Now that travel has opened up and people are looking for ways to make up for lost time – searching for places and experiences designed to soothe the soul – Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods is a just the balm that tourists are looking for.

Wide Open Spaces

When it comes to the great outdoors and experiencing nature in all its splendor, Fort Myers offers just about everything you could desire… with plenty of space to enjoy it in the company of others or all on your own. Here are just a few highlights:

The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail: This 300+ km marked canoe and kayak trail meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of the Greater Fort Myers area. Great for any level of paddler, the trail is home to abundant marine life, shore birds and crustaceans. If you can, check out the peaceful waters of the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, an estuary located on part of the trail.

Cayo Costa: Only accessible by boat, this remote barrier island may be small – 16 km long and a 1.6 km across at its widest point – but it’s rich with outdoor activities. The seashells are spectacular, and there are acres of sea oats, forests of windblow trees, and crystal-clear waters to explore.

Guided Beach Walks: Whether through a resort or at one of the area’s many protected spaces, explore these famed beaches in a whole new light! At Lovers Key State Park, visitors can join a park ranger for a relaxing hike along the shoreline, learning the names of seashells that wash ashore, fun facts about the creatures who craft them, and the regulations that help protect these iconic state treasures. Reservations are required.

Estero Bay Preserve State Park: This undeveloped conservation land is home to a variety of wildlife, including the bald eagle, gopher tortoise, and fiddler crab. Numerous kilometres of trails – including some of the most breathtaking scenic trails in Florida – offer visitors the opportunity to hike the uplands of the preserve and enjoy the flora and fauna that the park protects. To explore the preserve by water along the Estero River and Bay, canoes and kayaks are available to rent at Koreshan State Park.

Epicurean Delights

After days spent immersed in Fort Myers’ natural world, culinary treats await, be it casual beachside hangouts, upscale restaurants, or even world-famous chocolates.

The Mucky Duck Restaurant: Located deep in the heart of downtown Captiva, and smack on the island’s sugar-white sand, this British-style bar is a popular haunt for locals and visitors alike. The menu specializes in the best delicacies and fresh seafood, and it is best enjoyed at sunset with its unobstructed views over the water. MuckyDuck.com

Bert’s Bar & Grill: Located in quirky and wonderful Matlacha, this popular, one-of-a-kind waterfront restaurant offers delicious and fresh local seafood, refreshing views, beautiful views, and nightly entertainment by local bands. BertsBar.com

The Silver King Ocean Brasserie: For special celebrations, or simply to celebrate being out and about, this unique, high-end dining experience that is still comfortably casual is the perfect choice. Located in the Luminary Hotel in downtown Fort Myers, this sophisticated restaurant features a coastal-inspired menu. LuminaryHotel.com

Norman Love Confections: With various locations in the Fort Myers area, these hand-crafted, edible masterpieces by renowned chocolatier, Norman Love, focus on artistry, premium ingredients, and innovative flavour combinations, and are the perfect treat to take home as a souvenir or to simply enjoy as a reward after each sun-kissed day. NormanLoveConfections.com

Your Home-Away-From-Home

The greater Fort Myers area, with its many unique neighbourhoods, offers just about every style of accommodation you could want – be it full-service resorts, city centre hotels, quiet cottages, camping sites, and so much more. Here are a few highlights:

The Westin at Cape Coral Marina Village: Showing off its comprehensive, guestroom-focused US$15 million transformation, this is Cape Coral’s most exclusive luxury resort. Offering sweeping views of the Tarpon Point Marina, the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, guests here are invited to unwind and fully indulge at the resort’s many facilities and amenities, including three outdoor pools, a full-service spa and salon, and much more. Marriott.com

Luminary Hotel & Co: Since opening its doors in September 2020, this hotel – part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection – has become a fast favourite. Overlooking the Caloosahatchee River, the hotel’s guestrooms and suites are both comfortable and stylish. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options and a fabulous array of amenities. LuminaryHotel.com

Song of the Sea: Sanibel Island’s most romantic beachfront escape, this enchanting beach inn offers serenity and a host of amenities, including golf, nature tours, various activities, and more, along with well-appointed guestrooms and suites designed to help you unwind and relax. InnsOfSanibel.com

‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa: For a full resort experience, look no further than this Captiva escape. Perfectly nestled between pristine beaches and the natural beauty of Pine Island Sound, ‘Tween Waters combines historic charm, luxury amenities, pure relaxation, and adventurous recreation in one fabulous place. Tween-Waters.com

For more information on the destination and all it has to offer, head to VisitFortMyers.com. Be sure to download the free visitor guide and start planning today!