Vacation Rentals in Fort Myers

Fort Myers cuisine typically includes lots of seafood which is not surprising considering its location along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River. Choose a waterfront restaurant for a romantic meal under the stars. The downtown Skip One Seafood Restaurant serves up speciality platters consisting of frog legs, lobsters, snow crabs, soft shell crabs and more. Prawnbroker Restaurant and Fish Market is another favorite that seldom disappoints.

For an elegant supper, dine at The Verandah restaurant, housed in two early 20th century homes in downtown Fort Myers. The town has plenty of chain and fast-food restaurants for those looking for something familiar.

Fort Myers is an all-weather destination owing to its predominantly sunny climate. However summer is the undisputed peak season. Vacation rentals in Fort Myers can be hard to find during this period so book well in advance. Rain in June is also a possibility so carry some rain gear just in case.

September to November is quieter as it's hurricane season, but there will be a lot more availability and variety in vacation homes around Fort Myers. The season picks up in winter as residents from the colder states head south and descend for a jaunt in the sun. March to May is Spring Break, so many of the vacation rentals in Fort Myers will be filled with college students.

1. Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Dedicated to friends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, this museum is housed within their adjacent former winter homes. A great program of events, tours and a botanical garden make this a must-visit attraction.

2. Casula Nature Center and Planetarium

With its bald eagles, alligators, hawks and owls, as well as wetlands, artificial habitats and space-related shows, the Casula Nature Center and Planetarium is a great attraction for all the family.

3. Bunche Beach

Located between Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, Bunche Beach is a fantastic spot for kayaking and birdwatching. Kids will love collecting shells here at low tide.

4. Manatee Park

Witness the endangered Florida Manatee in its natural environment, from special viewing areas. You can also launch a canoe into the Orange River from here, visit the butterfly gardens and refuel in the picnic area.

5. Lakes Regional Park

The 279-acre public park south of Fort Myers features a scenic boardwalk, biking trails, fragrant gardens, kayaking opportunities and a 15-minute Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad ride.

6. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

Alligators, otters, turtles and wading birds reside in these tranquil wetlands that expand over 3,500 acres. Visit the Interpretive Center and observe the wildlife from the boardwalk.

7. IMAG History & Science Center

Come and delve into subjects as diverse as marine life, anatomy and the weather at this popular attraction. This informative museum has more than 50 exhibitions, many of which are interactive.

8. Butterfly Estates

One of the most colorful places in Fort Myers, these beautiful estates are home to the Florida butterfly species, cascading waterfalls and a flurry of exotic plants.

9. Edison Mall

For those looking to engage in some retail therapy while on vacation in Fort Myers, be sure to check out the Edison Mall, which is home to an impressive range of retailers and eateries.

Whether you want to set off for a fishing expedition with professional anglers or have a fun fishing trip with your family, Fort Myers is the fishing holiday destination that will make your buddies jealous. With its long, idyllic piers, and day-long fishing excursions, Fort Myers delivers the best fishing experience.

1. Sanibel Island

The island's lighthouse provides a fantastic fishing spot. You can get a fishing license and fishing equipment at the Bait Box fishing store, not far from the lighthouse. If you are also into collecting shells, be sure not to miss out on this shelling paradise.

2. Fort Myers Fishing Pier

Thanks to its 7 miles of coastline, Fort Myers abounds with fishing spots. The Fort Myers Beach Pier, however, is the most popular one. Relax near your beach rental and suck up some vitamin D while angling the afternoon away.

3. Punta Rassa

Nothing beats the exciting adventure of deep sea fishing at Punta Rassa, near the islands of Captiva and Sanibel. You will find several fishing charter boats here, which specialize in catching redfish, snook, tarpon and sea trout.

An excursion to the nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands is a must if birdwatching and dolphin sightings intrigue you. Bowman’s Beach is thickly-shaded area, just perfect for an al fresco picnic, while Blind Pass on Captiva island attracts families with young kids for its calm, shallow waters and snorkeling opportunities. Shell collectors will be blown away by the sheer variety that glisten under the Florida sun.

Sanibel Island is also where the manatees and loggerhead turtles return to the shore each May to lay their eggs. Bailey Tract and Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel are worth visiting, as is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Fort Myers. Another attraction kids will love is the JN Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, a fantastic 7,600 acre wildlife refuge where you can spend the day paddling, hiking, swimming or biking through the well-marked trails. The Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail features a 138-mile long waterway that weaves its way through bays, creeks, mangrove tunnels and estuaries.

Fort Myers boasts quite a varied cultural calendar, pleasing to all tastes. February features ArtFest Fort Myers and the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair, while April teases seafood lovers with the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival & Parade. Film enthusiasts will enjoy the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival.

Summer kicks off with MangoMania, a fiesta that celebrates the harvest of Pine Island’s juicy mangoes and other tropical fruits. Those passionate about motorcycles should check out Fort Myers Bike Night, which happens every second month. In the fall, the Fort Myers Boat Show is Florida's flagship boating event.

Come watch the sculptors at November's American Sand Sculpting championship Festival. The year closes with Edison & Ford Vacation Nights which features nightly entertainment and brightly-lit river cruises.

Fort Myers is a delightful destination with activities and sights, so book your vacation rental in Fort Myers to enjoy the ultimate family getaway.

Known for its pure white sand beaches, Fort Myers offers you a chance to discover the best of South-West Florida. With a beach rental, you can start your adventure, from the secluded but gorgeous beaches of Cayo Costa to the bustling beach at Lynn Hall.

1. Causeway Islands

This beach may not be the most scenic in the area, but the constant strong winds make it popular with surfing and extreme sports enthusiasts.2. Lynn Hall Memorial Park

Welcome to the most popular family attraction in Fort Myers! Apart from having lots of beach amenities including a fishing pier, a pavilion, restrooms, and picnic facilities, there are also plenty of shops and eateries here.

3. Cayo Costa State Park

This is a pristine nature park with 9 miles of secluded beaches, offering incredibly good fishing and swimming opportunities.

4. Captiva Beach

This beach is known as a romantic beach because of its stunning beauty and divine sunset views. A hidden treasure of South-West Florida, the beach has crystal clear waters that are an invitation to swim. You can rent a beach condo here with the sparkling waters just outside your front door.

5. Sanibel Island Lighthouse Beach Park

Offering fantastic views over the Gulf of Mexico and the Fort Myers skyline, this beach is also home to the Sanibel Lighthouse, which is the most photographed landmark in the area. The beach is also popular for sunbathing and shelling.