Bask Away This Memorial Day
A three-day weekend at the beach? Sounds like a dream. Add in a slew of holiday events throughout Southwest Florida, rejuvenating activities in nature, and culinary delights all day and night, and you’ve got a true Fort Myers–style vacation to kick off your summer.
As we honor those who lost their lives while in the U.S. military service, we invite you to reflect, relax and reconnect with your loved ones this holiday weekend. At the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens' annual event, you can place flags on the graves of veterans over the weekend and join a special service on Monday. Gulf Coast Town Center in Fort Myers holds a family event each year, and the city of Bonita Springs hosts its ceremony in Riverside Park.
It’s a luxury to have at least three days in Fort Myers and its surrounding islands, beaches and neighborhoods. In that amount of time, you can pack in plenty of outdoor adventures. Slip into the summer spirit as you bicycle between local landmarks, paddle around gentle backwaters by canoe or kayak, and watch wildlife shrouded by nature in protected wetlands and wooded areas.
If you’re missing your favorite Memorial Day traditions, just reimagine them in Fort Myers. Instead of a backyard barbecue, head to a food truck park to enjoy a plateful of deliciousness while soaking up the sunshine. In the mood for some quality family time? Take a swing at state-of-the-art mini golf at PopStroke, let out a mighty “aarrrgh” on a pirate cruise, or splash into fun at a waterpark.
Don’t sleep on Memorial Day shopping deals. From open-air malls and outlet shops to one-of-a-kind finds, discover the top places to shop in Southwest Florida.
Need more inspiration? Just listen to the locals! We sat down with Captain Brian Holaway, owner of Captain Brian on the Water and a Florida Master Naturalist, to learn what he loves about island hopping and being in nature. Jen Whyte, co-founder of Fort Myers Brewing Co., talks about why she moved to her favorite vacation destination and reveals where she loves to get out into nature.
