Things to Do in Southwest Florida: A Local’s Guide to Fort Myers & Beyond

Discover the Southwest Florida Lifestyle

Southwest Florida is about much more than beautiful homes. With Gulf beaches, boating, fishing, nature preserves, historic downtown areas, restaurants, shopping and year-round outdoor activities, there is always something to explore.

Whether you're visiting, relocating, or already fortunate enough to call Southwest Florida home, here are some of the places and experiences that make this area special.

Beaches, Islands & the Gulf

A Southwest Florida lifestyle wouldn't be complete without time on the water. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva offer beautiful Gulf Coast scenery, boating, fishing, shelling and spectacular sunsets.

Sanibel Island is particularly famous for its beaches and shelling and is widely known as the “Seashell Capital of the World.”

Lovers Key State Park is another favorite, offering a natural Gulf beach along with mangrove waterways, paddling, wildlife viewing and trails.

Explore Downtown Fort Myers

River District is the historic heart of downtown Fort Myers. It's a great place to spend an afternoon or evening exploring restaurants, shops, galleries, entertainment and the Caloosahatchee River waterfront.

Nearby, Edison & Ford Winter Estates offers more than 20 acres of botanical gardens along with the historic winter homes, museum and laboratory associated with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

Experience the Southwest Florida Outdoor Lifestyle

From world-class fishing and beautiful golf courses to kayaking through mangroves, wildlife watching and relaxing on our Gulf beaches, there are countless ways to enjoy the Florida sunshine!

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve features an elevated boardwalk through a freshwater wetland, making it a great location for walking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography.

During the cooler months, Manatee Park offers an opportunity to see wild Florida manatees gathering in warm water. Manatee sightings are seasonal, so they aren't guaranteed year-round.

Sports, Events & Entertainment

Fort Myers is a great place for sports fans, especially during Major League Baseball Spring Training. The Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park, while the Minnesota Twins call the Lee Health Sports Complex their spring home.

Throughout the year, Southwest Florida also comes alive with festivals, concerts, art walks, farmers markets, boat shows and community events, giving residents and visitors plenty to enjoy beyond our beaches.

Find Current Southwest Florida Events

Looking for something to do this weekend? Visit the official Fort Myers website for current events,festivals,attractions,beaches,and activities throughout Southwest Florida.

Getting to Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) provides convenient access to the Fort Myers area.

The region is also connected by I-75, making it convenient to travel between Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples, as well as north toward Sarasota and Tampa.

More Than a Place to Visit

What makes Southwest Florida special isn't just one beach or attraction—it's the lifestyle. You can spend the morning fishing, enjoy lunch by the water, explore a nature preserve in the afternoon and watch a Gulf Coast sunset in the evening.

For those considering making Southwest Florida home, learning about the communities and lifestyle is just as important as finding the right house.

Thinking about moving to Southwest Florida? I'd be happy to help you explore our communities and find the area—and home—that fits your lifestyle.