6 Perfect Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach

So you are visiting Fort Myers Beach to sit your bum on the beach and soak up the sun, but you also want other things to do in Fort Myers. Not to fear! I have you covered.

Alex and I try to travel to Fort Myers every year to visit his parents who live down there part-time. Since we are not ones to lay on a beach all day, we always bike around trying to find new places to explore. Fort Myers has more to offer than just beautiful beaches, and I will go through some of my favorite things to do! Get ready for the best things to do in Fort Myers, including hiking trails, good food and drinks, sports, and the best sunset spots!

Much of Southwest Florida suffered greatly from Hurricane Ian. Many areas and businesses will need months or much longer to rebuild, including those in this post. Please check with local websites and officials before visiting and reach out to them if you have any questions.

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Best Things to Do in Fort Myers

**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.

1. Matanzas Pass Preserve

One of the best things to do in Fort Myers to get out of the sun and get moving is hiking in Matanzas Pass Preserve. Matanzas Pass Preserve is a 60-acre sanctuary located behind the Fort Myers Library on the strip. It has 1.25 miles of walking trails that lead you through a beautiful canopy of trees and is a great place to see wildlife!

The trail in Matanzas Pass Preserve will lead you to a beautiful view of Estero Bay where you can take a break before venturing into the rest of the mangroves. There is also a landing where you can paddle in and out from! It’s a great place to relax and get away from the beach.

If you are looking to experience Matanzas Pass Preserve in its most beautiful state, I recommend exploring it during sunrise. The light coming through the canopy of trees is breathtaking!

2. Bowditch Point Park

Bowditch Point Park, best things to do in Fort Myers Beach - Photo by Alex Iby

Another one of the best things to do in Fort Myers to get away from the hot beach is Bowditch Point Park. Bowditch Point Park is made up of 17 acres with 10 acres dedicated to a preserve area. There are a few walking trails through beautiful trees that lead you to the water. This is also a great area to see wildlife, including birds and turtles!

Although this is connected to the main beach, it is much more peaceful and serene. It’s a great place to hang out if you want to soak up the sun in a quiet place. There is also a park with grills and tables available for free. It’s the perfect area to set up for the day!

3. Downtown Fort Myers

Ready for some good food and live music? Downtown Fort Myers is the place to be! There are so many great restaurants and cute bars (including rooftop) downtown! There is also a history museum, science center, art center, and Edison & Ford Estates. There is something for everyone!

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants and bars in downtown Fort Myers:

Ford’s Garage: SO MANY BEERS and great food! The decor in Ford’s Garage is also amazing. They have a car on the ceiling!!
Downtown House of Pizza: Some of the BEST pizza in Fort Myers! If you are looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Downtown House of Pizza is for you! OH, and they have gluten-free AND vegan options!
The Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar: Two words - rooftop bar. The Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar has a great atmosphere with delicious drinks and a great view! In my opinion, this is also the best bar if you are looking for good nightlife.
Pinchers: Some of the best seafood in Fort Myers! Pinchers is located near Edison & Ford Estates about 1 mile from the actual downtown area. It is well worth the short drive or walk to get great seafood and a beautiful view of the Caloosahatchee River!

The only downside to downtown Fort Myers is it is a bit of a drive (about 30 minutes) from Fort Myers Beach. In my opinion, it is well worth it though!

4. MLB Spring Training Game

Looking for some live sports? Even if you are not a Red Sox fan, you can still enjoy a live preseason MLB game if you are visiting between February and March. It is about a 30-minute drive to the JetBlue Park stadium and tickets can be less than $20! Can’t beat that!!

5. Bucket O Fun at Flippers

Alright, let’s all be honest here. You want to know the best drinking spot. To be honest, there are many! You really can’t go wrong in Fort Myers Beach. BUT there is a special treat that is less known. Flippers is a beautiful restaurant located down the strip on the water. It is the PERFECT place to see dolphins! Hence the name Flippers! Many people visit here by boat, but it is accessible by car, too.

And the best part… Bucket O Fun. What is it, you ask? A Bucket O Fun is exactly what you think it is. A giant bucket filled with a lot of alcohol, and it is delicious! It has a few kinds of Bacardi mixed with fruit juice. YUM!!! It is really good. And to top it off, they have AMAZING strawberry daiquiris. Like I mean, the best I have ever had. Flippers is definitely worth a trip!

6. Watch the Sunset

One of the best things to do in Fort Myers is to catch a beautiful sunset! It is the perfect way to end every day, especially in Fort Myers Beach. I have seen some of the most beautiful sunsets in Fort Myers Beach. Here are some of the best locations for sunset:

Fort Myers Beach Pier: This is the classic spot to watch the sunset in Fort Myers Beach. I recommend getting a spot 20-30 minutes before the sunset because it gets crowded quickly. I personally enjoy watching the sunset near the Fort Myers Beach pier, but it can also be enjoyed at the end of the pier. Either option will provide gorgeous views!

Fort Myers Beach Pier sunset - best things to do in Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach Bridge: The first bridge leading to Fort Myers Beach is the perfect location to watch the sunset. It offers 360° views that go on for miles. This spot can get crowded, so I recommend getting a spot on the bridge 10-15 minutes before sunset.

Fort Myers Beach Bridge sunset - best things to do in Fort Myers Beach

Bowditch Point Park: Bowditch Point Park is not only a great place to explore during the day but is an amazing spot to watch the sunset. Most people will be by the pier, so the beach near Bowditch Point Park offers a peaceful alternative! Because this is a a beautiful sunset spot, many engagement shoots take place here. I recommend getting to Bowditch Point Park 20-30 minutes before the sunset to secure a spot!

Sunset at Bowditch Point Park - best things to do in Fort Myers Beach - Photo by Alex Iby

There is a lot of things to do in Fort Myers, and I only touched on a few of my favorites. I personally love Fort Myers Beach because you don’t have to sit on a beach all day every day. With a variety of things to do in Fort Myers Beach, it is a great vacation spot!