Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, this river city has palm-lined streets, winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and white sand beaches on nearby islands.
Fort Myers sits along Florida's Gulf Coast where the Caloosahatchee River meets the sea. You can walk through Thomas Edison's original laboratory with its test tubes and workbenches still intact, stroll past 1920s Model T cars at Henry Ford's winter residence, or spot manatees gathering in the warm waters of Manatee Park. The city's riverside paths, beaches like Fort Myers Beach, and natural areas make it an ideal starting point to explore Southwest Florida.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The Edison and Ford Winter Estates span 20 acres along the Caloosahatchee River. Inside Edison's "Seminole Lodge," you'll find his study, bedroom, and dining room containing the original 1920s furniture. The laboratory still has his work benches, test tubes, and chemical storage - the exact spot where he researched rubber plants. Next door at Henry Ford's "The Mangoes" house, you'll see authentic 1920s details throughout, from a Model T in the garage to period kitchen appliances. The botanical gardens contain more than 1,700 plants, including massive banyan trees planted by Edison himself.
Exploring Downtown Fort Myers
Walk the brick-paved streets of downtown Fort Myers to find restaurants and shops in early 1900s buildings. Centennial Park runs along the Caloosahatchee River, hosting weekend markets and concerts. During Art Walk on the first Friday of each month, local painters, sculptors, and photographers display their work throughout downtown. On the third Friday, Music Walk brings live bands to street corners and venues across the district.
Wildlife and Nature Areas
Three nature trails at the Calusa Nature Center lead through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. The center's raptor aviary houses red-tailed hawks and owls, while the butterfly house lets you watch native butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. At the IMAG History & Science Center, you can interact with sea stars and urchins in marine touch tanks. In winter, dozens of manatees gather in the warm water discharge canal at Manatee Park.
Getting Around Fort Myers
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a 30-minute drive from downtown, with direct flights to 45 US cities. LeeTran buses connect downtown with Fort Myers Beach, shopping areas, and residential neighborhoods. The Key West Express departs from Fort Myers Beach ferry terminal to the Florida Keys, passing dolphins and sea birds during the journey.
Sports and Recreation
During February and March, you can watch Boston Red Sox spring training games at JetBlue Park, often close enough to hear the players' conversations. The City of Palms Classic basketball tournament comes to Fort Myers each December - past players include LeBron James and Kevin Durant. The Great Calusa Blueway waterway system lets you kayak through mangrove tunnels and past islands where white pelicans and roseate spoonbills nest.
