your trip, consider these top 10 things to do in Fort Myers Beach.
1. Enjoy a Dolphin Cruise
See dolphins popping out of the water and West Indian manatees at play when opting for a dolphin cruise with Island Time Dolphin and Shelling Cruises. Expert guides accompany groups on the boat and into the ocean hot spots where dolphins and whales make daily appearances, and offer informational workshops on sea creatures and the Fort Myers area. Opt for a cruise with a lunch or dinner option to enjoy fresh seafood on board.
2. Take an Everglades Adventure
Venture from your Fort Myers vacation rental to join a biologist or naturalist for a full-day tour of the Everglades with Everglades Adventure. Choose between a swamp buggy ride or an airport ride to see the reptiles that habitat the area. The narrated tour takes you through marsh habitats, sawgrass prairie, and the Everglades mangrove swamp before dropping you off in Everglades City for a hearty lunch of fried alligator tail. The full-day adventure includes a visit to the Big Cypress National Preserve, ideal for bird enthusiasts.
3. Fish With Good Time Charters
Bring your rods and reels from your vacation rental or pick up your fishing equipment from Good Time Charters before taking a fishing excursion with an expert guide. Good Time Charters pairs you with a fishing expert who takes you out into the ocean to find the best spot for reeling in snook, red drums, largemouth bass, or grouper. Each fishing excursion departs from Fort Myers Beach.
4. Parasail Above the Gulf
See the sandy beaches and crisp waters of the Gulf of Mexico from afar when reserving a parasail from Estero Island Parasail. Fly solo or sail with a friend after an instructional session with the staff. Guides take you out on a winch boat with a certified captain before jet-setting you into the sky on your own parasail. Don’t forget to request a dip in the ocean to cool off before your ride is over.
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5. Get in a Mini Game of Golf at Smuggler’s Cove
Challenge the kids to an interactive game of miniature golf at Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf. This popular Fort Myers attraction features a course that includes live alligators and a course that leads you in and out of obstacle caves. Putt putt amid the rushing waterfalls before grabbing a bite to eat at the snack bar. If you’re looking for a hearty meal after your game, head over to Pinchers Crab Shack for some fresh seafood.
6. Kayak With Lovers Key Adventures
Whether you want to leisurely float in the Gulf of Mexico with your sweetheart, or teach the kids how to paddle board, Lovers Key Adventures provides you with the equipment you need. Rent a kayak for the day or opt for a canoe tour with a staff guide. Lovers Key Adventures also offers stand-up paddle board lessons for beginners.
7. Catch a Movie at the Fort Myers Beach Theater
Enjoy dinner and a movie when venturing from your vacation rental for an evening at the Fort Myers Beach Theater. See a classic movie or a new release, depending upon the theater’s schedule, while also sampling the beach-themed food. This historic theater features a wait staff that takes care of all your food and beverage needs.
8. Shop Until You Drop at Bell Tower Shops
Fort Myers is a haven for locally-owned boutiques and stores. After a hearty breakfast at your vacation rental, head out to see the handmade jewelry, resort wear, and art from locals at Local Color. Bell Tower Shops offers you a diverse shopping experience with hundreds of national chain stores and locally-owned specialty shops, as well as nearby restaurants available for lunch breaks, such as Bistro 41 or DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge.
9. Tour the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
See more than 30 exhibits of worldwide mollusks when touring the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Browse the exhibits of fossil shells, shell habitats, and shells used in art history, or sign yourself and the kids up for a hands-on experience in the learning lab. The museum offers play areas for the little ones and films that outline the tales of living mollusks for adults.
10. Bowl Away the Day at The Beach Bowl and Pelican’s Arcade
Take your pick of 12 lanes for a bowling game with the family. Play a traditional game in this Fort Myers bowling alley or participate in one of the Crazy Bowl events. Pelican’s Arcade, adjacent to The Beach Bowl, offers traditional arcade games for all ages to enjoy. When lunch time rolls around, head over to Ford’s Garage for a car-themed meal of American cuisine. For more Southern-style dining, grab some grub at The Veranda before a relaxing night in your Fort Myers vacation rental.
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