Your Most Sensational Summer Getaway
Summertime in Fort Myers can mean a lot of things. Long days filled with sunshine? Check. Shining Gulf Coast waters perfect for cooling off? Plenty of that. Diverse dining options for the whole family? We have it all (and lots of ice cream, too!). As one of the most rejuvenating summer vacation destinations in Florida, Fort Myers and its islands, beaches and neighborhoods are also brimming with adventures that make summer a particularly special time to travel.
The life cycle of sea turtles goes into high gear starting on May 1 when nesting season begins. This is when moms peek out from the Gulf to lay their eggs, and hatchlings make their escape about two months later. Learn more about sea turtle nesting season and how you can help monitor and protect these local residents.
Nesting birds are in full force in summer, with juveniles developing their wing feathers for flight. Look for local birds like black skimmers, least terns and snowy plovers. Spot dolphins and manatees on a sunset cruise around Sanibel Island and the waters of Estero Bay. Any time of year that you travel, you can meet rescues at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), including gopher tortoises, armadillos and ospreys, and take a tour of the animal hospital.
Bring a blanket and enjoy the sounds of live outdoor music in venues around the region. The Bayside Veterans Park Concert Series hosts open-air concerts every Sunday from 4–7 PM, and the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater sizzles all year long. Live music is the heart and soul of Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach, with local bands performing in three indoor and outdoor venues.
Seek some shade with indoor activities that keep you cool all day long. From the 35,000-gallon tropical aquarium at IMAG History & Science Center to the curious specimens at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, you’ll leave even more knowledgeable about Southwest Florida’s ecosystem than when you arrived.
With schools out for summer, this is the perfect time to create new memories with your family — and maybe even pass on some of your own summer traditions to your little ones. Get inspired by more family-friendly activities and book accommodations that are just right for you and your loved ones.
