Traveler Guide

Public Transportation

"Numerous bus and trolley routes serve the Fort Myers Sanibel area, including its airport, beaches, parks and shopping areas."

Airport Service
LeeTran Bus Route 50 connects the Southwest Florida International Airport to Bell Tower Shops and Tanger Outlet Mall, with transfers to other routes. At Summerlin Square, connect to the Beach Trolley (see below).

Bus fare is $1.25, $.60 for seniors 65 and older.

Beach Trolley
The Beach Trolley runs the length of Fort Myers Beach from Bowditch Point Regional Park in the north past Times Square to Lovers Key State Park in the south.

Summerlin Square Park and Ride
This shuttle runs between Summerlin Square (Summerlin Road and San Carlos Boulevard) on the mainland and Bowditch Point Regional Park at the north end of Fort Myers Beach.

Bonita Springs Trolley
The Bonita Springs Trolley runs from Lovers Key State Park south to Bonita Beach Park and east to the Bonita Springs Kmart at Bonita Beach Road and Tamiami Trail South (U.S. 41).

Trolley and Park and Ride fare is 50 cents, 25 cents for seniors 65 and older.

More Information
Visit www.rideleetran.com or call 239-533-8726 (LEE-TRAN) for schedules, route maps and other information.

Maps & Transportation

Use this section to learn how to get to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, and how to get around once you're here.

You'll find practical information on how to get to the area by air, by car and by boat, as well as information on ground transportation and car rental. You'll be able to download area maps and explore Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Fort Myers' award-winning airport. For a list of overview and area maps, click here.
Fort Myers Sanibel Air Trips
The Fort Myers Sanibel area is served by Southwest Florida International Airport, with international and nonstop domestic service from many cities.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, is your gateway to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. RSW is located approximately 30 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and 45 minutes from Sanibel Island. More than 20 airline partners serve RSW with nonstop service throughout the U.S. and international service to Canada and Germany. With flights to major gateways like Atlanta, Chicago, New York and more, travelers have access to convenient connections worldwide.
Visitor information booths are located in the upper level atriums and baggage claim. There, travelers can ask questions and receive directions, maps and brochures for attractions and accommodations. For more information, contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@leegov.com.

For current flight schedules to and from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit the airport website at www.flylcpa.com.

Airlines serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Air Berlin 866-266-5588
Air Canada 888-247-2262
AirTran Airways 800-247-8726
American/American Eagle 800-433-7300
Cape Air 800-352-0714
Comair (Delta) 800-221-1212
Continental Airlines 800-525-0280
Delta Air Lines 800-221-1212
Delta Connection 866-221-1212
Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359
JetBlue Airways 800-538-2583
Midwest Airlines 800-452-2022
Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792
Spirit Airlines 800-772-7117
Sun Country 800-359-6786
United Airlines 800-241-6522
US Airways 800-428-4322
USA3000 Airlines 877-872-3000
WestJet 888-937-8538

Airport Ground Transportation serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Alamo Rent A Car 800-327-9633
Avis Rent a Car 800-230-4898
Budget Rent A Car 800-527-0700
Dollar Rent A Car 800-800-4000
Enterprise Rent-A-Car 800-736-8222
Hertz Car Rental 800-654-3131
National Car Rental 800-CAR RENT
Thrifty Car Rental 800-847-4389
Advantage Rent A Car 800-777-5500 (Located off-property)

Please note, Florida law requires safety belts be worn by all front-seat passengers, regardless of age. Children younger than age 4 and who weigh less than 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety car seat.

Taxi and limousine service is available at Southwest Florida International Airport, as are a number of car rental companies and public transportation. For information, call Airport Ground Transportation Information at 239-590-4738 or go to www.flylcpa.com.

LeeTran Airport Service, 239-533-8726 (LEE-TRAN), offers hourly service between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a transfer point at Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, with connections to other routes. Visit www.rideleetran.com for information.

Fort Myers Sanibel Car Trips
Getting to and around the Fort Myers Sanibel area by car is easy, with good interstate access and easy-to-navigate local roads. Lee County lies on the southwest coast of Florida and is easily reached via major interstate highways.

Interstate Travel
Interstate 10 runs east-west from California to Jacksonville, FL, and Interstate 95 extends from the northeastern U.S. to south Florida. Travelers using I-95 can take Interstate 4 west to connect with southbound Interstate 75. North-south I-75 connects directly to I-10 and is the major highway that traverses Lee County, the home of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. I-75 begins in south Florida and ends in the Midwestern U.S.

In-Town Driving
In addition to Interstate 75, major roads that convey motorists in Lee County include U.S. 41, which runs north-south and parallel to the interstate; McGregor Boulevard, which extends from downtown Fort Myers and links with roads leading to Sanibel and Captiva islands and Fort Myers Beach; and State Road 78, which connects the mainland with Pine Island, crossing Cape Coral as it extends south and west.

Tolls
Cape Coral Parkway and Midpoint Memorial bridges have a $1 fee going both ways. The bridge that takes U.S. 41 across the Caloosahatchee River is free. The Sanibel Causeway toll is $6, and is charged only for going to Sanibel Island.

Driving Times and Distances
>Distances to Lee County from Cities in Florida

City                                    Miles/Kilometers                    Drive Time

Daytona Beach                251 miles/403.9 km                4.25 hours
Jacksonville                     335 miles/539.1 km                5.25 hours
Miami                              158 miles/254.3 km                 2.5 hours
Orlando                          196 miles/315.4 km                 3.5 hours
Tampa                            126 miles/202.8 km                 2.5 hours

>Distances to Lee County from Cities outside Florida

City                                   Miles/Kilometers                     Drive Time

Boston                            1,478 miles/2,379 km              23.5 hours
Chicago                          1,290 miles/2,076 km              20 hours
Cincinnati                       1,043 miles/1,679 km              16 hours
Cleveland                       1,215 miles/1,955 km              18.75 hours
Detroit                            1,298 miles/2,089 km              20 hours
Indianapolis                    1,109 miles/1,785 km              17 hours
Milwaukee                       1,389 miles/2,235 km              21.75 hours
Minneapolis/St. Paul        1,704 miles/2,742 km             26.25 hours
New York                         1,264 miles/2,034 km             19.75 hours
Philadelphia                    1,174 miles/1,889 km              18.5 hours
St. Louis                         1,129 miles/1,817 km              17.25 hours
Washington, D.C.            1,029 miles/1,656 km              15.75 hours

Fort Myers Sanibel Boat Trips
The Fort Myers Sanibel area is a natural for boating enthusiasts, with protected waterways, miles of navigable channels and numerous full-service marinas. Seafarers visiting Lee County will find boating is one of the best ways to explore this destination, which has several large islands and miles of navigable channels.

More than 20 marinas offer services ranging from fuel and repairs to overnight dockage, and many rent boats, both for day sailors and those interested in longer excursions on the water. View marina listings.

For information on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, including boating guides to area waterways, call the West Coast Inland Navigation District at 941-485-9402.

Traveling from the Keys? Key West Express offers service from Key West to the Fort Myers Beach area.

Fort Myers Sanibel Area Day Trips
Take a short drive or cruise to Sarasota’s Ringling Museum of Art, Naples’ fabulous shopping, the wilds of the Everglades and the quaint charms of Key West.

Sarasota: Ringling Museum of Art
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a cultural attraction that’s a testament to John Ringling of the famed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, his wife, Mable, and the legacy he left to his beloved Sarasota.

Cà d’Zan, John and Mable’s palazzo on Sarasota Bay, is modeled after mansions in Venice, Italy. With art and furniture the couple gathered from around the world, the 56-room mansion is a reminder of the opulence enjoyed by the rich and famous during the Gilded Age.

The Art Museum houses not only Old Masters paintings by Rubens and Van Dyck but also a vast cache of Western and non-Western art. The Circus Museum tells the story of the greatest show on earth, with the world’s largest miniature circus, costumes, performer highlights and vintage equipment, including circus wagons.

Details:
About an hour north of Fort Myers in Sarasota, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesdays until 8 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for children 6 to 17. Tours of Cà d’Zan are reserved at the time of ticket purchase. 941-359-5700, www.ringling.org.

Naples: Shoppers’ Paradise
A shopper’s (and gourmet’s) paradise awaits in Old Naples, about 40 miles south of Fort Myers.

Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are beautiful, pedestrian-friendly shopping areas that offer unique boutiques, fine art and collectibles and outdoor cafés. Fifth Avenue South features palm trees, wide sidewalks and Mediterranean-inspired architecture, as well as art galleries, clothing boutiques, restaurants and the nearby von Liebig Art Center. The Downtown Naples Association holds monthly Evenings on Fifth, with live entertainment, street art shows and themed events.

Third Street South is a short walk from the Naples Pier. This shopping and dining area offers a number of art galleries. Collectors flock to this area in search of the next piece for their collection and the inside scoop on up-and-comers. Rounding out the choices are upscale clothing boutiques for men, women and children, home furnishings shops and fine jewelers. And when it’s time for lunch or dinner, you won’t have to venture far – you’ll find 11 restaurants within a one block area.

Details:
Third Street South, 239-434-6533, www.thirdstreetsouth.com
Fifth Avenue South, 239-435-3742, www.fifthavenuesouth.com

The Everglades: Natural Florida
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park is located in Everglades City, in the southern reaches of Collier County, about 90 minutes south of Fort Myers. From here, visitors can learn about human and natural history on a narrated boat tour or set out on a ranger-led canoe trip through the Ten Thousand Islands.

Birds and aquatic life, such as manatees and dolphins, are frequent sights throughout the year. Start inside the visitor center, where the varied ecosystems in the Everglades and maps of the intricately laced coastline are on display.

Details:
Gulf Coast Visitor Center, 239-695-3311, www.nps.gov/ever

Key West: Tropical Excursion
Take a day trip to the live-and-let-live community of Key West, at the tip of the Florida Keys.

Key West Express operates high-speed catamaran service from 1200 Main, Fort Myers Beach, to Key West, a three-and-a-half-hour trip. Adult round-trip passage is listed as $145, but passengers are encouraged to call for reservations and to inquire about current pricing and specials.

While in Key West, enjoy the unusual architecture, influenced by ship captains and plantation owners, narrow streets and tropical atmosphere, great island-style dining options and fabulous people watching. Popular pastimes are cycling around the old town center and visiting author Ernest Hemingway’s home.

Details:
For up-to-date rates and schedules, call Key West Express at 888-539-2628 or visit www.seakeywestexpress.com.

Planning Tools & Services

Use this section to find practical trip planning tools, and to see how the Lee County VCB can help you plan the perfect, stress-free getaway.

You'll find handy travel tips, weather information, local contact information and more. There's also resources for international travelers and special needs visitors.

Visitor Services
Visiting the Fort Myers Sanibel area? Reach out to Visitor Services, the area’s one-stop tourism resource for any questions you may have. The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau Visitor Services department is dedicated to assisting you with local information and recommendations. They operate Visitor Information Booths right at the airport and can also point you to chambers of commerce around town. Both options offer personal, one-on-one visitor assistance designed to help make your vacation as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. For more information call 239-590-4855, email VisitorServices@leegov.com, or go to Visitor Services.

International Travelers to Fort Myers Sanibel
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel welcomes international visitors. Use the information provided on this site in English to learn about the destination and plan your trip, or visit one of our foreign-language sites.

Visas
A visa and passport from your country of origin are generally required for entry from a foreign land into the United States. Check with your local embassy or consulate for current regulations and information about the maximum length of stay permitted.

Currency Exchange
Currency exchange is available at a couple of locations in Lee County, but there are numerous ATM machines where debit and credit card users can obtain cash from their home accounts. Look for symbols on the back of your card that match up with those on the automatic teller machine. Better yet, find out which banks in the U.S. use the same electronic transfer systems as the one at your financial institution in your home country before you leave.

Major credit cards, such as American Express, Visa and Mastercard, are readily accepted at many shops, restaurants, attractions and accommodations.

Canadian Wholesale Currency Exchange offers currency exchange services on demand for Canadian, American, United Kingdom and Euros. Travelex, on the second floor at Southwest Florida International Airport, is able to exchange most currencies on demand.

Canadian Wholesale Currency Exchange
5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd., Suite 220
Fort Myers, FL 33907
800-932-3871 or 239-275-2160

Travelex America
Southwest Florida International Airport, Concourse B
11000 Terminal Access Rd.
Fort Myers, FL 33913
239-561-2204

Visitor Information Booths at Southwest Florida International Airport
Five Visitor Information Booths are conveniently located throughout the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The booths are located on the departure level as well as in the baggage claim area – stop here first when you arrive on vacation. Here’s what you’ll find:

- Comprehensive Local Info: Get information on accommodations, attractions, things to do and more, including transportation tips and resources for international and special needs travelers.
- Travel Materials: Pick up maps, brochures and the most recent edition of the destination’s award-winning visitor guide.
- Recommendations: Enjoy concierge-style services, such as getting recommendations on kid-friendly activities and more.

Booths are staffed by volunteer Tourism Ambassadors and are open year ‘round (excluding major holidays) from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from January – April, and until 6 p.m. from May – December.

You may also contact the Visitor Services department directly at 239-590-4855 or via email at VisitorServices@leegov.com or go to Visitor Services with questions before or during your visit. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily, excluding major holidays.

Local Chambers of Commerce
Below you’ll find contact information for all 10 chambers of commerce in the area. These agencies will be happy to give you detailed information on their specific part of the Lee County area. Many chamber offices serve as welcome centers; contact individual chambers for hours of operation.

Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce
5800 Gasparilla Rd., Suite A4, Boca Grande, FL 33921
Phone: 941-964-0568, email

Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce
25071 Chamber of Commerce Dr., Bonita Springs, FL 34135
Phone: 239-992-2943, 800-226-2943

Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce
2051 Cape Coral Pkwy. E., Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone: 239-549-6900, 800-226-9609, email

Estero Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 588, Estero, FL 33929
Phone: 239-948-7990, email

Greater Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
17200 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: 239-454-7500, email

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
2310 Edwards Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-332-3624, 800-366-3622, email

Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce
3640 Pine Island Rd., Matlacha, FL 33991
Phone: 239-283-0888, email

Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce
25 Homestead Rd. N., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
Phone: 239-369-3322

North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce
2787 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 10, North Fort Myers, FL 33903
Phone: 239-997-9111, email

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce
1159 Causeway Rd., Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Phone: 239-472-1080, email

Emergency Contact Phone Numbers

Emergency
9-1-1

Emergency Management Office (hurricanes, wildfires, etc.)
239-477-3600

Sheriff's Office
239-332-3456 or 239-477-1000

Florida Poison Information Center
800-222-1222

U.S Coast Guard
239-463-5754

Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission
863-648-3202, 850-488-4676

Florida Highway Patrol
239-278-7100

American Red Cross
239-278-3401 or 239-261-8903

Elder Helpline (information and referral services for seniors 60 and older)
239-652-6901

Local Hospitals & Medical Providers

Cape Coral Hospital
636 Del Prado Blvd., Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-574-2323

Gulf Coast Medical Center
13681 Doctor’s Way, Fort Myers, FL 33912
239-768-5000

Healthpark Medical Center
9981 Health Park Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908
239-433-7799

Lee Memorial Hospital
2776 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901
239-332-1111

Lehigh Regional Medical Center
1500 Lee Blvd., Lehigh Acres, FL 33936
239-369-2101

Education

Edison State College
8099 College Parkway
Fort Myers, Florida, 33919
239-489-9300
www.edison.edu

Florida Gulf Coast University
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965
239-590-1000
www.fgcu.edu

Local Government

Lee County, Florida
239-533-2737
www.lee-county.com

City of Bonita Springs
239-949-6262
www.cityofbonitasprings.org

City of Cape Coral
239-574-0401
www.capecoral.net

City of Fort Myers
239-321-7000
www.cityftmyers.com

City of Sanibel
239-472-3700
www.mysanibel.com

Town of Fort Myers Beach
239-765-0202
www.fortmyersbeachfl.gov

Fort Myers Sanibel Welcomes Travelers with Special Needs
Welcome to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, Florida's unspoiled island sanctuary. Each area of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel is equipped to accommodate visitors with special needs. The following information will help you maximize the fun and relaxation of your island escape. We hope you will find a user-friendly, barrier-free environment during your stay here.

Click to view The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel’s comprehensive Accessibility Guide. Created especially for people with disabilities, this resource contains accessibility tourism information about accommodations, attractions, beaches and parks, dining, local services and more. Quick-reference information is also posted below.

State Regulations
Florida state law requires guide dogs to be permitted in all establishments. Motorists must yield to people with white canes or guide dogs.

Out-of-state vehicles displaying disability parking permits or plates issued by another state are allowed to park in spaces designated for disabled people. Vehicles parked in disability spaces without appropriate permits or plates are subject to fines. For information about temporary tags, call the Lee County Tax Collector's office at 239-533-6000.

Beaches & Parks

* indicates offered beach wheelchairs, courtesy or paid rentals

Boca Grande & Outer Islands

Boca Grande Lighthouse Park*

Cayo Costa State Park*

Gasparilla Island State Park*

Bonita Springs

Bonita Beach Park

Dog Beach

Cape Coral

Yacht Club Public Park*
>Beach also has new ADA-approved playground
for 2- to 5-year-olds with handicapped swing
and access platforms to equipment.

Fort Myers

Bunche Beach

Fort Myers Beach

Bowditch Point Regional Park
>Has beach access via mat.
>Trails are mulched so could be accessed.

Little Hickory Island Beach Park

Lovers Key State Park*
>Tram has wheelchair lift.

Lynn Hall Park

Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Andi Rossi Lane Park
>Kayak and canoe access only.

Blind Pass Beach, Bowman’s Beach, Captiva Beach, Gulfside City Park, Lighthouse Park Beach, Sanibel Causeway Beaches, Tarpon Bay Beach, Turner Beach: Courtesy beach wheelchairs provided upon 24-hour notice to the City of Sanibel Police Department, 472-3111, Dispatch. SPD contracts with Billy’s Rentals for free chairs, based on availability.

Wheelchair Rentals – Beach and Regular

Advanced Home Oxygen & Medical Equipment (serving Lee County)
3462 Fowler St.
Fort Myers
239-278-0060

Advanced Medical Products (serving Lee and Collier counties)
8955 Wake Fern Dr.
Bonita Springs
239-948-4340

Advanced Mobility Medical Depot (serving Lee County)
560 Pine Island Rd.
North Fort Myers
239-997-3000
www.allmobilitysystems.com

Billy's Rentals (serving the Sanibel & Captiva Islands area)
1470 Periwinkle Way
Sanibel
239-472-5248
www.billysrentals.com

Budget Mobility (serving Lee County)
12165 Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers
239-936-5577 or 888-207-1013

Fun Rentals (serving the Fort Myers Beach area)
1901 Estero Blvd.
Fort Myers Beach
239-463-8844
www.funrentals.org

Happy Baby Rentals (serving the Fort Myers Beach area)
16401 Arbor Ridge Dr.
Fort Myers
239-765-7368
www.happybabyrentals.com

Scooters Plus (serving Southwest Florida)
3083 Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers
239-337-1773
info@sosmed.com
Rentals and repairs, electric or manual.

Local Transportation

The following companies provide nonemergency medical transportation on a fee-for-service basis. Discuss fees before making an appointment for transportation.

AC Non-Emergency Transport
239-368-2605

Advanced Quality Transport Service
239-656-0911

Elite Transportation
239-334-6001

Good Wheels
239-768-6184

Lee Tran (Lee County Transit)
239-533-8726, TDD: 239-277-5037,
www.rideleetran.com
Reduced fares may apply if the user is elderly or disabled.

Other Local Services

Center for Independent Living
3626 Evans Ave.
Fort Myers
239-277-1447
TTY: 239-277-3964
Toll free: 888-343-6991
www.cilfl.org
Adaptive aids/equipment, disabled services and referrals, medical supplies and equipment.

Deaf Services Center of S.W. Florida Inc.
1860 Boy Scout Dr., Suite B208
Fort Myers
239-461-0334
TTY: 239-461-0438
www.dsc.us
Interpreter services for hearing-impaired people. Information, referral and assistive devices for demonstration and distribution.

Florida Division of Blind Services
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 207
Fort Myers
239-278-7130
fcn.state.fl.us/dbs/
Informational and referral services for visually handicapped people.

United Way 211
Dial 211 from any telephone or 239-433-3900
TTY: 239-939-3112
24-hour information and referral service.

Online Resources for People with Special Needs

Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality, www.sath.org

Wheelchairs on the Go, www.wheelchairsonthego.com

Air Canada, www.aircanada.com/en/

American Airlines, www.aa.com

Continental, www.continental.com

Delta, www.delta.com

JetBlue, www.jetblue.com

Southwest, www.southwest.com

Spirit, www.spiritair.com

US Airways, www.usairways.com

Fort Myers Sanibel Air Trips

"The Fort Myers Sanibel area is served by Southwest Florida International Airport, with international and nonstop domestic service from many cities. "

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, is your gateway to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. RSW is located approximately 30 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and 45 minutes from Sanibel Island. More than 20 airline partners serve RSW with nonstop service throughout the U.S. and international service to Canada and Germany. With flights to major gateways like Atlanta, Chicago, New York and more, travelers have access to convenient connections worldwide. Visitor information booths are located in the upper level atriums and baggage claim. There, travelers can ask questions and receive directions, maps and brochures for attractions and accommodations. For more information, contact Visitor Services at visitorservices@leegov.com.

For current flight schedules to and from The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit the airport website at www.flylcpa.com.

Airlines serving Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Air Berlin 866-266-5588

Air Canada 888-247-2262

AirTran Airways 800-247-8726

American/American Eagle 800-433-7300

Cape Air 800-352-0714

Comair (Delta) 800-221-1212

Continental Airlines 800-525-0280

Delta Air Lines 800-221-1212

Delta Connection 866-221-1212

Frontier Airlines 800-432-1359

JetBlue Airways 800-538-2583

Midwest Airlines 800-452-2022

Southwest Airlines 800-435-9792

Spirit Airlines 800-772-7117

Sun Country 800-359-6786

United Airlines 800-241-6522

US Airways 800-428-4322

USA3000 Airlines 877-872-3000

WestJet 888-937-8538

Airport Ground Transportation

The following car rental companies offer service at Southwest Florida International Airport:

Alamo Rent A Car 800-327-9633

Avis Rent a Car 800-230-4898

Budget Rent A Car 800-527-0700

Dollar Rent A Car 800-800-4000

Enterprise Rent-A-Car 800-736-8222

Hertz Car Rental 800-654-3131

National Car Rental 800-CAR RENT

Thrifty Car Rental 800-847-4389

The following car rental companies do not have a check-in counter at the airport and are located off-property:
Advantage Rent A Car 800-777-5500
Please note, Florida law requires safety belts be worn by all front-seat passengers, regardless of age. Children younger than age 4 and who weigh less than 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety car seat.
Taxi and limousine service is available at Southwest Florida International Airport, as are a number of car rental companies and public transportation. For information, call Airport Ground Transportation Information at 239-590-4738 or go to www.flylcpa.com.
LeeTran Airport Service, 239-533-8726 (LEE-TRAN), offers hourly service between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a transfer point at Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, with connections to other routes. Visit www.rideleetran.com for information.

Family-Friendly Hotels & Resorts

"Take your kids on a vacation that offers the perfect mix: opportunities to enjoy family-friendly activities together and time for Mom and Dad to unwind. "

It’s a slice of heaven just waiting to be discovered, and it’s so family-friendly that you’ll return time and time again. A family vacation in the Fort Myers-Sanibel area is as easy as staying at one of several resorts that offer activities for kids from toddlers to teens.

Families with small children will revel in the sublime beaches of the Fort Myers/Sanibel area, which are truly child-friendly. Think gentle waves and soft, sandy bottoms. And area hotels put an extra emphasis on man-made watery wonders, which kids can’t get enough of.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs has three pools, including one with a 140-foot-long water slide. At Camp Coconut, which caters to children ages 3 to 12, kids can do arts and crafts, have a kid-friendly dinner and watch movies while Mom and Dad enjoy an evening off. Full-day, half-day and evening camp sessions are available.

Parents can play a round at the Raymond Floyd-designed Raptor Bay Golf Club on Estero Bay (clubs and shoes can be rented). Those in need of pampering should visit Stillwater Spa, where they can relax in a bath of lavender and chamomile, have a massage or visit the beauty salon.

Casa Ybel on Sanibel
Sanibel Island has long been lauded for its sunning, swimming and shelling. If you’re traveling with children, head to Casa Ybel. The Casa Kids’ Club, for children ages 4 to 11, has three-hour themed activities (Under the Sea, Wet n’ Wacky, Harry Potter). You can also sign up for dinner and a movie, sand dollar painting, creating tie-dye T-shirts and scavenger hunts (there are 23 acres to explore). 
After a day of activities, some down time in the room may be in order, and the front desk staff will happily lend board games (Monopoly, Clue, Chutes and Ladders). The front desk can also arrange for babysitters. This is also the place to rent bikes for pedaling around Sanibel’s more than 22 miles of paved bike paths. Baby seats, child trailers and tandem bikes are available for family outings.

Adults can enjoy tennis, fishing, yoga on the lawn, sailing a Sunfish sailboat and trips to the J.N. ""Ding"" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. At Tarpon Bay Explorers in the refuge, you can rent kayaks, canoes and bikes, or sign up for a tram, pontoon or paddling tour.

After a full day of fun, fire up one of the brick grills right outside the buildings, adding to Casa Ybel’s family-type atmosphere. While you’re flipping burgers or grilling steaks, watch the sun set over the Gulf.

Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa

At the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Spa on Fort Myers Beach, an ""octopus"" waterfall stands guard over a grotto-like pool that overlooks the shimmering Gulf of Mexico. A young water warrior has a tropical-hued plastic dragon around his waist as he splashes underneath the octopus (whose eyes light up at night).

The Pink Shell isn’t just a gorgeous, beachfront resort, it’s a spot where families will find plenty for everyone to do. While the parents enjoy spa treatments, parasailing or fishing, the younger set can head to KiddsKampp.

Kids ages 4 to 11 can make crafts, decorate cookies and watch movies on a huge outdoor screen. There are themed events (such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Starz Search, where the kids perform) and poolside activities (such as picture frames made from shells, hair braiding, ice cream buffets)."

Fort Myers Sanibel Car Trips

"Getting to and around the Fort Myers Sanibel area by car is easy, with good interstate access and easy-to-navigate local roads. "

Lee County lies on the southwest coast of Florida and is easily reached via major interstate highways.

Interstate Travel
Interstate 10 runs east-west from California to Jacksonville, FL, and Interstate 95 extends from the northeastern U.S. to south Florida. Travelers using I-95 can take Interstate 4 west to connect with southbound Interstate 75. North-south I-75 connects directly to I-10 and is the major highway that traverses Lee County, the home of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. I-75 begins in south Florida and ends in the Midwestern U.S.

In-Town Driving
In addition to Interstate 75, major roads that convey motorists in Lee County include U.S. 41, which runs north-south and parallel to the interstate; McGregor Boulevard, which extends from downtown Fort Myers and links with roads leading to Sanibel and Captiva islands and Fort Myers Beach; and State Road 78, which connects the mainland with Pine Island, crossing Cape Coral as it extends south and west.

Tolls
Cape Coral Parkway and Midpoint Memorial bridges have a $1 fee going both ways. The bridge that takes U.S. 41 across the Caloosahatchee River is free. The Sanibel Causeway toll is $6, and is charged only for going to Sanibel Island.

Florida 511
As you begin making travel plans to visit Lee County, there is no need to worry about potential traffic you might encounter. Avoid local traffic and spend more time exploring with free traffic information by calling 511 toll free from any landline or mobile phone. The 511 Traveler Information System provides traffic updates 24/7 on all of Florida’s interstates, toll roads and other major roadways such as I-75, and U.S. 41. Traffic information also is available on FL511.com and the free Florida 511 iPhone app, as well as the FL511_Southwest Twitter feed providing live traffic updates directly to your phone.  So plan your trip to Lee County worry free, and use 511.

Driving Times and Distances
Distances to Lee County from Cities in Florida
City Miles/Kilometers Drive Time
Daytona Beach 251 miles/403.9 km 4.25 hoursJacksonville 335 miles/539.1 km 5.25 hoursMiami 158 miles/254.3 km 2.5 hoursOrlando 196 miles/315.4 km 3.5 hoursTampa 126 miles/202.8 km 2.5 hours

Distances to Lee County from Cities outside Florida

City Miles/Kilometers Drive Time:

Boston 1,478 miles/2,379 km 23.5 hours

Chicago 1,290 miles/2,076 km 20 hours

Cincinnati 1,043 miles/1,679 km 16 hours

Cleveland 1,215 miles/1,955 km 18.75 hours

Detroit 1,298 miles/2,089 km 20 hours

Indianapolis 1,109 miles/1,785 km 17 hours

Milwaukee 1,389 miles/2,235 km 21.75 hours

Minneapolis/St. Paul 1,704 miles/2,742 km 26.25 hours

New York 1,264 miles/2,034 km 19.75 hours

Philadelphia 1,174 miles/1,889 km 18.5 hours

St. Louis 1,129 miles/1,817 km 17.25 hours

Washington, D.C. 1,029 miles/1,656 km 15.75 hours"