What’s the first thing you think of when you think about Florida? For some, it’s the dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife that lives in the area. Other people might think of relaxing days spent on the beach. Some people might even think about the delicious seafood and beachside restaurants.
The good news is, Fort Myers Beach has all these attractions and more. If you’re planning to visit this Florida vacation destination, you’re going to have to plan out your days so you don’t miss any of the exciting attractions.
In the blog post below, you’ll find seven of the most popular things to do when visiting Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re an adventurer or you’re hoping to relax, you’ll find the perfect activity on the list below. Take a look and start planning out your trip!
1. Enjoy a Wildlife Cruise
No Florida vacation is complete until you’ve seen some dolphins! Most of the wildlife cruise companies in Fort Myers Beach offer tours that last anywhere from an hour and a half to three hours, and prices start around $35 per person.
On the tour, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins, manatees and even ospreys. The captains will keep you informed about the wildlife and Florida’s unique ecosystems. When you’re planning out things to do in Fort Myers Beach, be sure to save time for this uniquely Floridian excursion.
2. Take a Stroll Around Times Square
Located in the heart of downtown, Times Square in Fort Myers is jam-packed with restaurants, bars, gift shops, and street performers. You can also head out to the nearby fishing pier to soak in views of the ocean. When you’re done eating dinner, be sure to stop into the popular 2000 Flavors Ice Cream shop for a delicious dessert.
3. Check Out the Matanzas Pass Preserve
Located right in the town on Fort Myers Beach, the Matanzas Pass Preserve offers 1.7 miles of hiking trails winding through a 60-acre nature preserve. The preserve was created to protect the rare oak hammocks and mangrove canopies that used to be abundant in the area.
Matanzas Pass Preserve features plants like Cat Claw and Wild Cotton that can only be found in Florida within this preserve. Visitors to the preserve can enjoy a relaxing stroll on a boardwalk trail, which ends with spectacular views of the ocean. Don’t miss this spectacular natural environment next time you’re visiting Florida.
4. Experience Parasailing in Fort Myers Beach
It’s hard to find any experience that matches the adrenaline rush of parasailing behind a speed boat. Fort Myers Beach has multiple companies that offer parasailing experiences, and the prices start around $65 per person.
You get to choose how long you want to parasol for. One company, Wind and Water Sports, offers 8-minute rides, 10-minute rides, and 16-minute rides. The parasailing packages allow you to ride solo, with a partner, or in a group of three. Give it a try during your next Fort Myers Beach vacation if you’re feeling adventurous!
5. Visit Lovers Key State Park
For just $8 per vehicle, you can go experience one of the best beaches in all of Florida. If you didn’t get your fill of wildlife on the guided cruise, you might be able to see dolphins, sea turtles, manatees, and ospreys along the shore at Lovers Key State Park.
You can experience Lovers Key in a few different ways. One option is to stroll along the trails that take you past mangroves before ending our journey on the beach. Another option is to rent beach lounges or umbrellas for a more high-end Lovers Key experience. Either way, this state park is a must-see destination on your next Florida getaway!
6. Taste Some of the Local Seafood
Once you’ve worked up an appetite after visiting all the Fort Myers attractions, you can relax with a seafood dinner at one of Fort Myers’ top-rated seafood restaurants. For dinner with a view, check out the popular Salty Crab Bar & Grill on Estero Boulevard.
This restaurant has an outdoor patio where you can enjoy the beautiful Florida sunsets. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to see a live music performance. You can visit the restaurant’s website and check their calendar for upcoming performances.
7. Tour the Historic Mound House
The Mound House is named as such because it is located on the same property as a 200-year old Native American burial mound. Visiting The Mound House is about more than just seeing a beautiful home on a historic site. The property owners also offer kayak tours of Estero Bay, where you can see the stunning house from the sea.
If you do choose to visit The Mound House, be sure to plan ahead. The Mound House is only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets are very affordable, costing just $10 for adults and $8 for students.
Looks Like You’re Ready For a Visit to Fort Myers Beach
Now that you know about some of the most popular things to do when visiting Fort Myers Beach, you’re ready to start planning! If you are thinking about doing a trip to Fort Myers Beach, be sure to plan your trip around hurricane season.
The hurricane season generally lasts from June to November, so it may be best to avoid Fort Myers bEach during these months. For more tips on travel, check out some of our other articles.
