Why Fort Myers is the dreamiest escape in Florida

Please note: this article is sponsored by our partners at Visit Fort Myers and some links on this page will take you directly to the Visit Fort Myers website.

Orlando and Miami may take centre stage when it comes to Florida vacations, but those in the know are wising up to the wonders of Fort Myers.

This under-the-radar gem is already a domestic sensation, famed for having all the big Sunshine State draws while retaining a distinct local charm. There are no giant cruise ships depositing thousands at a time here, and entire areas haven’t been bulldozed to make way for theme parks. Rather, there’s acre after acre of untouched nature, much of it sheltering an abundance of wildlife, and crystal-clear waters as far as the eye can see.

The city side is packed with things to see, do and sample. Taste the bounty of the ocean, make new friends at the bar, and immerse in a vibrant culture, there’s certainly no getting bored.

Whether you opt for an itinerary of activity or choose to drift the day away in peace, Fort Myers is just the place to get away from the daily grind back home. Here’s why those Floridians have been keeping it all to themselves (until now).

There’s ample room to breathe on the idyllic beaches

Credit: Rob Crosby

What would you do with 300 days of sunshine and 590 miles of shoreline (of which 50 miles are gorgeous white-sand beaches)? Those swims will be put to good use.

Southwest Florida is known for optimum conditions to engage in any beach activity. Thanks to a coastline that very gently slopes into the Gulf of Mexico, all ages can frolic in the safe knowledge that there are no sudden drop-offs or crashing waves. You may desire romantic sunset strolls on Sanibel Island with your spouse, or relaxing with a cocktail and novel in hand while the kids build sandcastles and collect seashells. Take your pick of the best beaches for a slice of that paradise.

Fort Myers Beach is the most famous of them all, a picture-perfect haven ideal for sunbathing and kayaking, with amenities aplenty (read: cocktails). But if seclusion is key, Bowditch Point Park is a chance for couples to quietly canoodle, an oasis soundtracked by the soothing ocean. Bunche Beach is another local favourite that allows for swimming, fishing, and birdwatching.

You can see which beaches are currently open here.

You’re pretty much guaranteed wildlife spotting every day

Overtourism has taken the magic out of wildlife spotting in many locations, but in Fort Myers, animals and humans coexist in harmony, both positively thriving. Birdwatching is a popular local pastime, best enjoyed on the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Here, you’ll see flocks of herons, pelicans, falcons and ospreys.

To fully immerse, head to J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,400-acre tract on the northeast side of Sanibel Island that’s home to 245 species of birds, as well as dolphins, alligators and reptiles. You can take the four-mile scenic drive in a golf cart; Viator has day rentals for groups of up to six.

Manatees, arguably Florida’s cutest residents, can be found in Fort Myers too. Manatee Park is where these gentle sea cows migrate to enjoy the warm waters of Lee County during winter when it's chilly out in the gulf. See them from viewing platforms or on a rented vessel.

The fresh seafood will make your eyes roll back at first bite

The seafood in Fort Myers is phenomenal; you really have to taste it to believe it.

Chefs match the perfect sauce for every catch of the day, whether it’s grilled at a fancy beachfront restaurant, or being slurped in front of a food truck. Clams, redfish, trout and shrimp are all finger-licking good. Meals are served with a genuine warmth you won’t find in most major cities, really making you feel like part of the family.

Between October and May, mallets come out for stone crab season, and you can go hard knowing it’s one of the most sustainable seafood options around. Stone crabs are only plucked one claw at a time, with trappers releasing them back out to sea. Their missing claw regenerates as they resume normal life.

Beyond shell and scale, a slew of independent restaurants serve the full spectrum of eats, including pizza, dim sum, steaks, Cuban sandwiches and even vegan specialties. Whatever the main, always cap it off with a key lime pie. This is Florida, after all.

Everything’s surprisingly affordable

You’d be forgiven for thinking a trip to the US is a splurge, but the beauty of a lesser-frequented spot is the prices.

Fort Myers isn’t the kind of place that tourists get ripped off. An excellent cost of living means local businesses charge fair prices, and you’ll notice substantial savings on food, drink, activities and entertainment. There’s also an extensive list of free things to do, like free live music, tours and tastings, not to mention all that fun under the sun, which costs absolutely nada to soak up.

In 2024, Fort Myers was ranked in the top five ‘cheapest places to live in Florida near the beach’, and you’ll even be able to nab a bunch of ‘guest favourite’ Airbnb rentals for as little as £50 a night.

When your pound stretches further, you can stay longer, and who doesn’t love extending their holiday without breaking the bank?

Fort Myers is super accessible

With most trips to America, a car rental is imperative. The good news is that Fort Myers is within easy reach of all of South Florida’s big draws.

First up, you’re likely to arrive in Fort Lauderdale or Miami. From here, you’re looking at up to a two-and-a-half-hour drive, which by US standards is nothing, trust us. The city is also serviced locally by Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) if you’re willing to make a connection.

Walt Disney World in Orlando is just over three hours north, and the famed Everglades are two hours south – both are viable day trip options. There’s no shame in wanting to drive back to Miami to check out the South Beach parties too, which you can do multiple times during a stay.

In short, Fort Myers is an easy, breezy location with all the perks. You’ll be hesitant to share the secret.

Like the sound of a holiday to Fort Myers? Start your adventure with our handpicked holiday deals.