Fort Myers holidays

Time your holiday to Fort Myers for February or March to catch Major League Baseball’s spring training preseason. Every year, the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins come to town to warm up for the season ahead. Watch training and exhibition games at JetBlue Park or Hammond Stadium. Spring training is also a great day out and a chance to (respectfully) ask players for autographs. 

Downtown, also known as the River District, is the best area to stay in Fort Myers if you want to be at the centre of everything. By day, wander through art galleries, boutique shops and antique stores, or stroll along the river and picnic in the parks. At night, the place comes alive with the sound of music drifting from bars and venues hosting live bands, jazz nights and open-mic performances.

Good for: Art, boutiques, nightlife

Named after esteemed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, this neighbourhood is deeply rooted in African-American history. Explore streets lined with landmarks that tell the stories of its residents’ struggles, achievements and aspirations. Festivals and events fill the calendar, including an Easter parade and an annual music festival in September. This is also a great place to go if you like soul food.

Good for: Events, history, soul food

Whether you want to sip cocktails under the stars, check out a live band on the beachfront or dance to world-class DJs, the nightlife in Fort Myers has got you covered. The River District in Downtown is the place for open-mic nights and nightclubs, while Fort Myers Beach is more laid back and the best place to watch the sunset.

The restaurants in Fort Myers have something for every palate, from fresh seafood to international cuisine to traditional American comfort food. Opt for a table with a sea view at the beachfront, and try Gulf fish like grouper, mahi-mahi and stone crab. Looking to sample the local soul food? The Farmer’s Market Restaurant is your best bet.

Whether you’re seeking a patch of sand to relax in or a place to collect shells, the beaches in Fort Myers are sure to deliver. While the city is situated along the river, the nearby Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island is wide, sandy and great for volleyball and watersports. You’ll find shelling and nature walks on the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, just a short drive from Fort Myers.