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Fort Myers Things To Do Besides Shopping, Golf, or the Beach

FGCU Alico Arena in Fort Myers Things To Do

I don't mean to be aggressive on that headline, but everyone knows the Fort Myers, Florida shopping, amazing golf, and going to the beach. But if you're looking for more to do, Fort Myers has that, too. For some amazing ideas, we took to Reddit for some great crowdsourced information. Here's a list of  ideas on how to pass some time in Fort Myers, Florida whether you're here for a week, or if you've been here your whole life. I'll add to this list as people give me more recommendations.

Some Fort Myers Things To Do

  • 6 Mile Cypress Slough. A 1.2-mile boardwalk trail in a 3,500 acre wetland. A great walk where you're likely to see some nature and wild animals. It's actually quite amazing how close this is to town.
  • Fleamasters Fleamarket. On MLK near downtown Fort Myers and full of unusual items. Plus it's free to get in so shopping there provides some cheap entertainment. There's another flea market nearby, on Ortiz. They sell chickens, parrots, small birds, even pigs, and who knows what else you'll find.
  • Artwalk. Downtown Fort Myers. The first Friday of every month.
  • Kayak on the Estero River. Check out Estero River Outfitters and get some tips, and rent a kayak. The owners live on the river, so they know it well.
  • Manatee Park. When the weather gets cold, the big sea cows flock to this area near the power station. It's a cool place for a picnic.
  • Southern Fresh Farms. A farmer's market + brewery and food trucks on the weekends. Free entry and free parking.
  • Edison Ford Homes. Don't be afraid to break free of the tour to see some really cool stuff.
  • Koreshan State Park. See the buildings left behind from the cult that founded Estero. Yes, back in the day we had a full blown cult here. What's really twisted is how many people have their wedding pictures taken there.
  • Colusa Nature Center. Nature conservatory and planetarium.
  • Sun Harvest. Possibly the most touristy spot in town. But their orange vanilla soft serve is worth it.
  • Everblades Hockey. Florida has some amazing hockey. This minor league team has been dominant and it's always an amazing time.
  • Lakes Park. Just an amazing place to go for a walk, or jog.
  • College Sports. Catch a game at FGCU
  • Baseball. The Red Sox and Twins hold their spring training here. After that, our minor league team, The Mighty Mussels, take the field.
  • Headpinz. Not just a bowling alley. I've spent entire days here.
  • Sky Zone. Another great way to escape the weather, it's an indoor trampoline park.

Yes, there's a ton of stuff to do in Southwest Florida that's not on this list, but I'm keeping it to just Fort Myers. Here's some additional ideas, from Tripadvisor.

Highest-Rated Things To Do in Fort Myers, According To Tripadvisor

Highest-Rated Things To Do in Fort Myers, According To Tripadvisor

When I was growing up in Illinois, all I did, especially in the winter when I was freezing was dream about living in Florida. It wasn't until I was 32 that I finally made my dream a reality. Living in paradise is even better than I could've imagined.

Fort Myers has so many things to do. And what I love about Florida living is that the fun doesn't stop when the weather changes. Endless summer means endless fun! From the sunny beaches to activities downtown, there's never a dull moment. I always say, even when it feels like there's nothing to do, relaxing on the beach is "something to do"!

I love all the free activities too. Heading to the beach to lay out, play some volleyball, go for a walk or a dip or soak up a great sunset. And we have so many great parks like Lakes Park or the Six Mile Cypress Slough. So while there's plenty of festivals and places to visit that have an admission fee, you don't have to spend money to have a good time in Fort Myers.

If you're looking for some ideas of fun in Fort Myers, here are the highest-rated things to do according to Tripadvisor.

1. Edison & Ford Winter Estates

The historic winter homes, acres of botanic gardens, museum, laboratory, Garden Shoppe and Museum Store are open from 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. every day.

2. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is over 3,500 acres of wetland ecosystem with a Boardwalk trail and Interpretive Center.

3. Lakes Regional Park

With walking & biking paths, a botanical garden and bike and boat rentals, Lakes Park is a beautiful place to spend a beautiful SWFL day.

4. Manatee Park

Manatees visit the park in search of warm water during the cooler days in winter, so Mid-December-March is the best time to see them when the temp of the Gulf drops below 68°.

A great place to see a Twins Spring Training or a Fort Myers Mighty Mussels game.

6. Bunche Beach

Located right at the end of John Morris Road off Summerlin in Fort Myers

7. Florida Repertory Theatre

Located in downtown Fort Myers offering a full schedule of great musicals, plays and Broadway caberet.

8. Butterfly Estates

Located in the downtown Fort Myers River District, Butterfly Estates raises and releases butterflies you can see and learn all about inside a beautiful glass conservatory.

9. Fort Myers Brewing Company

Nothing beats a cold beer on a hot Florida day and at Fort Myers Brewing Company, you'll find over 25 beers on tap plus food trucks on site every day.

10. Fleamasters Flea Market

Anything you could ever dream of can be found at Fleamasters. SWFL's biggest and best fleamarket has so many sellers and bars & restaurants.

Joe Winner spends his days combing through memes and off beat stories to bring you the side of Florida not always seen.