Fort Myers

Fort Myers, United States

Chosen as a winter refuge by Thomas Edison at the turn of the last century, Fort Myers sits away from busier and more opulent Florida centers, maintaining the carefree, low-key atmosphere of a sea town. Assuming beach life is Fort Myers's only attraction would be a mistake: the town center boasts a vibrant street life, with a plethora of indie art galleries and interesting spots for history and science lovers. The area's natural beauty continues inland, where protected animal species take shelter among mangroves and narrow bayou bends.

Population:

80,000

Currency:

US Dollar $1 = 100 cents

Please note that some facilities in Fort Myers and the surrounding area don't accept credit cards, so make sure you bring some cash during your trips.

Emergency Numbers:

911 - Ambulance, Fire and National Police
+1 239 321 7700 - Fort Myers Police Department

Opening Hours:

Since many shops in Fort Myers are locally owned, opening hours vary significantly from place to place. Many shops open at 10am and close at around 5-6pm; larger shops close around 8-9pm.

Newspapers:

Fort Myers Florida Weekly (fortmyers.floridaweekly.com)
The River Weekly (www.islandsunnews.com)

The New York Times (www.nytimes.com)
The Washington Post (www.washingtonpost.com)

The City

At first glance, Fort Myers obeys the clichés of Florida, with its palm-lined boulevards, colorful house fronts and white shores, but it's worth exploring further - there is much to discover.
Founded as a military base during the American Indian Wars and then abandoned, the town was revived in the 19th century by a ship captain who might also have been a pirate. Around 1880 it started attracting notable ‘snowbirds’, seasonal visitors who came here to escape the colder winters of the north and built elegant period villas. Among them, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were probably the most famous, and left winter estates that are now open to the public.
Today, despite its natural beauty, the Fort Myers area is still a lesser known holiday destination, but it's gaining more and more popularity thanks to its lively atmosphere and a recent restyling of the town center.

When planning a stay in Fort Myers, it can be practical to think of the city as subdivided into two parts.
The Fort Myers town center, in the northern zone, is home to different museums and historical houses. It is also a good starting point for trips to the many natural parks and reserves along the Caloosahatchee river.
For the most charming beaches, however, you’ll have to head south, to the barrier islands. The smaller town of Fort Myers Beach offers plenty of beautiful shores and every kind of facilities: separated from mainland Fort Myers, it sits on Estero Island and can easily be reached by a causeway. A trip to some other islands also comes recommended: many of them, like Sanibel, hold a more natural, fascinating atmosphere.
Cultural and social hubs are very present in the center of mainland Fort Myers, but you'll find some unexpected hot spots on the islands as well.

Do & See

A beach holiday can feel monotonous after a while, but Fort Myers provides many different pastime alternatives, from inland nature trips to sights, art galleries and social events.

Beaches & Islands

The Fort Myers area attracts American "snowbirds" for a reason - you'll find a myriad beaches surrounded by spectacular nature, especially on the islands. As the shores can be very diverse and offer different attractions, it's a good idea to plan trips to different beaches throughout your stay. Also, don't forget to bring a camera to document the best sunsets.
One piece of advice: parking spots might be limited, so arrive there on time to find a place. Also, expect them to be a bit expensive in the most popular areas.

Dining

Southern Florida cuisine (also known as "Floribbean") is, naturally, well-represented in Fort Myers, where regular seafood dishes such as shrimps and oysters mix with more peculiar specialties like gator tail bites. Dining here can also be a good opportunity to discover some ethnic food, listen to live music, or just relax while enjoying the sunset.