Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rentals

Fort Myers Beach is situated just outside the historical city of Fort Myers, which was once home to the great inventor Thomas Edison and motor vehicle pioneer Henry Ford. By booking a vacation here, you can learn about the two figures, explore the city, and relax on the beach.

Tucked inland, by the Caloosahatchee River, you will find that Fort Myers Beach is quieter than its neighboring party towns, and is a great place for a memorable family vacation. Having a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental means comfort and privacy, as you enjoy both the bustling city, and the laid-back beach.

Getting to your Fort Myers Beach Vacation Rental

Getting to your Fort Myers Beach vacation home is easy. If flying, the Southwest Florida Regional Airport is just 13 miles away. From there, take a taxi or rent a car for your trip. There is also a ferryboat option, which makes for a great arrival to the Fort Myers Beach region.

Eating Out in Fort Myers Beach

From casual grills to five-star dining, there are many choices for foodies in Fort Myers Beach. Freshly caught Floridian seafood is considered a local highlight, and in summer, food festivals abound. There is a wide selection of restaurants to cater to all tastes and budgets. You can even order food to your Fort Myers Beach vacation home and enjoy a relaxing evening in.

The Weather in Fort Myers Beach

The ideal time to book your Fort Myers Beach vacation rental is from May to October, when temperatures average at 87°F daily. July will see the hottest days of the year, when a beach vacation is ideal, but be sure to wear sun screen! If planning a stay in a Fort Myers Beach vacation home during the winter months, then expect temperatures to be anywhere from 53°F to 73°F.

The Top Sights by the Beach and City

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates are important landmarks. Encompassing 20 acres of beautiful gardens, you can find tropical plants like palms and orchids. You can also visit Edison’s former home, have a look at his lab, and learn about the many inventions he was responsible for. Make the most of the daily tours here too. The Edison Botanic Research Laboratory is a highlight and not to be missed. A visit to the Estates is sure to be fun and informative for the whole family.

Art, History and Culture in Fort Myers Beach

When you opt for a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental, you can look forward to plenty of art and culture. Start at the Southwest Florida Museum of History, located in downtown Fort Myers. Here, you can learn about the Paleo Indians, the Calusa, the Seminoles, the very first Spanish explorers, and Florida’s earliest settlers. There are plenty of exhibits and artefacts, such as the Esperanza Rail Car from 1929, plus information about the boating and fishing industries of Fort Myers.

You can also learn about the old railroad, constructed in 1904, that connects Fort Myers to the rest of the country. In those days, travel by private rail was the pinnacle of luxury, and so the construction of this line marks a significant industrial advancement.

Be sure to take the kids to visit Paleo Florida, where you’ll see exhibitions on prehistoric life. For another educational trip, try the Museum of the Islands, which was originally constructed by volunteers as a public library in the 1960s.

Activities for children in Fort Myers Beach

Families will love the IMAG History & Science Center, where children can learn interesting facts about the earth, space, history, the ocean, and technology, among other topics. The exhibits are all interactive and provide an entertaining educational experience for children. The aquarium section has a number of touch pools, which are popular with younger children.

Head to the 14-acre Sun Splash Family Water Park for a day filled with adventure. Older children will love the high-speed water slides, including one with a five-story drop, while younger children can hang out at the tot spot shallow basins and lazy river.

Visit the winter estates of Edison and Ford

The great innovators Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were very good friends, and they built their winter estates next door to each other. Visit both homes to find out more about these two men and their work. Guided and self-guided tours of the homes, gardens, research laboratory, and museum are available.

Visit Manatee Park to see these gentle marine mammals swimming in the water. You can observe the manatees from a number of platforms, or hire a kayak to go and paddle amongst them.

Regular and One-Off Events

If your stay in a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental coincides with the beginning of the month, then be sure to catch the Art Walks, organized by downtown businesses and art galleries. Locals use it to showcase art, crafts, and other interesting items, which you can also buy. There is a music walk on some weekends, where you can enjoy a huge range of sounds, from jazz to rock, and many live shows. These events are free, so don’t miss out!

The Southwest Florida Music Festival is on at Centennial Park and runs from March through August. Visitors with dogs might want to join the “Yappy Hour” to enjoy music and drinks with their pets, plus meet local vendors and pet organizations.

With so much to do in Fort Myers Beach, be sure to book your Fort Myers Beach vacation rental. They range from smaller apartments to family-sized and group vacation rental homes, and are perfect for a short or long-term vacation by the coast.

Attractions in Fort Myers Beach

Mound House

The Mound House is the oldest standing construction on Estero Island and is seated on top of an ancient Calusa Indian Shell Mound.

Times Square

Located in the heart of Fort Myers Beach adjacent to the pier, Times Square offers shops, restaurants and many activities for visitors. Relax and watch the street performers display their art.

Bowditch Point Park

The park is a nature preserve offering panoramic views across the bay, with excellent walking trails and a great swimming beach.

Fort Myers Beach

The beaches stretch along Florida’s Gulf Coast with excellent shelling available, a range of water sports and several restaurants and bars.

Lovers Key State Park

This Florida State Park stretches from Lover’s Key over three other barrier islands and is popular for swimming, bicycling, water sports, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Frequently Asked Questions