Nestled on the Caloosahatchee River in Florida, a state famously associated with former President Donald Trump, lies the charming and surprising seaside destination of Fort Myers. Despite facing political debates and the devastating force of a major hurricane, the area's vibrant spirit remains undimmed.
A Downtown Revitalised
Ray Sarracino from the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau provides a tour of a city that has transformed from its dusty, cattle-town origins. Today, downtown Fort Myers is a pastel-hued collection of independent bars, restaurants, and shops, a refreshing departure from corporate America's typical chain stores.
The city's heritage is proudly on display, with architectural landmarks like the old bank and the former post office, now an arts centre, standing tall. The fort that gave the city its name, built in 1850 during the conflict with the Seminole Indians, is a testament to its long history.
A prime example of its new energy is the Swamp Cat craft brewery, founded by ex-navy officer Chris Gutierrez in a repurposed church. Sipping his popular Sun Coast West Coast IPA, Gutierrez shares his ambitious vision: "We have started small but hopefully we will start supplying other bars, then other cities, then the whole country."
Island Escapes and Wildlife Encounters
A short journey from the mainland leads to the pristine barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, renowned for their shell-strewn white sand beaches. Sanibel's title as the 'seashell capital of the world' is celebrated at its National Seashell Museum, where visitors can learn to identify local species.
The area offers unparalleled access to nature. A kayak tour through the serene mangroves with guide Braden Wood of Adventure Sea Kayak Tours provides a chance to spot magnificent manatees. These gentle 'sea cows' can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes, a fact Braden expertly explains after a brief sighting.
The region is still on a journey of recovery from Hurricane Ian, the category four storm that caused widespread destruction in September 2022. Tony Lapi, the 78-year-old owner of the 'Tween Waters Inn, embodies the local resilience, stating, "I have been here 50 years and storm after storm has hit us, but we pick up the pieces and keep going because we love it here so much."
Sun, Sea, and Sustainable Tourism
With around 300 sunny days a year, the climate is a major draw. A cruise to the family-owned Cabbage Key island is a highlight, often accompanied by a pod of playful Atlantic bottlenose dolphins performing acrobatic displays.
The island's Dollar Bill Bar, its ceilings and walls plastered with thousands of signed banknotes, carries a unique tradition started by fishermen saving for a future drink. Back on Sanibel, the Sundial Beach Resort offers luxurious accommodation and a mile-long beach that is also a vital nesting site for loggerhead turtles, with staff actively protecting the nests.
From its independent downtown core to its breathtaking natural landscapes, Fort Myers demonstrates a powerful capacity for renewal, making it a compelling and resilient choice for travellers seeking an authentic Florida experience.
How to plan your trip
Rooms at The Luminary Hotel in Fort Myers start from $195. Rooms at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa on Sanibel start from $250. Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly direct from London to Tampa, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Fort Myers.
