Fort Myers Vacation Rentals

Flying in to Fort Myers

Fort Myers is primarily served by the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) which is 14 miles from the city centre. Visitors also land at the Charlotte County Airport and Naples Municipal Airport that have frequent interstate connections. For convenience, hail a taxi that can take you directly to your vacation rental in comfort.

Dine in style in Fort Myers

Fort Myers cuisine typically includes lots of seafood which is not surprising considering its location along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River. Choose a waterfront restaurant for a romantic meal under the stars. The downtown Skip One Seafood Restaurant serves up speciality platters consisting of frog legs, lobsters, snow crabs, soft shell crabs and more. Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market is another favourites that seldom disappoints.

For an elegant supper, dine at The Verandah restaurant, housed in two early 20th century homes in downtown Fort Myers. The town has plenty of chain and fast-food restaurants for those looking for something familiar.

A good time to visit Fort Myers

Fort Myers is an all-weather destination owing to its predominantly sunny climate. However summer is the undisputed peak season. Holiday lettings in Fort Myers can be hard to find during this period so book well in advance. Rain in June is also a possibility so carry some rain gear just in case.

September to November is quieter as it's hurricane season, but there will be a lot more availability and variety in holiday homes around Fort Myers. The season picks up in winter as residents from the colder states head south and descend for a jaunt in the sun. March to May is Spring Break, so many of the vacation rentals in Fort Myers will be filled with college students.

Things to do and see

Plan a visit to Butterfly Estates in the river district which is home to native Florida butterfly species, cascading waterfalls and a flurry of exotic plants. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates intrigue with their inventions and objects, a research lab and even a botanical garden with trees planted by Thomas Edison himself. Both guided and self-guided tours can be arranged. The Calusa Nature Centre and Planetarium impresses with its bald eagles, alligators, hawks and owls, as well as wetlands, artificial habitats and space-related shows. Come and delve into subjects as diverse as marine life, anatomy and the weather at the Imaginarium Science Centre.

Don't forget that most vacationers in Fort Myers come for the relaxation factor: swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, diving and biking are just a few of the recreational activities available. For shopping, try the Gulf Coast Town Centre, Edison Mall, Fleamasters Flea Market and Bell Tower.

Excursion ideas

An excursion to the nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands is a must if birdwatching and dolphin sightings intrigue you. Bowman’s Beach is thickly-shaded area, just perfect for an al fresco picnic, while Blind Pass on Captiva island attracts families with young kids for its calm, shallow waters and snorkeling opportunities. Shell collectors will be blown away by the sheer variety that glisten under the Florida sun.

Sanibel Island is also where the manatees and loggerhead turtles return to the shore each May to lay their eggs. Bailey Tract and Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel are worth visiting, as is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Fort Myers. Another attraction kids will love is the JN Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, a fantastic 7,600 acre wildlife refuge where you can spend the day paddling, hiking, swimming or biking through the well-marked trails. The Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail features a 138-mile long waterway that weaves its way through bays, creeks, mangrove tunnels and estuaries.

Regular events in Fort Myers

Fort Myers boasts quite a varied cultural calendar, pleasing to all tastes. February features ArtFest Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, while April teases seafood lovers with the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival & Parade. Film enthusiasts will enjoy the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival. Summer kicks off with MangoMania, a fiesta that celebrates the harvest of Pine Island’s juicy mangoes and other tropical fruits.

Come watch the sculptors at November's American Sand Sculpting championship Festival. The year closes with Edison & Ford Holiday Nights which features nightly entertainment and brightly-lit river cruises.

Fort Myers is a delightful destination with activities and sights, so book your holiday letting in Fort Myers to enjoy the ultimate family getaway.

History and adventure at Fort Myers

Bunche Beach

Located between Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, Bunche Beach is great for kayaking, whilst kids will love collecting shells here at low tide.

Manatee Park

Witness the endangered Florida Manatee in its natural environment, from special viewing areas. You can also launch a canoe into the Orange River from here, visit the butterfly gardens and refuel in the picnic area.

Lakes Regional Park

The 279-acre public park south of Fort Myers features a scenic boardwalk, biking trails, fragrant gardens, kayaking opportunities and a 15-minute Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad ride.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Alligators, otters, turtles and wading birds reside in these tranquil wetlands. Visit the Interpretive Centre and observe the wildlife from the boardwalk.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Dedicated to friends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, this museum is housed within their adjacent former winter homes. A great programme of events, tours and a botanical garden make this a must-visit attraction.