Essential Fort Myers Travel Guide: What to See & Do

Fort Myers is a Southwest Florida city shaped by the Caloosahatchee River, warm winters, and an easygoing way of life. Its character blends frontier history, inventive energy, historic architecture, and a growing downtown lined with restaurants, galleries, and independent shops.

A Brief History of Fort Myers

Fort Myers takes its name from a U.S. Army fort established in the mid-19th century during the Seminole Wars. After the military post disappeared, farming, fishing, commerce, and eventually the railroad helped transform the area into a permanent settlement.

The city later became closely associated with seasonal residents Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Their former winter properties show how the riverfront community supported both quiet domestic life and ambitious experimentation.

What Makes Fort Myers Unique?

Downtown Fort Myers is one of the best places to experience the city’s character. Palm-lined streets, restored early-20th-century buildings, and views across the Caloosahatchee River create an inviting setting for walking and exploring.

The historic Gilmer Heitman House, built in 1908, reflects the prosperity and architectural confidence of the city’s early business leaders. It is part of the historic atmosphere that makes downtown Fort Myers distinctive.

What to See in Fort Myers

For travelers deciding what to see in Fort Myers, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates provide important cultural context. Their homes, gardens, laboratories, and workshops offer insight into the routines and interests of two influential figures while highlighting the city’s long connection with innovation.

Things to Do in Fort Myers

Things to do in Fort Myers extend beyond museums and historic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy riverfront strolls, local dining, art spaces, and the unhurried pace of downtown.

The city’s appeal lies in the way history, everyday life, and Florida’s subtropical setting exist side by side. Fort Myers offers a destination with substance without feeling complicated—an inviting place to explore the past while enjoying the relaxed spirit of Southwest Florida.