When you’re craving stunning beach views and warm sun, head to Fort Myers, Florida. Situated at the point where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River meet, Fort Myers is the go-to destination for water sports. You can also entertain your family with trips to nearby amusement parks, a horse stable, shopping outlets, dinner theaters, and other exciting attractions. From spacious houses to waterfront cottages, Fort Myers vacation rentals are the perfect accommodation for your next coastal excursion. Take a look at what Fort Myers has to offer with these 15 popular activities.
1. Paddle Down the Caloosahatchee River
Spend the day on the water with the family in kayaks, exploring the Caloosahatchee River. The Hickey’s Creek paddling trail offers historic sights on the eight-mile float. Pick up your kayak, paddles, and life jackets from nearby outfitters, such as Adventure Sea Kayak or the Mariner’s Boathouse and Beach Resort.
2. Enjoy Dinner and a Show
After a long day at the beach or hiking the trails in Fort Myers, relax with dinner and a show at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. This facility offers seating for up to 450 and is equipped with a lobby bar, art gallery displaying works from each show, and a gift shop. Dine in style while enjoying the sights and sounds of live orchestras and nationally renowned performers.
3. Catch a Game at JetBlue Park
Vacation in Fort Myers in the spring, just in time to catch a spring training game at JetBlue Park. Munch on hot dogs while watching the Boston Red Sox warm up for the season. The Red Sox play approximately 20 games at JetBlue Park each spring before the MLB season.
4. Sample Some Beer
Beer enthusiasts love the Fort Myers area, especially at the Fort Myers Brewing Company. Sample the variety of brews to identify your favorites, and grab some lunch at the outdoor area that features food trucks and cornhole games for the entire family.
5. Try Your Skills at Pickleball
You don’t have to be a tennis star to try your hand at a game of pickleball when venturing from your Fort Myers vacation rental. This unique game, invented in the 1960s, combines table tennis and badminton and uses only a paddle and Wiffle ball for play. Take a lesson to master your skills at the Sundial Beach Resort and Spa, which is equipped with 12 regulation courts.
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6. Bike Through the Streets of Fort Myers
Get moving on a bike ride through the streets of Fort Myers. Stop in at the Bicycle Store of Fort Myers to rent bikes for the entire family. Pick up a map of the bike trails that run through the downtown area or along the beach with stunning ocean views.
7. Spend the Day Fishing
Get a fresh catch for dinner back at your vacation rental when you go on a fishing trip in the ocean or the nearby rivers in Fort Myers. If you don’t have your equipment with you, stop in at Ocean Anglers to pick up rods, reels, and live bait for the day. The fishing experts also offer guided fishing trips, boating supplies, and fish-cleaning supplies.
8. Ride the Trails at Endless Trails Stables
Head north from your Fort Myers vacation rental to enjoy a day of horseback riding. Endless Trails Stables offers guided rides through the Florida woodlands, so you can see nature and wildlife up close.
9. Tour an Art Gallery
Embrace the culture of Fort Myers with a tour of the Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s art gallery. This working art gallery hosts art shows where you can purchase pieces from local painters and artists. Take a class to release your inner creativity. Association members sponsor classes on watercolors, acrylic painting, and oil painting throughout the year.
10. Learn How to Sail
If you want to see the beauty of the ocean with the wind blowing in your hair, learn how to operate a sailboat with the help of the Florida Sailing and Cruising School. This school, in nearby Cape Coral, offers live-aboard sailing lessons and power boating courses.
11. Surf the Ocean
Master the waves while soaking up the sun on a surfing excursion. Just a short drive from Fort Myers, the Ron Jon Surf Shop supplies you with everything you need to take on small or large waves. Browse this 12,000-square-foot retail store for surfboards, swimsuits, wetsuits, and surf-inspired clothing. If you prefer to roll along versus surf, choose a new skateboard from the vast collection of boards at Ron Jon’s.
12. Explore the Waters With a Boat Cruise
Head over to the Edison Ford dock to board a boat cruise hosted by Pure Florida. This premier boat cruise outfitter offers scenic rides on the Caloosahatchee River, complete with guides and captains who offer tidbits about the area’s wildlife and history.
13. Shop Until You Drop
Take a break from the Florida sun with some retail therapy at Bell Tower Shops. This shopping outlet features well-known retail stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and unique specialty shops offering gifts, electronics, and clothing. Stop in at the 20-screen cinema to catch a movie, or dine at one of the restaurants within the shopping mall.
14. Find Adventure at Zoomers
Enjoy a fun-filled day with your family at Zoomers Amusement Park, where rides and games are abundant. The attractions are endless, with full-sized rides such as the Tilt-A-Whirl and a winding go-kart track. Challenge the kids to a spray off on the bumper boats or water war area, or get a thrill on board the Cobra roller coaster.
15. Get Active at Skatium
During those mid-day showers in Fort Myers, head indoors for an action-filled experience at Skatium indoor athletic facility. Play soccer on the indoor fields, or challenge the kids to a game of hoops on the basketball court. The ice rink hosts ice hockey events and figure skating lessons.
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