Staff Picks

For the best off an on the island events, attractions and in-the-know ideas on how to maximize your time on Fort Myers Beach, check out our monthly Staff Picks for our favorite local finds.

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Take Part in Retail Therapy at Bell Tower Shops

Vacation isn’t vacation without a little retail therapy. For that task, we look no further than the Bell Tower Shops!

This open-air mall, just 15 minutes away from our property, sets the scene with lush landscaping, cute pink facades, and peaceful fountains—along with your mall must-haves, of course. Stop by for an afternoon of ‘shop till you drop’ mentality as you peruse shops like Williams-Sonoma, Chico’s, White House | Black Market, and so much more! When you need a break from all that shopping (it’s hard work, after all!), look to the shops’ top-line cuisine, with a wide range of options including DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Blue Pointe Oyster Bar, or the 20-screen Regal Cinemas to catch a new flick. Bell Tower also hosts ‘Yappy Hours’ with live music, drink specials and treats for your furry friend.

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Escape Into Paradise at Lover's Key

Love is always in the air at Lover’s Key State Park. The perfect, nearby destination is calling for you and yours to make a stop on your visit—it’s only a five-minute drive away!

For many years, this hidden island gem was accessible only by boat, and the story goes that only those in love traveled there to enjoy each other’s company at the secluded beach. It still remains the ideal secret getaway, but now it’s a whole lot easier to make your visit! As one of four barrier islands, Lover’s Key is a tranquil home to shimmering waters, marine life, and seriously soft sand. The two of you can also rent canoes and paddle boards, or set up a kayak tour to explore the marine wildlife. With over 700-acres, there’s always a place for lovebirds at Lover’s Key.

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Take a Day Trip to Nearby Key West

Plan an exhilarating day trip fun for the whole group at Key West. Famous for its stunning beaches, watersports, and shopping, the nearby getaway is the ideal mini-vacation during your stay with us.

Your first stop begins on the Key West Express, just five miles from our property. Stocked full with snacks, drinks, AC, and decks to soak up the sun, the ferry sails from Fort Myers Beach with views of the sparkling water as far as the eye can see. When you dock at Key West, a whole new world unfolds with popular restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops all lining the famous Duval Street. Prefer to go sightseeing? Hop on the Conch Train for a 90-minute tour of the tropical destination or rent bikes to explore on your own time. Time it just right and you’ll be back in Fort Myers Beach for a magnificent sunset to wrap up another amazing day.

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Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the River District

Don your best green attire and head down to the River District for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

If there’s any place that knows how to celebrate the Irish-inspired holiday in Florida, it’s Downtown Fort Myers. Starting at noon and going until 10 p.m., you and your family can enjoy live music, local vendors, and tons of games and entertainment all throughout the River District. Of course, there will be plenty of opportunities to dig into Irish dishes and sip ice cold beers in honor of the holiday. Explore the participating local shops and eateries and enjoy the musical performances from groups including Paddy O’Furniture, Mountain Brew, and Celtic Stew. This annual event is a truly authentic way to immerse yourself in the Fort Myers community and create fun memories to look back on for years to come.

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live-like-a-local-and-search-for-seashells-on-sanibel-island
Live Like a Local and Search for Seashells on Sanibel Island

Need a vacation from your vacation? Take your beachside relaxation up a notch with a day trip to nearby Sanibel Island.

Ranked as the number one of the “Top 10 Best Florida Beach Towns” by USA Today, Sanibel Island offers visitors 15 miles of beaches, 250 types of unique seashells, and 230 different types of birds to admire. Travel by ferry and time your visit on a Sunday to experience the Sanibel Island Farmers Market. At the weekly event, you can join the local community in collecting fresh produce, bread, honey, flowers, and more from the many local vendors lined up. The Farmers Market is a true look into the supportive and relaxed community of farmers and island-dwellers. Spend the rest of your day finding beautiful seashells, grabbing a bite to eat, and exploring the beautiful pathways on this stunning island.

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Catch Great Brews and Tunes at This Music Festival

There’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing craft beer while listening to some incredible live music. Lucky for you, the perfect opportunity to do just that awaits on January 12 at the Taps & Tunes Craft Beer and Music Fest!

Taking place in the heart of Downtown Fort Myers at Centennial Park, the festival is a community-driven event that brings together indie artists and indie music lovers over great performances and sips. Your $5 admission ticket lets you check out all of the food and drink vendors—available for purchase. Want to give yourself the red carpet treatment? There’s a $45 unlimited tasting ticket to sample over 80 craft beers from 2-8 p.m. With a music lineup including Supergold, The Woodwork, and Wilder Sons, the 2019 festival is not to be missed!

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Watch Snow Fall on Third Street South

Make the magic last this holiday season with an evening at Third Street South.

After the traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony—where the mayor officiates the holiday season in Fort Myers—you can continue to experience the festivities with weekly snowfall throughout the month of December. Don your holiday attire and grab a hot cup of cocoa as you stroll down the popular street to enjoy the lights and entertainment in the plaza. Every Thursday at 7 p.m., watch in amazement as snow falls from the sky to this beachside community. It’s not every day that you can live a white Christmas in Florida, and Third Street South is one of our favorite places to experience this magical phenomenon—the holiday season is all about miracles, after all!

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Get Moving Bright and Early on Thanksgiving at the 5K Walk/Run

This Thanksgiving, start the festivities off right by participating in the Thanksgiving morning 5k run and walk.

Taking off from Germain Arena, the annual event is the perfect way to kick off your holiday feast. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the outdoors as you take in the beautiful surroundings of the Estero area. Whether you’re going solo or walking with your family, the event is great for all fitness levels and will have t-shirts, medals, and a fun vibe to keep you energized! Post-race, enjoy fun activities, refreshments, snacks, and music to keep the good times going and continue to raise money for the San Carlos Park Roller Hockey—this year’s beneficiary. Afterward, dig in on an amazing Thanksgiving feast and feel extra grateful for the ability to get outside and move.

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Get Spooked at These Fort Myers Haunted Happenings

Looking to make your stay in Fort Myers a spooky one? We’re sharing three of our favorite ways to celebrate the Halloween holiday around town.

Watch out, there may be a ghost lurking around every corner:

A Nightmare on Third Street
Since 2005, this private home haunted walk has been scaring its visitors with a cool front lawn cemetery, detailed creations, and lots of fun with props, strobe lights, and fog.

Freaks of Nature Haunted Walk
Put on by the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, the haunted walk is a neighborhood favorite that’s a fun mix of spooky and a little silly—visitors must be older than 16.

Lakes Park Pumpkin Patch
For those with little ones—or those who prefer treats to tricks—at this family-friendly affair you can enjoy a tractor trailer ride, select your own pumpkin, and have fun on the patch.

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With Interactive Exhibits and Activities, the IMAG Center is Great for the Whole Family

Close to downtown awaits a fun, inventive afternoon at the IMAG History & Science Center, one of our most popular must-see stops!

Future scientists—and anyone interested in science—will love the wide range of topics, activities and hands-on learning available at their fingertips. From broader topics of earth and space to more specific topics including Floriday’s history and marine animals, uncover interesting facts and knowledge through interactive exhibits fun for everyone involved. Plus, the center also offers a chance to get up close with live animal encounters, touch tanks, and an aquarium, all in one place! Open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m., The IMAG History & Science Center is a great place to spend the afternoon learning about the region, and the world, together as a family.

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Support Emerging Singer-Songwriters This Month

Music-lovers, this is one event all for you. Our sandy beaches and sunny skies may steal the spotlight most of the time, but Fort Myers is also a creative hub for singers, songwriters and everything in between.

This month, catch the country’s most promising emerging artists as they go head to head in the Second Annual Summer Singer-Songwriter Competition. Friday, August 24, join SBDAC and the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for an evening of great tunes and friendly competition. Winners snag recording time at Six Fingers Studios and a spot at the popular Island Hopper Songwriter Fest. Behind every great hit is a talented songwriter, and in addition to supporting young artists, you may find your new favorite song to sing along to!

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Take Your Fourth of July Plans to Times Square

Still on the hunt for Independence Day plans? Look no further than Fort Myers’ very own Times Square.

The community gathering spot will kick off their all-day festivities beginning at 10 a.m. with the annual Fourth of July Parade up Estero Boulevard. Then, make your way down the many restaurants, lounges, and shops at Times Square for an afternoon of fun entertainment and specials. You’ll satisfy your appetite, hear some great live music and feel all the excitement in the air from this summer holiday. By night, head to the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier for an outstanding end to the celebrations. The spectacular fireworks show will feature your favorite red, white, and blue displays and more! No matter how you celebrate the holiday, we know that Fort Myers Beach will leave you with long-lasting memories to look back on.

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Uncover Fort Myers' Artistic Side

Explore your artistic side at the Fort Myers Beach Art Walk. This free community event takes place on the first Friday of every month, from 6 – 10 p.m., and makes for a fun evening where art lovers can meet in the exciting River District in downtown Fort Myers.

The self-guided walking tour winds through Fort Myers’ River District and Gardner’s Park area where galleries will be open for locals and visitors to meet the artists behind some of Fort Myers’ most beautiful paintings, mixed media, and watercolor works. And in between the open galleries, First Street will be lined with tons of vendors and live art demos for art enthusiasts to learn about a variety of mediums. The monthly Art Walk celebrates and offers visitors an inside look into the lively, welcoming, and artistic atmosphere that lives in the heart of the River District.

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Come Hungry at the annual Taste of the Beach

Bring your appetite and your favorite travel companions to the heart of Fort Myers Beach for the 23rd Annual Taste of the Beach. Sunday, May 6, Old San Carlos Boulevard will light up with tons of restaurant and food vendors for you to taste your way through the best of Ft. Myers.

This local tradition attracts hundreds to watch as restaurants go head-to-head in a friendly competition to decide fun awards including Best Dishes, Best Decorated Booth, People’s Choice, and more. As an all-day excursion, plan to come hungry and stay for awhile to make the rounds and enjoy all of the live music and entertainment. The annual Taste of the Beach will have you exploring Ft. Myers the best way possible: through food!

Details

Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (or until food runs out)

Admission: $5 Adults, Free for children 12 and under

Food Tickets: $1, Food Price Average: $5

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Allow Yourself to Get Lost in Botanical Gardens

Catch a glimpse of the past at the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Just a short drive from our grounds, this historic spot is a timely getaway into a serene botanical jungle. Established in 1936 with a mission to preserve what once was, the non-profit that protects the property lets the land do all the talking—and this natural beauty has a lot to say.

Everything from the Natural History Museum to the gardens themselves tells a story of simpler times and aims to educate visitors on the importance of conservation. While on your visit, spot birds, mammals, and “Big Joe,” the 14.5-foot crocodile. As you weave through the garden’s native plants and trees, you’ll get lost in the simple pleasures of being one with nature—even if it’s just for an afternoon.

Ticket Information

Adults 13+: $12

Seniors 65+: $10

Children 3-12: $7

Under 3: Free

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Enjoy an Evening at the Fort Myers Times Square

During your time with us here at Fort Myers, your trip just won’t be complete without stopping by our very own Times Square. With tons of restaurants, shops, and activities, you and your loved ones will find a fun adventure around every corner.

During your time with us here at Fort Myers, your trip just won’t be complete without stopping by our very own Times Square. The heart of Estero Island is free of all the chaos and bright lights you normally think of when Times Square comes to mind, but don’t think this gathering point is some sleepy stop. With tons of restaurants, shops, and activities, you and your loved ones will find a fun adventure around every corner. Be sure to take a picture next to one of the iconic sky blue clock towers, and stop by for a quick shop or a relaxed evening over good drinks and food. Want to make it a truly special evening? Save a trip for Friday or Saturday evening where you can join in on the Sunset Celebration: live music, a fun atmosphere, and a breathtaking sunset view—we’ll see you there!

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A Fun Family Day Awaits at the Sun N Fun Lagoon

Cruise down speedy water slides, hang in dive pools, and lounge in an inner tube while moseying down the lazy river at the Sun N Fun Lagoon.

Make the most of your vacation with a visit to the Sun N Fun Lagoon water park. Cruise down speedy water slides like the popular Sea Lion Slide, hang in dive pools, and lounge in an inner tube while moseying down the lazy river. This family-friendly Naples park has snack shops, showers, and locker rooms to make this an easy all-day outing. Plus, what sets Sun N Fun Lagoon apart from the rest is how warm the water is. The park implements a state-of-the-art climate control system that makes the water as comfortable and inviting as the Gulf of Mexico. See you on the slides!

Hours:
President’s Day Weekend – May: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
Memorial Day – through September: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. every day.

Pricing (tax not included):
Ages 0-3 get in free
Customers under 48” $6
Customers 48” or taller $13
Seniors $9

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Live like a Local in the River District

Fort Myer’s Downtown River District is a busy and bustling coming together of all that our amazing city has to offer. The district is filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, live theater, and more.

Looking to live like a local? Fort Myer’s Downtown River District is a busy and bustling coming together of all that our amazing city has to offer. Find charming brick-lined streets and small businesses along our Caloosahatchee river waterfront. During the day, walking tours are available to give insight into the history of Fort Myers. Plus, the district is filled with art galleries, unique boutiques, antique shops, and even visitor attractions like Imaginarium Hands-On Aquarium for a full family affair. More of a night owl? Come back in the evening to join in among the lively scene of restaurants, bar, live music venues, and theaters. Our beaches get people talking—and for good reason!—but the River District is a special place that gives visitors a chance to walk in the shoes of a local, spending a day in the heart of our beautiful, historic beach town.

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Step Back in Time at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Enjoy Fort Myers the historical way with a stop to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s lasting friendship went so far as to having neighboring vacation homes, and the remaining properties offer so many sights to see!

Enjoy Fort Myers the historical way with a stop to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Thomas Edison and Henry Ford’s lasting friendship went so far as to having neighboring vacation homes, and the remaining properties offer so many sights to see! Tour Edison’s Seminole Lodge for a timeless getaway with stunning furnishings and architecture of the early 20th century. And the Mangoes, Henry Ford’s estate, features a classic porch with an unbeatable view of the Caloosahatchee river. Once you’ve explored the interiors, wander through over 20 acres of botanical gardens including more than 1700 plants from six continents—and spot a few trees that were planted during Edison’s time. Plus, historic buildings such as the Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford museum are also on the property and have inventions, artifacts, and special exhibits on display for you to check out. The beauty of these estates, and their surrounding views, makes it clear why Edison and Ford would stay so often.

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Staff Picks

Take Part in Retail Therapy at Bell Tower Shops

Escape Into Paradise at Lover's Key

Take a Day Trip to Nearby Key West

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in the River District

Live Like a Local and Search for Seashells on Sanibel Island

Catch Great Brews and Tunes at This Music Festival

Watch Snow Fall on Third Street South

Get Moving Bright and Early on Thanksgiving at the 5K Walk/Run

Get Spooked at These Fort Myers Haunted Happenings

With Interactive Exhibits and Activities, the IMAG Center is Great for the Whole Family

Support Emerging Singer-Songwriters This Month

Take Your Fourth of July Plans to Times Square

Uncover Fort Myers' Artistic Side

Come Hungry at the annual Taste of the Beach

Allow Yourself to Get Lost in Botanical Gardens

Enjoy an Evening at the Fort Myers Times Square

A Fun Family Day Awaits at the Sun N Fun Lagoon

Live like a Local in the River District

Step Back in Time at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates