1010 Fort Myers

Fort Myers Guide to Attractions, Places to Stay, Restaurants and Resources

Fort Myers guide to attractions, places to stay, restaurants and local resources - all designed to help you plan and enjoy a better vacation: has info about things to see and do, where to eat and shop and info about hotels, resorts, motels, beaches, boating and golf.

Fort Myers, known as the City of Palms, has been a favorite winter retreat for snowbirds since the days of Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.

Welcome to Fort Myers

updated - January 27, 2012

Fort Myers is the gateway to many beach areas and islands that make up the Lee Island Coast - a beautiful collection of destinations that offer unique settings and offerings.

Modern Fort Myers dates back to the 1880's when Thomas Edison turned a small fishing village into his winter home. His home and the laboratory are now a museum complex that is well worth the visit.

Henry also introduced his friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, among others, to Fort Myers. This paved the way (figuratively and literally) for the development of Fort Myers into a wintering refuge for many of the Industrial elite.

It seems natural that Thomas Edison would develop a fascination with palm trees - having spent so much of his time in the northeast - and he is responsible for Fort Myers being known as "The City of Palms". Royal Palm lined streets of McGregor Blvd and others owe their thanks to Mr. Edison.


Updated - Monday, July 26, 2010

Fort Myers

While Fort Myers proper doesn't have the same appeal to modern travelers that it once had - it's several miles to the beach areas - it is the gateway to the Lee Islands Coast which are some of the best beach areas in the state. Fort Myers Beach is lively, fun and a bit funky with lots and lots of restaurants, clubs, and shops and other really interesting things to explore.

Restaurants

Munch Box Family Restaurant
This classic mom-and-pop diner has its finger on the pulse of what families looking to stay within their budget and at the same time get home cooked and for good food for themselves and their children. Open for breakfast and lunch only. 6101 Estero Blvd. 

Places to Stay

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa
Straddling 12 acres of beach on Fort Myers Beach, the Pink Shell offers over 200 beachfront suites, a large pool complex, full-service spa and a camp for kids. The Pink Shell has a great location on Fort Myers Beach with numerous recreational activities on site. 275 Estero Blvd.

Attractions

Edison & Ford Winter Estates
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates are now open to the public and offer an intimate window into the lives of these two famous men. Edison's estate features a Banyan tree - the largest in the Continental US - that was a gift from his friend Harvey Firestone. 2350 McGregor Blvd.

Imaginarium Hands-On Museum and Aquarium
Designed for the active and curious minds of exploring children, this site features over 50 interactive exhibits and many live animals that constitute Southwest Florida. 2000 Crawford Lane. 

Lee County Manatee Park
Catch a glimpse of these peaceful sea cows from several observation platforms. Optimal viewing season is from November through March. 10901 SR 80 - take exit 141 from Interstate 75 and go east a mile and a half.  

Local Resources

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
2310 Edwards Dr. 


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Fort Myers Vacation Resources

Florida Vacation Websites

Captiva Island, Florida - As one of the Islands of the Lee Islands Coast, Captiva is a worlds' away pristine spot but just minutes from Fort Myers.

Sanibel Island, Florida - The best known barrier island close to Fort Myers that ranks as one of the best places to collect sea shells.

Naples, Florida - chic neighbor to the south, Naples offers excellent beach and golf scene with restaurants and shopping galore.

Bonita Springs, Florida - is where you'll find some interesting state parks, greyhound racing and outlet shopping malls.


Related Vacation Websites

Florida Vacations - planning guide for popular Florida destinations such as Sarasota, St Petersburg, Marco Island and other.