Once the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the stately homes of these two industrial pioneers are now among Fort Myers Florida's most popular attractions. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are located on McGregor Boulevard, a grand thoroughfare lined with over 1,800 majestic Royal Palm trees. At this popular attraction you’ll discover the residences of Edison and Ford, lush botanical gardens, Edison’s laboratory and a museum housing thousands of Edison’s inventions and memorabilia.
A new museum on the water front of the River District in Downtown Ft Myers is the acclaimed Art of the Olympians, where sports and art unite through the works of Olympic greats throughout history. The Butterfly Estates is also located in the River District. Surround yourself with thousands of butterflies at this new Eco-Attraction. Open 365 days per year, The Butterfly Estates features a 3,614 sq. foot Conservatory with thousands of butterflies amid cascading waterfalls with lush tropical nectar plants.
The River District also features the Imaginarium Hands on Museum & Aquarium, an interactive children’s museum and the Southwest Florida Museum of History, with a historic 1929 Pullman train car and a replica Cracker Hours. Another
great place to take the kids is the Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium. The
recently renovated Harborside Convention Complex in downtown Fort Myers is host
to dozens of civic events and exhibits throughout the year.
One of the City of Fort Myers most famous attractions is the Shell Factory, a huge complex north of the Caloosahatchee river that features shopping, restaurants, a nature park & the world-famous Waltzing Waters.
One of the most unique Fort Myers attractions
is Seminole Gulf Railway. Featuring excursion train rides at affordable
family prices, as well as the popular Murder Mystery Dinner Train with fine dining and a murder
mystery show all in one, Seminole Gulf offers fun for all ages. Another
dinner and a show option is Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, featuring some
of America’s favorite theatrical
performances and food that’s a cut above standard dinner theater fare.
North of Ft. Myers and Lee County lies Charlotte County wit its own attractions and sights to see. Babcock Wilderness Adventures offers 90-minute swamp buggy tours at historic Babcock Ranch. A newly opened car museum, Rick Treworgy'sMuscle Car City, features over 200 classic cars spanning 80 years in a 99,000sf showroom.
A frequent visitor to our waters is the Manatee, one of nature's shyest and gentlest mammals. During the winter, they are attracted upriver by warm inland waters generated by the local power plant and often can be seen in this setting created by man. These gentle giants are found year-round in the warm waters throughout the area, and can be viewed at Manatee Park, a Lee County Parks & Recreation facility.
Other Lee County Parks worth a visit include: Lakes Park, an amenity packed facility with playgrounds, swimming area, canoe rentals, concessions and more; Six-Mile Cypress Slough, featuring a huge boardwalk through anancient cypress preserve; and Hickey’s Creek Park, with miles of hiking trails through a 1,000+ acre conservation area.
Above Ft. Myers is Cape Coral, with an attractive parks system. Sun Splash Family Waterpark is operated by Cape Coral Parks & Recreation Also visit their Four Mile Cove for a boardwalk, nature trails and weekend kayaking, as well as Coral Oaks Golf Course for outdoor fun!
Fort Myers offers some fantastic restaurants. Whether you're taking in the ambiance
at one of the charming fine-dining establishments like The Veranda Restaurant in the bustling downtown historic district or enjoying family fare like BBQ at Rib City, an array of dining
experiences await you.
Shopping alternatives also abound in the area. Edison Mall is the largest regional mall in the area, but there’s also a myriad of specialty shops and other retail attractions to be found.
If you're looking for the best tasting citrus you've ever had, visit Sun Harvest Citrus at their huge retail store and packing house where you can sample their delicious Indian River Citrus.
There are three major factory outlet centers located in Southwest Florida, with Tanger Outlets calling Fort Myers home. Miromar Outlets and Prime Outlets are located south of Fort Myers.
To make sure your feet can stay up with all the walking, visit Happy Feet Plus at the Gulf Coast Town Center for all kinds of health-concious shoes, or if boots are your style, go to the Hayloft Western Wear at exit 141 off I75.