Top 15 Things To Do in Fort Myers, Florida

Fort Myers is a saltwater angler’s canvas—an interlacing of tidal rivers, sheltered bays, and immediate access to the Gulf that supports everything from sight-fishing on glassy flats to adrenaline-charged offshore battles. This guide focuses on the fishing experiences that make the region distinctive: inshore flats and mangrove hunting, estuary and back-bay exploration, nearshore reef and wreck trips, and bluewater sportfishing. It blends seasonal strategy with local knowledge so you can choose the style of day on the water that fits your skill level and appetite for adventure.

Fort Myers is a living theater for bottlenose dolphins — playful pods carve arcs through glassy bays, chase schools of mullet along shallow flats, and slip between mangrove shorelines under broad Florida skies. This guide focuses on dolphin-focused experiences: from gentle kayak trips into channels where calves peek between roots, to small-boat eco-cruises that emphasize wildlife behavior and conservation. Practical planning notes and local context are woven into each section so you can not just glimpse these animals, but do so responsibly and memorably.

Fort Myers is an unexpectedly satisfying place to pick up a rental bike: low, flat terrain, miles of waterfront promenades, and a coastal breeze that turns casual pedaling into a small, restorative adventure. Whether you're after a beach-cruiser for a family shoreline cruise, a nimble hybrid for a morning on the riverfront, or an e-bike to broaden your range without sweating through the afternoon heat, the rental options here tune perfectly to easy sightseeing, wildlife spotting, and access to island legs of a trip—Sanibel and Captiva included. This guide focuses on renting bikes in Fort Myers: what to expect from terrain and trails, practical planning tips for heat and humidity, and how bike rental slots into a broader itinerary of paddling, birding, and shell-collecting.

Fort Myers is salt-scented mangroves, sunlit backwaters, and a patchwork of inlets that invite exploration by paddle. From quiet estuaries alive with fiddler crabs and herons to broad, turquoise glimpses of the Gulf, kayaking here is an intimate way to read the coastline—tide by tide. Expect easy, scenic paddles for families and guided eco-cruises that deepen your sense of place, plus more committed outings that skirt islands, cross passes, or thread mangrove tunnels for birding and shelling.

Fort Myers arranges its stories along water: tidal rivers, mangrove-lined creeks, and barrier-island beaches that reveal history, wildlife, and old-Florida charm on short, readable routes. Sightseeing tours here range from shaded historic estate walks and riverfront trolleys to low-slung boat cruises through mangrove tunnels and shell-hunting excursions to nearby islands. This guide focuses on how to choose the right tour for terrain, timing, and interest—whether you want a cultural primer, a wildlife close encounter, or an easy afternoon cruise at golden-hour.

Fort Myers is a coastal mosaic of mangroves, shallow bays, and barrier islands where eco tours translate local science into unforgettable outdoor experiences. From quiet kayak paddles through root-tangled channels to boat expeditions that find manatees, dolphins, and shorebirds, the region’s tours emphasize habitat, stewardship, and the rhythms of water that define Southwest Florida.

Fort Myers is a study in coastal ecosystems—mangrove labyrinths, tidal flats, seagrass meadows and barrier-island shores—where shorebirds, wading birds, manatees and dolphins live within sight of the city. This guide drills into where to watch wildlife, how seasons reshape the show, and practical steps for seeing the region’s most evocative species responsibly.

Fort Myers folds history, waterfront life, and subtropical nature into walkable neighborhoods and salt-tinged itineraries. City tours here range from guided history walks through the riverfront district and curated food-and-cocktail routes to boat-based sightseeing cruises that skirt mangrove islands and lead to shell-strewn beaches. With 18 curated experiences to choose from, Fort Myers is ideal for visitors who want the pace of a small city with easy access to coastal and ecological excursions—think short, layered days combining a heritage walking tour, an afternoon kayak on the Caloosahatchee, and a sunset cruise off the barrier islands.

Where the lazy backwaters of the Caloosahatchee meet the wide blue of the Gulf, Fort Myers is a saltwater playground built for sailing. Days here are measured in wind shifts and tides: mornings that draw low-slung mist through mangrove channels, afternoons with steady sea-breezes that push catamarans and rigs toward shell-strewn barrier islands, and evenings that torch the horizon with palms and pastel sunsets. From short, educational sails for families to multiday island-hopping and bareboat outings for experienced crews, Fort Myers delivers a rare mix of protected estuaries and open-water Gulf sailing in a compact, accessible package.

Fort Myers is an understated scuba destination where warm Gulf waters, shallow reefs, and a thriving network of artificial reefs and wrecks create a playground for divers of all levels. From easy shore-access dives around Sanibel's breakwaters to full-day charters hunting for eagle rays, goliath grouper, and historic wrecks, the region blends relaxed Florida coastal culture with consistently accessible underwater experiences.

Fort Myers is a flatwater paddler's dream—mangrove mazes, wide estuaries, and calm gulf passes create ideal conditions for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) year-round. From sunrise wildlife tours to sunset shelling cruises, this guide focuses on the region's best SUP experiences and the practical know-how to plan them.

Fort Myers is a compact coastal playground for bike tour enthusiasts: flat, fast, and framed by mangroves, waterways, and a surprising mix of artful neighborhoods and wild preserves. This guide focuses on guided and self-guided bike tours that stitch riverfront streets, causeway crossings, barrier-island loops, and intimate nature corridors into half-day and full-day itineraries—perfect for riders who want scenery, wildlife, and a healthy dose of Florida’s unique coastal ecology.