Visitors to the Randell Research Center (RRC) can tour the Calusa Heritage Trail, a nearly one-mile interpretive walkway that leads visitors through the mounds, canals, and other features of the Pineland archaeological site. Squeeze in a visit to this family-owned and operated, 27,000-square-foot packinghouse and retail store that offers in-season Indian River citrus fruit, five varieties of freshly squeezed juices year-round, and in-season gift fruit shipping. Expand their horizons with these family-friendly museums and activities. J.N. Fort Myers invites you to take a stroll on its pristine beaches, soak up the island atmosphere, and fall in love with nature. Official site: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lovers-key-state-park. Location: 2805 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33966 (three miles west of I-75, exit 136). Sanibel Historical Village and Museum Port Charlotte, along Florida's welcoming Gulf Coast, is about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, perfectly positioned to offer every manner of water-borne activities. Bob Rauschenberg Gallery Audio tour included in admission. Watch movies from any of the many big screen satellite TVs, lounge in one of the climate controlled cabins, or take in the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico from the sundecks. The preserve is located at the eastern edge of Fort Myers and is a free attraction, although there is a modest fee to park. Picnic sites in the park can be booked. Details For the more experienced paddler, guided sunset tours to rookery islands are available and cost $40 for adults and $25 for children. Check out the latest happenings in the greater Fort Myers area. Charter the vessel for your private event on the water, or be in command of your own rental boat or kayak. Matchups Announced for 2023 Fort Myers Tip-Off Beach Division Named for Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and pioneer environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, the preserve features wonderful bird watching spots, delightful footpath and winding canoe trails. Call for information on the more frequent seasonal schedule. Private charters are also available. Reservations are required. Times Square is a compact area, which can be easily explored on foot. The natural history of the region is evidenced in fossils dating back millions of years, primitive artwork and animals native to Pine Island. This fine art gallery was founded in 1979 on the Lee campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. Lovers Key is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding due to its protected inland waterways. The boat leaves from the dock area by Hurricane Pass, just over the bridge from Times Square. Boat Tours & Sightseeing in the Fort Myers Area. See alligators, cracker cattle, native birds, wild turkeys, snakes and other wildlife in their natural setting. 26. Built atop an ancient Calusa Indian shell mound, the cozy inn was constructed in the mid-to-late 1930s by the son of playwright and novelist Mary Roberts Rinehart. *All prices shown on the website are tentative. Meet residents and loyal visitors who are passionate about the Fort Myers area and have had great experiences here. Departs from 1200 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931. collection of rare shells, sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens, featuring more than 5,000,000 shells and shell-related gifts. No. Sightseeing Cruises in Fort Myers, Florida offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the area with their 2-hour Cape Canal Cruise. Theme Parks and Attractions in Florida Our most secluded islands are accessible once again, and these resilient communities have brought back the experiences that make this area so special. Getting there is half the fun when traveling with Key West Express. Location: 544 Cultural Park Blvd. In Fort Myers Beach, think surf shops; casual outdoor restaurants; a fishing pier; and a huge stretch of beach, where you can choose from an action-packed area with volleyball and water sports, or find a quieter section where the kids can play in the shallow water. Location: 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919. After stepping back in time at the Edison Home, visitors can walk next door to the winter home of automobile industrialist Henry Ford. See what keeps bringing Rex back to Fort Myers. Take a River Excursion on the M/V Edison Explorer Fort Myers newly built passenger vessel. Guided fishing charters are also available and include equipment, tackle, boat, and captain. Location: 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957. The Fort Myers River District is the chief historical spot for sightseeing in downtown Fort Myers. All the buildings are furnished with items from the early 1900s. This is an easy tour and a fun thing for families to do on an outing. Originally built in 1890 as a cottage, the historical museum features exhibits, in chronological order, that tell the story of man on Useppa Island for 11,000 years. Location: 400 Santa Barbara Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33991. Great way to spend the evening. Florida resident and senior discounts to the Conservatory are available. The free visitor/education center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. January through April. Location: 5728 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, FL 33922. Wading birds like roseate spoonbills and great blue herons move along mudflats. New attractions: The Money Museum, McShells Company Mining Rig, and Lorikeet Aviary. Embark on a comfortable boat and venture through the intricate waterways of Cape Coral where you'll marvel at luxurious homes, aquatic life, and stunning scenery. THE TOP 10 Fort Myers Tickets & Passes (w/Prices) - Viator A handicapped-accessible boardwalk and shell paths take visitors past a pioneer garden, antique Model-T truck and a replica of a packinghouse with farm equipment, similar to the one used by the Old Bailey's Store. Please account for the time to park and walk to the dock. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The childrens learning lab features a hands-on play area and a live tank with indigenous mollusks. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) It's a wonderful spot for those with four legs to play in the shallow waters with all their newfound friends. One Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island, FL 33957. For a more sedate scene, check out the area north of the pier. No coolers with alcohol, drinks, or food, please! Boardwalk trail is open year-round dawn to dusk. Fords home, Mangoes, has undergone extensive restoration to bring it back to the period when he and his wife Clara lived there. The 3,500-acre Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a wonderful haven for wildlife, including alligators, otters, and turtles. Learn the steps of how they source their ingredients, cook, ferment, distill and create its unique color and taste. 228 or visitwww.crowclinic.orgAdventures in Paradise and adults. Each year more than 10,000 people visit the gallery, attend lectures, and participate in other activities. At the end of the boardwalk, a pavilion overlooking the water provides a spectacular view of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Discounts apply for company outings and groups of 20 or more. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Fort Myers - 2023 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor The historic district of Fort Myers comprises 4 distinct areas - Dean Park, Edison Park, Downtown, and Seminole Park. His laboratory where Edison turned goldenrod to rubber remains on the property. Every spring, jetBlue Park and Hammond Stadium come alive with the crack of the bat and the shout of the umpire as Major League Baseball's Spring Training, also known as the Florida Grapefruit League, comes to town. Also enjoy daily live animal encounters, science shows, and 3-D movies. The tiny but beautiful, undeveloped island was created mainly from shells deposited by the Calusa Indians, the island's first inhabitants, more than 2,000 years ago. Canoe, kayak, pontoon, motorized canoe, fishing equipment, and bicycle rentals are available. Parking can be at a premium on busy weekends, but if you go early, you should be able to find a spot at one of the many lots or street meters throughout the area. Adventures In Paradise Fort Myers Beach 645 Old San Carlos Blvd. Great place to rent kayaks. Princeton University The main street through Fort Myers Beach is Estero Blvd, located a very short stroll from the beach. At Koreshan State Historic Site, the curious find remnants of a religious sect that practiced equal rights for women long before the concept became popular. You and your entire family can soar high above North Fort Myers. Each crew member is carefully chosen based upon their charismatic pirate personas and enthusiastic interaction with children and adults alike. Some areas may look different right now, but the way our community makes people feel hasn't changed. Join us in a fun, action-packed day $44 per adult Duration 2h Recommended by 100% of Travelers Randell Research Center The Wulfert Keys Trail is a -mile trail leading to a view of Pine Island Sound. Location: S. U.S. 41, Estero, FL 33928 (2 miles west of I-75, exit 123, on the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Corkscrew Road). With more than 200,000 visitors each year, it is one of the most visited national historic homes in the country. If you have lots of beach gear, a free open-air shuttle runs on a regular basis from the main parking lot. Kyle Moran finds an escape in downtown Bonita Springs. Witness amazing views of large estates, look for dolphins in the water, and enjoy music for dancing and cash bars on board. Call for public skating hours. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and have a girth of 25 feet. Sanibel Island is well known for its excellent shelling beaches, while Captiva Island offers stunning sunsets and great opportunities for fishing and boating. Location: north end of Tarpon Bay Road inside the J.N. Read More. The Fort Worth Zoo's 14,000-square-foot splash park is equipped with slides, animal-shaped water cannons, a water dump tower and a play area for toddlers. The trail also features observation platforms atop the site's tallest shell mound. Call (239) 278-4422 or visitwww.broadwaypalm.com. Between playing on the beach and eating ice cream in the sunshine, theres a whole other side of the greater Fort Myers area where you can make memories with children. From $40 Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum Call (239) 995-2141 or (800) 282-5805 or visitwww.shellfactory.com. Shelling and lunch cruises to outer islands take place aboard the Sun Princess on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Let USA TODAY 10Best's local experts guide you to the best restaurants, attractions, nightlife, clubs, bars, hotels, events, and shopping in Fort Myers, FL. Parking $1 an hour per vehicle, maximum $5. The area is also known as the River District and is home to most of the prime attractions in Fort Myers. Location: Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga St., Bokeelia, FL 33922. It never quite materialized, but at its peak, the settlement had 250 residents. Aero Tours & Charters. Flea & Street Markets. Restaurants Nightlife Stay Shopping Regions Advertisement Fort Myers Travel Guide // Attractions Best Things to Do in Fort Myers History, Sports and Nature; 10 Best Attractions and. He not only played a variety of music he sang. Ford purchased the 3-1/2-acre estate in 1916 to spend the winter months visiting his friend Edison. Buy tickets now for the next exciting Fort Myers sightseeing water adventure! The pier is free to walk on and has a large partially covered viewing area at the end, along with a small kiosk selling drinks, fishing supplies, and souvenirs halfway along the deck. All crew members very attentive and professional. Handicapped accessible. 31, Punta Gorda, FL 33982. From the ancient Calusa Indians to early fishing pioneers, Pine Islands rich, unusual history plays out in fascinating, colorful exhibits. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children. Zoomers Family Amusement Park 2023 Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau. Call (239) 275-8487 to book your journey or book online atwww.semgulf.com. This showcase of the past features an authentic palm-thatched kitchen with utensils and other household items from the early settlers, remnants from the lives of Calusa Indians, and exhibits on how archaeologists conduct historically-significant explorations. The gallerys exhibits present and interprets modern and contemporary artwork in all media. The award-winning buffet and Broadway musicals with a live orchestra, make it a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy family entertainment at a great price. Wildlife Drive is open Saturday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to a half-hour before sunset and closed on Fridays. For information about Alliance for the Arts, cultural and community events, call (239) 939-ARTS (2787) or visitwww.artinlee.org. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fun. Lastly, the city has great public transportation options, so it's easy to get around. Location: 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Fort Myers Florida Tours - Must Do Visitor Guides The city is also home to some wonderful art galleries, so make sure to check them out. THE 10 BEST Fort Myers Sights & Historical Landmarks Fort Myers Landmarks Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Events Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Boat Tours & Water Sports Fun & Games Whether youre looking to slow down or take life up a notch, find the right kind of fun for you. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium Imaginarium Science Center Fort Myers beach, on Estero Island, is a seven-mile-long golden strip of sand with shallow, warm water, backed by homes and a small selection of hotels and restaurants. Highly recommend this cruise. The Calusa Heritage Trail includes interpretive signs that offer detailed information on the Calusa, their culture and environment, as well as the history of Southwest Florida after the Calusa were no longer part of the area. Access free mobile-exclusive discounts in Fort Myers. The ship was built in Virginia Beach to U.S. Coast Guard requirements and took 16 months to complete. Fort Myers in the USA is a great destination for tourists with a lot to explore and experience. Large groups are welcome. The forest is also home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. Call for group rates, as well as special summer rates. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Fort Myers - Tripadvisor Additionally, the Luminary Hotel & Co., a boutique hotel that opened in September 2020, is the premium destination to enjoy the many attractions of historic and lively downtown Fort Myers. For group rates or further information call (239) 334-7419 or visitwww.edisonfordwinterestates.org.Florida Repertory Theatre Take a River Excursion on the M/V Edison Explorer - Fort Myers' newly built passenger vessel. Alternatively, take a quick trip over to the Atlantic side to see Miami, and play your excursion with our guide to the top attractions in Miami. And theres no better place to find the right savings than with special travel offers and deals. Other activities include kayaking, canoeing, and jet-skiing. Allow 1 hour minimum. The fact that the DJ interacted with the people on board and played all kinds of music, really made for a good trip. For information call (239) 283-2062 or visitwww.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc. JC Cruises | Ft. Myers Sightseeing & Holiday Cruises Visitors trace the footsteps of the islands past as they meander along a boardwalk lined with historic homes moved from their original locations to be preserved in the village. Offering year-round classes and workshops, the Gladys G. Land School of Arts provides instruction for both children THE cruise was great and very relaxing. Along the trail, visitors often spot wildlife such as alligators, night herons, or white ibis. Marco Island: 2-Hour Dolphin, Birding, and Shelling Tour. Enjoy daily lunch cruises to two of the areas most unique coastal islands, Cabbage Key and Useppa Island, aboard the 148-passenger Lady Chadwick. Located at Mile Marker 60 on the Intracoastal Waterway, colorful Cabbage Key has a marina, historic inn, picturesque dining room, water tower view of Pine Island Sound and nature trails. Doctor Cyrus Teed, a Union Army Medical Corps veteran, founded The Koreshan Unity in 1894. Go from enjoying sunny days to watching stars on the stage. Click here to Learn more about sightseeing luncheon cruises, Click here to Learn more about dinner dance cruises, Click here to Learn more about holiday & special event cruises, Click here to Learn more about view all cruises, Click here to Learn more about buy a gift card, Click here to Learn more about private charter, Click here to Learn more about photo gallery, Click here to Learn more about contact us, Click here to Sightseeing Luncheon Cruises, Click here to Holiday & Special Event Cruises. Offshore Sailing owns schools in five resorts and two commuter locations. Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization(ECHO) invites visitors to tour its working demonstration farm and discover how unique agricultural solutions are being used by those working with the poor in over 180 countries. Written June 26, 2023. With the gateway to the loop located at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the trail includes prime bird watching sites in Southwest Florida. Sea turtle tracks lead you toward the Gulf of Mexico. Call or visit online for operating schedule. Children four and under are free. Both entertaining and educational, a tour of Thomas Edisons 14-acre riverfront estate is a must-see for visitors to Southwest Florida. Things to do in downtown Fort Myers: One day itinerary Pure Floridas Naples location fishing charters lessens the hassle and gets you on the water fishing quickly. Walks at 9:30 a.m. only on Wednesdays during May through October. If you are lucky, dolphins and sea turtles will cruise along with you. This 3600 square feet conservatory is a favorite attraction in Fort Myers, especially for the upcoming projects for the younger generation.