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This coastal region of Southwest Florida has region has overcome natural disaster and now offers wildlife, beaches and delicious seafood to enjoy, as we discovered for ourselves
Dreaming of blue skies, breathtaking sunsets and soft sandy beaches, and need some inspiration for where to go? We found all this and more on a trip to Southwest Florida’s Lee County, where we explored the rich history and top seafood restaurants of Fort Myers before soaking up the sun on nearby Sanibel Island, known as the seashell capital of the world.
Regenerated following the destruction caused by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, Fort Myers and its beaches, neighbourhoods and more than 100 islands are back to being a must-visit destination.
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Fort Myers’ history
Fort Myers boasts a rich history thanks to its wealth of natural resources. The area’s first inhabitants were the Calusa Indians, who discovered it around 5000 BC and left behind shell mounds, believed to have been used for both ceremonial and practical purposes.
Moving forward to the start of the 20th Century, notable Americans such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford purchased homes here, putting Lee County firmly on the map. Edison bought Seminole Lodge in 1886, which served as a winter haven for him and his wife Mina until his death in 1931. Both Edison’s and Ford’s homes are now open to the public, with tours available to book.
In downtown Fort Myers we stayed at the Luminary Hotel, which has spectacular riverside views. The rooms are spacious, and there’s Ella Mae’s Diner for hearty breakfasts and Silver King Ocean Brasserie for seafood lovers, plus the Beacon Social Drinkery rooftop bar where you can watch the sun set over a glass of wine or chilled beer.
Fort Myers’ wildlife
The Sunshine State has a remarkable variety of wildlife, from manatees and dolphins to alligators and turtles. During a ferry trip from Sanibel to an island named Cabbage Key, we saw pods of bottlenose dolphins – which inhabit Fort Myers’ bays and estuaries year round – playfully surfing in the ferry’s wake.
Another highlight was seeing manatees while kayaking around the secluded island of Captiva, just north of Sanibel. There’s also a spot named Manatee Park where visitors can observe them without the need for a kayak or paddleboard, as many head there when the Gulf of Mexico waters become too chilly. The Estero River in the Koreshan State Park is another great kayaking spot too.
Where to eat in Fort Myers
During our stay, we dined at some of Fort Myers and Sanibel’s top seafood restaurants, including Oxbow Bar and Grill, Doc Ford’s, Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille and Captain’s Catch. All had stunning views of the sunset as dinner was served, and the local shrimp dishes were standouts on the menu.
For a more relaxed feel, Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant on Sanibel Island is a must for a hearty all-American breakfast, and one lunch spot we recommend is Cabbage Key Inn, which is covered in thousands of dollar bills.
The tradition of slapping money on the ceiling and walls began in 1941 when a fisherman signed and taped his last dollar to the wall. It meant that when he returned he’d have money to buy himself a beer. The walls are now plastered with an estimated $70,000 of bills, and ones that fall off are donated to local charities.
The best beaches around Fort Myers
Florida is known for its incredible coastline, with the white sand as soft to touch as icing sugar, and there were plenty of beaches to explore on our trip. Don’t miss Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, which is covered in shells. To learn more about the island’s shells, molluscs and their ecosystems, pay a visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, which is devoted to every aspect of seashells and open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Another must-see destination is Sanibel’s Blind Pass Beach, which is ideal for sunset-viewing and fishing.
For the perfect beachside accommodation, Margaritaville Beach Resort is great for cocktails and live music during the day, while Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has a peaceful, secluded stretch of sand to unwind on.
How Fort Myers is rebuilding and recovering
It’s impossible to visit this part of Florida and not acknowledge the devastation wrought by Hurricane Ian in 2022, when ferocious storms of 160mph hit the region, with Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island and Sanibel Island bearing the brunt of the damage.
However, a gradual rebuilding process has been underway in Lee County over recent years. While the recovery efforts are ongoing, homes and businesses have been reconstructed, the stunning beaches are open, and wildlife is thriving, restoring this beautiful part of the USA as a top holiday hotspot.
How much does it cost to visit Fort Myers?
For more on Fort Myers and the area, go to Fort Myers Islands, Beaches & Neighbourhoods. Rooms at Luminary Hotel & Co. start from $195 (£145) per night. Rooms at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa start from $250 (£185) per night.
For more accommodation options, search via sites such as Booking.com or Expedia.