From the white sand beaches of Pensacola to the storied streets of Brickell, there’s no shortage of spectacular attractions scattered across Florida. The state’s western coast in particular is home to a wealth of fascinating destinations—Ybor City, Clearwater Beach, and Siesta Key, to name a few—but one particular city tends to fly under the radar when it comes to tourism across the Sunshine State. A historic community once frequented by Thomas Edison, Fort Myers is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend getaway.
While nearby Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach have earned acclaim for their idyllic beaches and shoreside resorts, the city of Fort Myers is undergoing a tourism renaissance of its own right now—a quality that’s best represented by the Luminary Hotel & Co., a brand new addition to the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. Officially unveiled in September 2020, this polished AAA Four Diamond venue is breathing new life into the food, drink, and hospitality scene across the Fort Myers River District.
There’s a plethora of dining options to be found within the hotel, but one particular spot is an absolute must-visit for sunset. Located on the very top floor, the Beacon Social Drinkery offers a plethora of cocktails, local beer, and wine options paired with savory small bites, all presented alongside a spectacular view of the Caloosahatchee River. For brunch, Ella Mae’s Diner pays homage to one of Fort Myers’ most accomplished businesswomen, serving decadent Southern fare and milkshakes in a vintage 1950s-style diner. If you’re in search of sophisticated fine dining, head straight to the lobby to find the Silver King Ocean Brasserie, a polished venue that offers Alaskan Halibut, charred octopus, and a wealth of other flavorful seafood dishes.
It may be tempting to spend your entire trip lounging around the Luminary, but don’t miss out on the wealth of bars and restaurants scattered across the downtown district. If you’re in need of hearty Mediterranean fare, Bruno’s of Brooklyn has mastered the fine art of Sicilian cuisine, using time-honored family recipes to serve up savory panella di ceci and meatball parm. For a more rustic vibe, The Lodge looks as though it was plucked straight off of a mountainside in Colorado, its walls adorned with deer mounts and images of snow-capped peaks. While this spot specializes in hearty BBQ fare ranging from beef brisket to burnt ends, it’s also one of Fort Myers’ go-to spots for whiskey and local craft brews.
Speaking of beer, Fort Myers is home to a bustling brewery scene of its very own, with Coastal Dayz Brewery standing out as one of the city’s newest—and most promising—venues. Equipped with sixteen taps, the selection here ranges from the refreshing Wannabe Blonde to the hearty Pirate’s Porter, with hoppy IPAs and guest ciders in between.
From late February to the end of March, baseball reigns supreme in the city of Fort Myers. As spring training kicks into high gear, Sox fans are welcome to head down to Fenway Park South, belt out Sweet Caroline at the top of their lungs, then swing by Fort Myers Brewing Company for a celebratory pint, while visiting Saints fans can catch their favorite players just west at Hammond Field. If you’re visiting from April to January, no worries—there’s still all sorts of nearby activities to keep you busy.
For winter visitors in particular, Manatee Park offers unparalleled opportunity to spot some of Florida’s most iconic creatures in the wild. As the weather grows cold (for Floridians, at least), large pods of manatees make their way from the Gulf of Mexico to this inland channel for the season. For anybody wishing to paddle alongside these gentle giants, Manatee Kayaking Company can be found just a short walk from the parking lot with a massive fleet of boats for rent. Even if your visit doesn’t coincide with peak manatee season, the verdant forests and glittering water makes Manatee Park worth visiting year round.
