Hooks Fish and Chicken Fort Myers Updated

Hooks Fish and Chicken Fort Myers

Photo Courtesy: Jeff Greenberg/Contributor/Getty Images

Originally a military machine base, Fort Myers, Florida annually welcomes more than than five million tourists from all over the world. Regularly accumulating "all-time" accolades from places like TripAdvisor, Southern Living and Thrillist, Fort Myers is ane of those Florida destinations with something for everyone.

Located conveniently on the Gulf side of Southern Florida, Fort Myers has a lot more going on than its white-sand beaches and palm trees. Not bogged down by entertainment parks or leap breakers, a Fort Myers getaway can provide both exciting endeavors and a chance to rest and relax.

Whether you've contemplated going to Fort Myers earlier or you lot're looking for new things to do in the "Urban center of Palms," this getaway guide can aid you lot become started on that vacation itinerary.

Editor'southward Note: For information on the latest pandemic-related travel requirements and advisories, be sure to bank check the Centers for Disease Command and Prevention (CDC) website , besides every bit airline and destination requirements regarding mask wearing, quarantine, and COVID-xix testing.

Of All Florida Destinations, Why Fort Myers?

Photograph Courtesy: Jeff Greenberg/Contributor/Getty Images

Located in Florida'due south southern one-half, Fort Myers is a neat place to set a "home base of operations" if twenty-four hour period trips are your thing. Just a few hours from Tampa, Miami and Orlando, visitors can get a gustation of Florida's other offerings, too. Fort Myers is even closer to other pop beach destinations, like Cape Coral and Pine Island, but trust us — at that place's so much to do in Fort Myers that yous don't accept to go out it.

Fort Myers is loaded with history. Bated from its connectedness to the Seminole and Civil Wars, information technology was the winter homes of former U.Due south. President Henry Ford and American inventor Thomas Edison. Their homes have been preserved, making them museums that offering a window into America'due south past.

If you're looking to feel continued to the beautiful nature in Fort Myers, in that location are plenty of options. It'south no hugger-mugger that Fort Myers has some of the best beaches Florida has to offer, simply a lesser-discussed staple is the Caloosahatchee River, which cuts through the metropolis. In that location, you lot'll find the Estero Bay Preserve and State Park, which is filled with great hikes, boating and the opportunity to connect with nature.

Looking to learn more about the area's precolonial history? Another popular destination is on Calusa land. At that place, you'll find the Mound House, which provides information about the tribe'south history and practices as well as environmental exploration. Calusa people in one case occupied land from Tampa Bay down to Florida'due south southern tip, so the greater Fort Myers' area is filled with ways to learn about the Calusa people.

But be warned when visiting Fort Myers — you may want to stay there forever. The beach-filled area is home to plenty of residential communities, many dedicated to folks who are retired or close to retiring historic period. The Pelican Preserve, for example, houses residents aged 55 and up and boasts some of the best golfing in the state.

Let'south Become to the Beach! What Are the All-time Fort Myers' Beaches?

Fun fact: Fort Myers Beach is actually located on Estero Isle. It's still in Fort Myers proper, merely don't exist confused if you take to drive over a bridge to get to the beach. The beach goes on for vii miles, and then in that location are enough of options in the greater Lee Canton surface area in addition to Fort Myers proper. Its soft white sand and warmer Gulf waters make Fort Myers a worthy destination for all beachgoers.

A few of the all-time beaches, like Pink Crush Beach and Lani Kai, are associated with resorts that own their own stretches of beach. Staying at a certain hotel tin accept intendance of the "which embankment should nosotros visit?" question, especially if the beach fee is included in your stay. The potential downside? These areas have the most hustle and bustle, and so if crowds aren't your thing avoid these hotel-owned shores.

On the southern part of Fort Myers Beach, you lot'll detect Lovers Key State Park. It's two miles long and non as crowded equally other nearby beaches. Full of Instagrammable angles, Lovers Key is touted as a more romantic spot and less of a place to socialize. Another perk? If you've had enough beachtime relaxation, you tin can hands pivot to outdoor activities like hiking, biking and shark line-fishing. But, for pet owners, the best office might exist that this beach has a section where dogs are allowed, which many other Fort Myers beaches lack.

Finally, Bowditch Point Park is on the northern tip of the Fort Myers Beach strip. This area is more mellow, just instead of being closer to the mainland, it's nearer to the ocean, which meansviews volition exist more suited for bird- and gunkhole-watchers. It also has hiking trails for country lovers and paddling trails for those who are hungry for more than watery adventures.

Y'all may run into a dolphin or 2 at any of these locations. Pelicans and other exotic birds fly overhead yr-circular. A expert reminder that while you're relaxing on the beach, you should be sure to take a infinitesimal to appreciate everything around y'all.

Fort Myers' Best Food and Places to Stay

Fort Myers has a lot to offer anyone with an empty stomach. Vegetarian options include Green Loving cup Buffet and B2U's restaurant. While it can be easy to acquaintance Floridian restaurants with food for tourists, eclectic options like Orangish Pepper Sushi & Thai or Iguana Mia ensure that you won't be stuck eating french fries for every repast. Unless that's on your vacation'south itinerary, in which example, we won't judge.

For more than upscale dining that's geared toward adults and couples, effort Firestone. The Bar & Grill/Martini Bar boasts rooftop seating, state-of-the-art screens and a rima oris-watering carte. Local breweries like Point Ybel host communal happenings like live music and yoga demos, all while dishing out craft brews.

For the giant resort feel, look no further than Pink Beat Beach and Resort. With over 200 rooms and 12 acres of beachfront property, Pink Vanquish is a hub for weddings, piece of work retreats and getaways of all sorts. For more than lowkey lodging, we recommend Tiki on the Embankment Hotel or Silver Sands Villas.

The One Matter You Can't Miss in Fort Myers

Recall how we said Fort Myers is a cracking style to experience every bit much Florida as possible? When nosotros hold up Fort Myers' beaches against its great food, interesting history and can't-miss restaurants, information technology'due south hard to choose between them. Merely what people don't ofttimes associate with Fort Myers are swamplands — and they tin be worth visiting, even if you're more than of a beach lover.
The Six Mile Slough Preserve is a three,500 acre stretch of swampy, protected land that'due south surrounded by areas of development. There's a boardwalk and an information center, but, most excitingly, it's home to otters, turtles and alligators. A visit to this sustainable site offers great photo ops and a chance to move around and shake the sand off your shoes for a bit.