8 Ways to Spend Your Vacation Outside in Sunny Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is like one big open-air playground. Just look at the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers, where you can hunt for seashells on a secluded shore one day and roam through a nature preserve flush with wildlife the next. Then there are the water-based activities, like cruising to white-sand Sanibel Island or kayaking through mangroves at Lovers Key State Park.

After a full day of fresh air, waterfront restaurants keep it going with local specialties like stone crab served against the backdrop of a boat-filled marina. Even the region’s art scene comes with al fresco options — downtown Fort Myers hosts an electric roster of monthly music and art festivals, and the area welcomes an acclaimed songwriter festival each year that’s reason to book a trip all on its own.

With year-round blue skies, the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers are ripe for forging memories under the sun. Start with these eight outdoor activities, and let the rest of your open-air itinerary unfold as you go.

1. Take a Mindfulness Walk at the Wonder Gardens

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Home to over 300 rescued and rehabilitated animals, the Wonder Gardens is a botanical refuge and wildlife sanctuary in Bonita Springs that invites you to explore its lush surroundings. You’ll spot kaleidoscopic peacocks and flamingos roaming the 3.5-acre property as you flit between exhibits like the Gator Hole and the Magnificent Macaw habitat. Wonder Gardens also hosts a 45-minute guided Mindfulness Walk that encourages you to connect with the flora and fauna by practicing silent reflection. It’s said to leave guests feeling “refreshed, balanced, and inspired by nature.”

2. See why Cape Coral is the “Waterfront Wonderland”

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Ever dreamed of cruising Venice’s famed waterways? In Cape Coral, you can experience the same excitement on an even larger scale thanks to the 400-plus miles of saltwater and freshwater canals that wind through the city — and you won’t need your passport to do it.

Lean into the waterfront lifestyle with a vacation rental from CoralVilla or Waterside Villas with Boats that has direct access to the water and a boat slip at your fingertips. (As the name suggests, many properties come with their own motorboat.) Keep the vibe going when hunger strikes by grabbing a seat at one of the many restaurants in Cape Coral with enviable river and Gulf views — shoutout to Gather in the Tarpon Point Marina and Fathoms Restaurant & Bar in the Cape Harbour Marina.

3. Get arty with the Fort Myers Mural Society

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

For a taste of art and historical charm, head to downtown Fort Myers. On a stroll through the River District, you can admire a 57-piece mural project created by 39 different artists, each showcasing facets of the area’s history. Nearby, don’t miss the new augmented-reality mural inside Grand Illusion that brings artwork to life via a QR code.

Keep your phone handy for a self-guided public art tour of downtown Fort Myers using the Otocast app. Or, if your visit falls on the first Friday of the month, check out the Art Walk that takes over the River District, with vendors selling jewelry, clothing, and paintings. When you’re ready for some downtime, grab afternoon tea at the nearby Wisteria Tea Room & Cafe or a beer at 10 Twenty Five.

4. Sunbathe and hunt for seashells at Fort Myers Beach

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

With seven miles of powder-soft sands, warm Gulf waters, and gentle waves, Fort Myers Beach is a popular stretch of paradise that’s ideal for families, shore loungers, and anyone who likes a mellow beach day (although there’s plenty of opportunity for water sports, too). For the best seashell hunting, visit in the morning during low tide. If you’re not a shell enthusiast, take advantage of the beachfront restaurants and volleyball courts on land, or opt for something wetter like jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or parasailing.

5. Cruise to Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Embark on a boating adventure to Sanibel Island (named one of Travel + Leisure’s “50 Places to Travel” in 2025). Sit back and relax aboard Captiva Cruises as you sail through the crystalline waters of the Gulf Coast. Once you land, take time to explore the 6,400-acre J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country, or grab lunch at beloved mainstays like Cheeburger Cheeburger and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Stick around for dinner on Captiva Island across Blind Pass Bridge. Load up on shareables at tiki-themed Mainstay North Captiva or take your time with a special meal at the Old Captiva House — enjoy either with a side of sunset.

6. Catch a vibe with the outdoor music scene

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Make your trip to Southwest Florida a melody-filled getaway with one of the Fort Myers area’s impressive music events. Every third Friday of the month, downtown Fort Myers buzzes with a Music Walk that’s free to the public. Over a dozen venues welcome you to enjoy the sounds of local and regional talent, from jazz and blues to rock and roll.

At the Sugarshack live music venue in Bonita Springs, you can score a front-row seat to a band’s acoustic sound session. For a major concert event without the stress of sold-out tickets, mark your calendar for the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in September, featuring over 100 free performances across intimate island venues.

7. Take a guided kayak tour at Lovers Key State Park

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

One surefire way to immerse yourself in the region’s outdoor beauty is to rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Better yet, let Lovers Key Adventures arrange a guided tour of Lovers Key State Park. Paddle through the 2.5-mile estuary, lagoon, and mangrove forest with a friendly guide who’ll regale you with the history of the Estero River. If luck is on your side, you might spot a manatee or pod of dolphins.

8. Bike and hike through Caloosahatchee Regional Park

Photo: Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods

Located in Alva, just 30 minutes northeast of Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee Regional Park has 20 miles of biking and hiking trails. The park’s diverse landscapes include oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and cypress swamps, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are well-marked and cater to various skill levels, including hilly terrain offering excitement for serious mountain bikers. The park is also home to campgrounds, which are very popular with families.

Does all this talk of trails, cultural tours, island excursions, and water sports have you ready to step outside? Start planning your getaway to Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods to get in on the action (and all that sunshine).