48 Hours in the Fort Myers Area

Day 1: Unwind on Fort Myers Beach

Find your spot on this beach’s powder-soft sand to perfect the art of doing nothing. For those who want a little more adventure, try a water sport like stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing or parasailing. All are offered right on the beach.

Enjoy lunch at the Dixie Fish Company, an original Florida fish house that’s as relaxed as they come. Watch pelicans glide across the water as you savor fresh seafood delights, from the catch of the day to succulent shrimp. 

Take your recharging to the next level with the Island Sleep Massage at Margaritaville's St. Somewhere Spa. It's designed to help you recover in a short period of time with a luxurious massage that will soothe your nervous system, boost lymphatic detoxification and nourish your skin. 

Every sunset here is a cause for celebration. And one of the best ways to celebrate is on a sunset cruise. Depart from Salty Sam’s Marina aboard Sight Sea-R Cruises’ spacious catamaran and relax as the captain finds the best sunset spots for you and your personal bartender serves drinks. Raise a glass to the colorful sky and keep an eye out for dolphins – they love to play in the boat’s wake.

End your evening with dinner at one of the beach’s lively eateries. Nervous Nellie’s, The Whale and Yucatan Beach Stand all feature live music and at Yucatan you can actually swing to the music at the swing bar.

Day 2: Escape to the Cape

Enjoy a relaxing morning kayak tour with Gulf Coast Kayak at Tarpon Point Marina in Cape Coral. Be transported to a new state of mind and feel a deep connection to nature as you wind through the peaceful Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries.

Back at the marina, enjoy lunch at High Tide Social House. “Set sail” with an Ahi Tuna Flatbread, hit “Pie Island” with the Figs in Pear-adise pizza or “handle the helm” with a Lobster Roll. Their playful menu is filled with taste sensations.

Continue your immersion into nature at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Stroll the boardwalk for a chance to see eagles and wading birds like ibis and herons.

Next head to the Cape’s acclaimed Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery to enjoy a free tour and tastings (Tuesdays through Saturdays). Named the #1 craft rum distillery in the nation by USA Today's 10BEST readers' poll 2025, you know it will be a delicious experience. (And you can take a bottle with you back to Miami.)

Top off the perfect day with a perfect meal at Sage on 47th. This popular Cape restaurant is known for its inventive and flavorful cuisine, unique cocktails (with an emphasis on bourbon), excellent service and welcoming atmosphere. Bon appetite!

Day 3: Explore Downtown Fort Myers

After a lazy morning at the beach or pool, head to downtown Fort Myers Historic River District for some shopping, dining and entertainment.

Start your city adventure with lunch at Ella Mae’s, serving comfort food at its finest. For a healthy option, try the avocado toast, topped with two eggs any style and veggie yumminess: avocado, tomato, radish, spinach and pickled red onion. Sit outside and enjoy the waterside view as the relaxing sound of the fountain eases you into your day.

Stroll the brick-paved streets for a variety of unique shops and galleries. Admire the architecture – the largest concentration of historic structures in Southwest Florida. Don’t miss the Franklin Shops for two floors of one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, clothing and gifts. If Etsy had a department store, this would be it. 

Non-shoppers can relax at Chips Sport Pub, featuring a TopGolf swing suite and other VR games, from Zombie Dodgeball to baseball and football. 

Visit the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center for a look at their latest exhibit, then head to their rooftop bar and sculpture garden for sweeping sunset views over the Caloosahatchee River. Live music is a regular offering of their evening events, or you can try the other downtown rooftop bars: The Firestone Skybar & Martini Bar, Beacon Social Drinkery and 10 Twenty Five.

For dinner, try one of downtown’s newest offerings: Oise (pronounced “oh-ee-she” and a 
Japanese expression for when something tastes very good). Highly acclaimed chef Brad Kilgore has created a menu that fuses Japanese and Italian specialties. If you’re a sushi fan, you don’t want to miss this. 

If you want to experience more nightlife downtown, head to Hogwash, a speakeasy-inspired bar with a stunning Art Deco interior and an exceptional mix of classic and craft cocktails. Or try Fancy’s bourbon bar, featuring live jazz on select nights. 

Day 4: Stretch and Savor

Finish your stay with a revitalizing yoga session on Fort Myers Beach. Feel your tensions melt away as you stretch deeply and breathe in the fresh sea air.  

Stop at Harvest & Wisdom on your way out of town for a delicious meal crafted with fresh produce picked right from their four-acre organic garden. This farm-to-table restaurant promises a memorable experience with food always prepared with love and care.