Family-Friendly Vacation Guide to Fort Myers, Florida
Trip Guide for Visiting Fort Myers
Dreaming of sun kissed cheeks, soft sand between your toes and relaxing days near the beach, then Fort Myers, Florida needs to be added to your vacation destination list. Full of outdoor adventures from viewing manatees in the wild, jet boat rides through the Everglades, hiking through state parks, and finding intricate seashells at Sanibel Island; you’ll find something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, Spring Break trip, or a weekend get away with your spouse there is plenty of things to do and see to keep you entertained during your stay.
Sanibel Island
Through the years, my family has vacationed here countless times. When your grandparents reside in this sunny location for the last 40 years, you take every opportunity to visit. Each trip we’ve explored more of the area, thanks to our personal tour guides. Luckily, they know all the best restaurants, beaches and kid-friendly activities that showcase the beauty and appeal of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Easily one of our favorite places to visit, we guarantee you’ll love spending a week relaxing and exploring Fort Myers while escaping the winter cold on Spring Break. Here is our complete guide for a week long vacation. So get ready to soak in the warm weather, sunny skies and sand- filled beach days.
** Note The residents and businesses in the Fort Myers area experienced the horrific storm from Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022, causing extensive damage to the area. Rebuilding efforts are in full swing but you may continue to see construction as they continue to restore the tourism industry. By visiting and supporting these area businesses', you are helping the residents rebuild and restore their community.
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Recommended Length of Trip
An ideal length of time to stay is between 5-7 days, which will give you a decent amount of time to enjoy Florida’s prime spots including exploring the nearby cities of Cape Coral, or extend your stay with a trip to Orlando or Disney. In this itinerary I’ve highlighted my favorite, must-see activities and sites to explore in a 7 day trip, which can easily be adjusted for weather. We’ve also included a Wanderlog map of the area to help you get a mental image of the surrounding communities in Fort Myers.
7-Day Fort Myers Itinerary
Day 1 – Land in Fort Myers, get settled and relax at hotel/pool
Day 2 – Wonder Gardens, Bonita Beach, Watch sunset
Day 3 – Full day of outdoor adventures on Everglades Jet Boat Ride
Day 4 – Visit Manatee Park, Golf, Ice cream, & Sunset Cruise
Day 5 – Visit Sanibel Island, J.N. Ding Darling Refuge, & Doc Ford’s Grille for dinner
Day 6 – Hike Koreshan State Park, dinner and games at Backyard Social
Day 7 – Fly out
Getting There
Your best bet for reasonable flight prices is to fly into the city of Fort Myers, Florida. The major airport is Southwest Florida International (RSW), which offers hundreds of nonstop and connecting flights from around the world. Search for the best deals at Cheap O Air and line up a rental car for your vacation so you’re ready to go when you first arrive. From Fort Myers it’s a 3 hour drive to Orlando, if you desire to visit Disney.
Where to Stay
Fort Myers and the surrounding areas have a wide variety of options for accommodations from condos, budget conscious motels, B&B’s, and even all inclusive resorts. To find the best deals, check Bookings.com. If you prefer to rent your own space for your vacation there are hundreds of spacious condos or idyllic cottages on the beach to choose from through VRBO.
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa
This beautiful hotel is situated with lovely views of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This Marriott resort is family-friendly and offers multiple swimming pools, a private fishing pier and a kid’s club.
Anther option is to truly experience the flora and fauna of Florida’s Southwest area by Camping in Fort Myers, with available options at the state parks of RV campgrounds including parks with pools that offer kid-friendly activities and programming.
Explore Fort Myers: Best Things to Do
Go See Manatees
A unique natural phenomenon occurs in the winter and spring months in Florida, when manatees can be spotted as they migrate towards the balmy waters of the coast at Manatee Park. Visit this seasonal spot for a chance to learn about these amazing creatures and catch glimpses of Florida manatees breaking the surface of the water. In search of warm water, Manatees will enter the park channel to escape the cooler temps when the Gulf of Mexico is below 68° F. An ideal time to visit is December - March.
View Manatees at Manatee Park
Located just minutes from Fort Myers, Manatee Park will give you a mix of activities and a deep dive into the life of manatee, complete with educational speakers, trails and a playground for kids. Check out this list of the top things to do at Manatee Park. When we visited in February we saw close to a dozen in the canal.
Entry is free, but there is a vehicle parking fee that can be paid at the parking kiosk machines. Seeing the non-captive manatees is not guaranteed, but prior to going visitors can see what’s happening on the web cam. Desiring an even more up-close and-personal experience, you can go kayaking at Manatee Park on the Orange River.
Visit a Historical Site, Garden and State Park
Playground at Korenshan State Park
When visiting a particular area of the country or state, learning about the horticulture, history and ecosystem is a favorite part of our family vacations. Lucky for you, stopping at Koreshan State Park combines all of them. Located in nearby Estero, Florida, sits a gem of a park.
Korenshan State Park offers solitude
Stretching along the banks of the Estero River, Koreshan State Park’s is the home of historic buildings from early settlers and diverse gardens rich with lush vegetation and native wildlife. One of the most diverse nature trails we enjoyed hiking was the Blue Trail, a 1.5 mile hike, which provided solitude among the landscapes filled with towering bamboo, airy palms and leafy oaks. Leading along the Estero River, the trail is the perfect habitat for hundreds of birds species. It isn’t uncommon to see a tortoise, alligators, snakes and birds along the river banks.
A unique feature on the Blue Trail is the towering bamboo that Thomas Edison planted hundreds of years ago. The bamboo is not a native plant of Florida, but the Korenshan family cultivated this plant and it’s been preserved at the park ever since.
With 200 acres of land there is ample recreational activities from fishing to water activities. Access the boat ramp, plus canoe and kayak rentals which are offered at the park. Camping is available in nice secluded sites with water and electric, picnic tables and a fire ring, as well as, a playground at the state park. Entry to the park is $5.00 per vehicle. Stop in and tour the historic buildings dating from the 1800’s. To schedule your tour or buy a ticket, visit the Friends of Koreshan State Park website.
Encounter Exotic Animals at Everglades Wonder Gardens
Hand Feed Ibis at Everglades Wonder Gardens
Kids will love getting up close to animals at Everglades Wonder Gardens, especially when they get to hold a vibrant Macaw on their arm. The Everglades Wonder Gardens is home to hundreds of exotic birds, alligators and reptiles that have been rescued or are currently endangered. Tucked among the strangler figs and banyan trees in downtown Bonita Springs, this small 3 acre zoo allows children to hand feed ibis, golden pheasants and bunnies. Take a turn holding a colorful Macaw and learning about these beautiful birds.
Admission Fee: Adults: $12.00, Children: $7.00
Hit Some Golf Balls
It’s no secret that golfing is a popular year-round activity in Florida. Fort Myers has dozens of courses to choose from, both private and public, which provides unique golf experiences. Check out the top rated golf courses in Fort Myers, Florida.
In addition, try out two family-friendly golf activities, Top Golf or mini-golf with alligators, for a unique experience.
Top Golf
Top Golf
Unlike your typical golf range, Top Golf features golf balls containing tracking devices that automatically score your hits. This venue has options for fun and competitive golf games for all ages within an air condition space, plus a widespread food and drink menu. When the heat is relentless, it’s a relief to enjoy this fun family-friendly social activity. Rates are pay and play by the hour.
Play Golf With Alligators
Challenge your skills at Smugglers Cove Adventures Golf. Combine mini golf with an educational opportunity to learn about Florida’s famous American alligators. This unique adventure takes you through pirate ships, caves and pools filled with real life alligators. Experience a one-of-a-kind family activity in Florida while feeding alligators utilizing cane fishing poles.
Swim at Bonita Beach
Sunkissed noses, sink your toes in sand and warm waters beckon you to experience the beaches near Fort Myers. Stretching out for seven miles, there are multiple beaches to choose between relatively close to Ft. Myers including Bonita Beach, Fort Myers Beach and Lover’s Key.
Situated on Estero Island the waters around Fort Myers Beach create a tranquil place for recreational activities like swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing and even parasailing.
Pelicans flying over at Bonita Beach, Florida
Home of numerous beaches it can be hard to choose. One of our favorites is Bonita Beach, which is a popular spot to enjoy the sandy shoreline and outdoor recreational activities. It also offers a picnic area with grills, playground, and volleyball court.
We appreciated that you don’t have to drag your kids away from their sand castles, instead walk down and grab pizza at Doc’s Beach House and sit outside enjoying relaxing views.
Savor a Sweet Treat
It’s inevitable that while on vacation our family must find the best local ice cream place in the area, you won’t be disappointed with Love Boat Ice Cream. Choose from over 50 flavors of ice cream that are made in house, plus they have seasonal flavors that they prepare throughout the year, but only for a limited time. In addition, they have options for those with dietary restrictions with both sugar free and sorbet available so everyone can enjoy a sweet treat.
Dine at Waterfront Restaurant
After a day at the beach, throw a beach coverup over your bathing suit and grab some food from a local favorite. Opt for a relaxing waterfront view that will entertain the kids as they watch for pelicans on the dock. A popular spot in the area for great views , food, and cocktails is Doc Ford Rum Bar & Grille, which has a kid-friendly menu.
Enjoy Food Trucks, Live Music, and Games at The Backyard Social
Craving a lively night out, Backyard Social is the place to head for live music and the fares from local food trucks. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines from BBQ, Venezuelan dishes to seafood and classic burgers with a casual atmosphere that serves up a tasty mix of dishes from food trucks. Listen to bands and try their signature cocktails, local beers and lagers.
in addition, special theme nights like yappy hours (dog- friendly) or live bands occur Wednesdays through Saturdays for your enjoyment. Let your competitive side shine as you play Duckpin bowling, darts, shuffle board or corn hole.
Seashells are plentiful on Sanibel Island
Go Shelling at Sanibel Island
No trip is complete without a fun-filled day of sand castle building, swimming and scouring the sand for shells. If you are vacationing in nearby Fort Myers, it's definitely worth taking a day trip to experience the charm of Sanibel Island. Unique shops, dining restaurants and a long stretch of shoreline await for you to enjoy. You’ll love Sanibel Island’s laid back, beachy vibe. Not lacking in the seashell motifs, get your fill of shelling and beach time at Sanibel Island. Both Captiva, Sanibel’s neighboring island, and Sanibel are famous for beautiful beaches, shells and glorious sunsets.
TIP Go early or after a storm for the best odds of finding shells. You’ll see visitors practicing the Sanibel Stoop, the nickname for locals bent bodies from hours of searching the shoreline for elusive sand dollars, cockles, and olive shells. To enhance our experience, we purchased a seashell puzzle that helped our family learn and identify the names of the seashells we found during our vacation. It’s an ideal way activity for relaxing days.
Vacation is all about slowing down, and it first begins with your drive to the island. Plan for a scenic, leisurely drive as you cross the Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge.
Sanibel Island Causeway Bridge
There are many beaches on Sanibel island, but a personal favorite is Bowman’s Beach Park. This secluded beach has no homes or hotels along the shoreline so it creates a tranquil environment. It’s a bit of a trek, about 10 minutes to access the beach, but completely worth it for this shelling treasurey spot. Bring minimal items or opt for a wagon or buckets to carry items. A playground, outside showers, and restrooms are available prior to taking the trail to the beach. The designated parking spots are $5.00/ per hours.
Playground on Sanibel Island
**Since Hurricane Ian swept through the island on September 28, 2022, the island is continuing to rebuild. Tourism is a huge component to this areas business district, so planning a trip to visit and support this area’s is advantages to all. The Sanibel Causeway bridges and Sanibel Lighthouse experienced damage, a long with many hotels, restaurants, shops so the may look vastly different. Check the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce website, for more information about what is open.
Visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Visitor Center at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
When visiting, first start at the Visitor and Education Center, which is FREE and provides hands-on learning activities for kids and adults. Educate yourself through the fun interactive exhibits about Florida’s diverse ecosystems, migratory paths of birds and local wild life. Collect area brochures, use the restrooms and purchase souvenirs’ to take home, like this ocean bingo game. While visiting, my children enjoyed attempting to identifying differing shells of seas turtles and seeing the skeleton of an American alligator.
Learn about Ocean Animals with this Educational Bingo Game
After the visitors center and restroom break, head outside to discover the beauty of the Everglades as you walk, bike, or drive through the four-mile Wildlife Drive. There are even more ways to explore, besides the three walking trails there are two canoe launches that you can utilize. For a small fee you can take a tram on a guided tour of the Wildlife Drive. If the mood strikes you, rent stand-up paddle boards and kayaks to explore the waters at Tarpon Bay. Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts, the refuge is home to hundreds of Florida native birds for you to enjoy.
Savor a Sunset View
Create lasting memories and photography opportunities as you take in the crimson colors of the sunset set against the calm waters of the Gulf Coast. Some of the best locations to watch the sun sink down are along the 7 mile stretch of wide sandy beaches.
Lover’s Key State Park has a 2 mile stretch of pristine white sand which you can sink your toes into while you sit and watch the sun drop below the horizon after exploring its trail system.
Bonita Beach Enjoy the boardwalk, restrooms and popular beach area filled with recreational opportunities.
Bowditch Point Park Located at the tail end of the Fort Myers Beach peninsula, grab picnic and a comfy spot. For the most scenic view plan to head over to the West side of the park.
Crescent Beach Family Park If you have older children and enjoy a game of volleyball, then head to this family-friendly beach before watching the sunset.
TIPS
Always check the sunset times and try to arrive an hour before sunset, this golden hour provides some of the most ideal lighting for dynamic pictures.
Once the sun disappears, it can cool down so bring an extra layer to help stay warm for the walk back to your vehicle.
Take a Sunset Cruise
Craving an immersive experience on the water, take a Fort Myers sunset cruise. Perhaps you’ll even spot manatees, iguanas sunny themselves or dolphins slipping through the waters during your trip. Either way you can’t go wrong experiencing the beauty from aboard the deck on this relaxing experience. This popular excursion fills up fast, so check availability for a sunset cruise, here.
Enjoy a Thrilling Jet Boat Ride
Tap into your adventurous side during your stay. Experience the Florida Everglades by taking a thrilling jet boat ride. Perhaps you’ll view sun-soaked iguanas, anhinga, blue heron, alligators or ibis which thrive in the Florida everglades. Journey through the Everglades by airboat as you explore this diverse Florida ecosystems among the mangrove forest. A naturalist will share informational tidbits throughout your experience. In addition, there are no shortage of options if you desire to spend the day on a boat while in Florida.
Nearby Attractions
Edison and Ford Estates
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Cape Coral Sun Splash Waterpark
Closing Thoughts
Fort Myers is truly a bucket list must if you desire to warm up at gorgeous beaches, hikes, and unique adventures. Visiting this warm beach oasis will definitely satisfy your need for outdoor aquatic adventures. We hope this itinerary for Fort Myers is helpful when you’re planning your next vacation. We’re delighted you stopped by Discovering Anew today! Want to save this for later? Consider Pinning this post and follow for more US travel recommendations.
