‘I found a little-known part of Florida with quiet beaches and incredible wildlife'
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.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ITV News
13 hours ago
- ITV News
What do locals in Scotland think of Donald Trump?
Donald Trump is on a trip to Scotland, but what do people make of his visit? ITV News' Ben Chapman reports from Turnberry The US President Donald Trump is now halfway through his private visit to Scotland. He is here primarily to play golf and to open his newest course, but he is fitting in meetings with the prime minister, first minister and president of the European Commission. He is famously proud of his Scottish heritage, but what do people here make of this unusual presidential visit? Locals in Girvan, the closest town to Trump's luxury golf resort, had mixed views ahead of his arrival on Friday. One man said: 'There's enough trouble going on in the world at the moment without Donald Trump coming to Scotland to play golf. He's flying thousands of miles for a game of golf. I think his focus should be elsewhere. If anything good comes of it, then great, but I have my doubts.' While a woman said: 'I think it's great that he visits Scotland because his mother is from Scotland and he has invested a lot in Scotland. "He employs a lot of people in the region, and he looks after the places where he is running his business, which is great for this local economy.' "He's just such a controversial figure, and I just don't understand what he's up to. He's just causing chaos and confusion around the whole world," another man said. 'The US government won't be paying for it because it's a private trip, so I think the bill will land at the doorstep of the Scottish people. He should take some of his profits and pay for the expenses.' This mother and daughter had different views on whether Trump's visit was welcome or not. The mother said: 'I don't think it's worth it. Not for a private visit. There will be local disruption, and there is a cost implication as well. I mean, the Americans will obviously pick up some of the security, but there will also be an obligation on Police Scotland. I mean not just to police the visit but also the protests that are going to obviously result over the weekend.' Meanwhile, her daughter said Trump "brings a lot of good things to the community here". "I don't agree with everything that he does politics wise, but I think he's done a lot for the area, and I think, well, good luck to him," she added. On Friday night at Prestwick airport, more than 1,000 people camped out with deck chairs and picnic blankets to catch a glimpse of Air Force One touching down on Scottish soil. Many waited for hours to claim their spot. Surprisingly, there were no obvious protesters. Instead, the crowd was made up of dedicated plane spotters and locals who were excited to have the President of the United States and his plane land in their town. Some wore Make America Great Again caps and carried pro-Trump flags to welcome him. Samuel Ackroyd and James Swan were among those who waited more than eight hours to catch a glimpse of Air Force One. They told ITV News: 'I like Trump, but it's mainly about seeing Air Force One. 'This is a big bucket list item for aviation enthusiasts. Many of us want to see the Boeing 747-200. 'It's a great privilege to see the President of the United States land here.' A mother and her son, who came down from Fife, said: 'We've come down from Fife today to see President coming for the first time. We've never plane spotted in Ayr before but we wanted to be here today for this.' On Saturday morning, Trump was out on the golf course bright and early, but unlike his last visit as president, there were no protesters on the beach next to the Turnberry course. There was just the odd Trump supporter hanging around to try and see him in person. This couple travelled to Ayrshire from Liverpool to show their support. The man said: 'We support MAGA (Make America Great Again) and Trump and what he's doing. We've just made our way down to the golf course to try and catch a glimpse of him. Mainly because it might be the only chance we ever get to see him here. I know he's doing a state visit in London, but that will be all private escorts and everything, so we thought we'd try to see him while we can.' In the afternoon, planned anti-Trump protests took place in Aberdeen and Edinburgh, far from the president's eyes. Many there said they were frustrated and angry that he is being welcomed by our prime minister and first minister, and that he is coming on a private golfing trip that is costing taxpayers here. 'Trump's not welcome in Scotland. He has done too much damage globally. He's a global leader, but he doesn't like one or think like one. And we didn't vote for him here, yet he's here in Scotland today, and we're not happy about it. "He claims Scottish heritage, but he is not from Scotland. He doesn't share our values. We care about people. We care about diversity. Scotland has people in every single country in the world. He's just focusing on making America great. What does that even mean? It doesn't mean anything.' 'He wants to come and see his businesses, then let him pay for the security. Let him pay for the police. He's always bragging about how rich is, even though he didn't release his tax returns. So let him use some of all that money that he's had from all that winning and all those fantastic trade deals. 'He keeps telling everyone he's really wealthy and he's got all this money. Let him pay for it. I see, absolutely no reason why we should pay one penny for that orange walloper.' 'I am an American living here now, and he is just an embarrassment. I don't even want to go back to America right now. This is just a little part I can do because I'm not there. I can still vote, but I can't go to any protest there, so I just want to come out here and support everyone. I feel good that there are other people sharing my sentiment. 'He's like an evil genius. I don't know what it is, but he's Teflon Don. That's his nickname. These people are just kissing the ring because they feel they need to. "And I think once he is gone, whether it's a cheeseburger too many or whatever, I think it'll all go away because I don't think anybody has his level of depravity.' On Monday, Trump is set to meet the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. On Tuesday, he will open his new golf course in Aberdeenshire, which is named after his Scottish mother, Mary Anne MacLeod. He is due to leave Scotland on Tuesday afternoon.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'I moved from the US to the UK and one British habit scares me daily'
Jessica Wilkinson shares updates about her family and their travels online. In one recent video, she spoke about their move to the UK as she talked about all the things they're 'still not used to' Those who move countries often have to adapt to the lifestyle changes of their new chosen location. However, one mum who has moved with her family from the US to the UK admits there is one thing about living in Britain that 'scares her daily' Jessica Wilkinson shares updates about her family and their travels on Instagram account @ourmicroadventures, which boasts 28,700 followers. In one recent reel, she spoke about their move to the UK as she talked about all the things they're 'still not used to'. The video starts with a clip of Jessica and her family in their new UK home. Overlay text reads: "Things in our UK house we're still not used to two years later." The first thing she mentions is emptying the dryer as she's seen pouring the water from the tumble dryer drawer down the sink. She also is left baffled by the fact that there are no screens on windows. Many Americans have screens on their windows to keep insects out. The screens are a standard feature in most homes, particularly in places where mosquitoes and other insects are rife. They allow for ventilation by letting in fresh air while keeping the pests out. Jessica is also still getting used to turning on the electrical outlets to use things like the kettle. However, it is the last point which she admits "scares her daily" – getting the mail put through the door. Most Americans instead have a mailbox at the front of their house which is away from the home instead. Following up in the caption, the mum wrote: "The last one still scares me daily. "The adjustment with the move was much harder than expected. But two years later we've finally settled in and (probably thanks to double the sunny days this year) found there's so much to love about living here!" People were fascinated by their insight as the post racked up more than 15,000 likes. Many people recommended that instead of using the tumble dryer, Jessica should get her clothes on a washing line to dry them to help save money. While another person from the US also agreed on the insect screens point.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
‘I found a little-known part of Florida with quiet beaches and incredible wildlife'
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. 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.
