Explore Even More Indoors
Rain or shine, when it’s time to take a break from the beach simply head indoors. See what’s happening off the water around Fort Myers.
Chances are you’ve already hit the shores to gather shells. But do you know the science behind this natural phenomenon that makes our beaches so unique? Get the complete story at Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the country’s only museum dedicated to mollusks and their shells. Touch pools, live mollusk tanks, and interactive programming make this a perfect visit for families and budding shell-collecting enthusiasts.
When the weather isn’t cooperating, take time to head into a local cooperative! Tower Gallery is a charming 1915 Florida cottage on Sanibel Island, painted bright turquoise. Within its doors, several local artists gather to create their unique works of jewelry, paintings, glasswork, and much more — on display for you to browse and shop at your leisure.
Travel through time at the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, a collection of authentic structures that reveal stories of the past. Gain a richer understanding of the Calusa people who inhabited the sandy coasts of Southwest Florida, and trace historical events from Spanish invasions to pioneering days.
Scattered across more than 20 acres, the historical homes and gardens of Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a glimpse into the past. View the house where Thomas Edison spent winters with his family, and explore the adjacent property that Henry Ford enjoyed during his time in Fort Myers.
Spend a whole day of family fun at the IMAG History & Science Center. More than 60 interactive exhibits invite you to meet Florida wildlife in a Living Lab, dig for dinosaur bones, survive a hurricane, and plenty more.
Beyond the museums, you can dedicate a day to your favorite indoor activities:
Roam around the expansive art collections at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in downtown Fort Myers, or connect with the creative community with art classes, lectures, and films at Alliance for the Arts. Discover more funky finds in the colorful artist enclave of Matlacha, small boutiques on Sanibel Island and beach-themed shops on Fort Myers Beach.
You’ll uncover craft breweries and small-batch distilleries all across the neighborhoods of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, and beyond. Compare locally made IPAs and summer pilsners and join special events that bring the community together. Click here to learn more about our breweries.
