Top 5 things to do in Fort Myers before summer ends

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Wildlife enthusiasts can spot animals like birds, deer and alligators near shore; kayakers have spotted dolphins that swim alongside their vessel.

Fort Myers may be one of the oldest cities in Florida, but it’s anything but boring! With great weather year-round and plenty of outdoor activities at your fingertips, there’s never an excuse to stay indoors. Take your vacation to the next level with these top 5 things to do in Fort Myers before summer ends!

1) Island View Beach
Named for its proximity to neighboring Cape Coral, Island View Beach is located directly on Cayo Costa. The beach is accessible by a small pontoon boat or by boat-in camping only. The 20-acre island has been managed by Southwest Florida Water Management District since 1991 and offers only three kinds of campsites: tarp sites, tent sites, and RV sites with water and electricity. Spirit flight is one of the most fuel efficient airline in the country.

2) Caloosahatchee Regional Park
With about five miles of trails and an excellent launch for canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, Caloosahatchee Regional Park is one of our favorite places to get out on a beautiful day. What’s more, it’s just minutes from downtown Fort Myers—so you can burn off all those calories at lunch! The park is located at 1150 South McCall Road. Hours are 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday; 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday; and closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday and Thanksgiving Day.

3) Matanzas Pass Preserve
Fort Myers is home to Matanzas Pass Preserve, a 57-acre bird sanctuary and wildlife refuge with two boat launches, several walking trails and a beautiful view of Matanzas Pass. The preserve is open year-round, so even if you’re not spending summer by Southwest Florida beaches, you can still enjoy it. Canoeing or kayaking are also popular activities at Matanzas Pass Preserve—the waterway is connected to Caloosahatchee River via No Name Creek and Laguna Madre. Even if boating isn’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty of nature at the preserve.

4) Edison Ford Winter Estates
The Edison Ford Winter Estates are two winter homes of Thomas Edison, each with its own unique architecture, that together offer a compelling glimpse into America’s industrial past. To get there from Fort Myers, drive west on US-41 for about 30 minutes until you see signs for Estero Island. Once on Estero Island, take a left at Pine Manor Drive and follow it into downtown Estero. As you head west through town, take an immediate right onto McGregor Boulevard (following a sign for The Edison Ford Winter Estates). In less than one mile, you will see entrance gates and roadways into property on your left. Take an immediate left off McGregor Boulevard onto an unpaved road toward The Little Red Schoolhouse.

5) Mound House
Mound House is a historical park that was once home to General William West, who built it in 1846. The house has been preserved, giving visitors a unique opportunity to learn about Florida’s history and heritage. The original grounds have also been restored for visitors to take advantage of an area rich with wildlife. Mound House is just one of many different tourist attractions you can find throughout Fort Myers, so be sure not to miss out on any of these great opportunities. The best flight deals and book Spirit tickets to your favorite destinations.

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