There's lots to do and see in this growing corner of southwest Florida. Visit wildlife refuges, learn about the past through historic buildings and museums, explore secret inlets and coves by canoe or kayak, fish to your heart's delight, or just relax under a shaded palm and soak in the tropical atmosphere.
Family Fun
For some family fun just across the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral to the north of the city, there's plenty of action, rides and activities at the Sun Splash Family Waterpark. Children will be enthralled with both the indoor and outdoor exhibits at the Children's Science Center. For light entertainment, there's country music fun at the Ricochet or bowling at Gator Lanes.
Museums
For historic landmarks in the downtown district, visit the Burroughs Home, and the Florida Repertory Theatre, where plays and musical productions are performed to the enjoyment of the community. For more historic information on the development and settlement of the area during the days of cattle drives, the Civil War, and the Seminole Indians, don't miss the Fort Myers Historical Museum and the Imaginarium. In Estero, there is the well known Koreshan State Historic Site, a legacy from a community sect that left its mark on the area and made significant contributions to its settlement.
On Sanibel and Captiva, the only museum devoted solely to sea shells is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. For an appreciation of the culture and history of the area, the Cape Coral Historical Society Museum offers a fascinating insight into early Florida settlement days.
Nightlife
An evening out on the town can include the Lido Cafe, a popular place for Latin music, dining and dancing. The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre is where terrific food is served buffet-style with lavish desserts, and live entertainment. There's also the Groove Street Grille & Discotheque where nostalgic music and delicious food make a great combination. For some Las Vegas style gambling action, try a few hours on the Big "M" Casino Cruise.
Shopping
For the avid shopper, there's plenty to discover, from flea markets to upscale shopping centers such as the Edison Mall. On Estero Island, south of Fort Myers, you can spend the day browsing 100 brand name outlet stores at Miromar Outlets. There's more shopping on charming Sanibel Island. Don't miss the bargain shops at Tanger Factory Stores Sanibel, with its 56 diverse stores.
For the flea market aficionado, Fort Myers offers the Fleamasters Fleamarket, with 900 booths of all manner of treasures, collectibles, and junk you can't live without, but where you'll definitely spend a few hours of fun spending a few dollars and chatting with the locals. There's another great mega flea market just north of Fort Myers at the Northside Drive-In Flea Market with 300 booths.
In South Fort Myers, learn all about the citrus industry with tours of the Sun Harvest Citrus. There's also plenty to discover about the environment and ecology of the area through the eco-tours offered through Everglades Day Safari. In downtown Fort Myers, the 105-acre Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium has a museum, an aviary, nature trails and picnic areas. With tours and nature shop, you'll find there's a lot to learn and enjoy. For outdoor fun and wildlife discovery, a visit to the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must.