For newcomers making a trip to Fort Myers or even locals looking to experience more of their city, one thing's for sure. In Fort Myers, you can't go wrong with the magnificent nature there is to see! Another perk to these activities is the majority of them are free! Bring family, friends, and your furry friend to explore everything that Fort Myers has to offer.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
The interactive boardwalk at Slough is one of the greatest features they offer. Take in the sights of various birds, turtles, alligators and snakes all from the safe heights of the boardwalk that stretches roughly two miles of the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve in Fort Myers.
Entrance into the preserve is free, but you have to pay to park, which is incredibly affordable if you plan on visiting the preserve with a few people. If you take in a sunset or a sunrise at the preserve, you'll really be able to see the foliage, ponds, and marshlands in all of their beauty.
Much like Slough, entrance into the park is free, but you have to pay to park, and there's a boardwalk that overlooks much of the park, too. But unlike Slough, you can rent bikes, kayaks, canoes and paddleboats! There are also snack stations at Lakes Regional Park and plenty of picnic spots for guests who want to bring their own food.
Children can enjoy the playgrounds as well as a children’s garden. On Wednesdays, there's a farmers market in the parking lot of the park, so it tends to get a little busier around that time! Take a trip to Lakes Regional Park and witness all of Fort Myers natural succulents and herbs as well as the local wildlife.
With all wildlife visitation sites, weather plays a major role in your experience at Manatee Park in Fort Myers. Plan ahead to visit on a clear day because, when it's cloudy, the water is murky and dark, so it's hard to catch a good sighting of a manatee.
For a hit-or-miss activity, this park offers great sightings of manatees and plenty of fun if you're lucky enough to see them! The weather isn't the only factor that plays a role in their sightings. The time of year controls the temperature of the waters, so depending on when you visit, the manatees may be sleeping on the floor of the river, so sightings are more rare. The park is free for visitors, but there's a $2 parking fee.
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One of the most popular Fort Myers activities, the Shell Factory & Nature Park offers plenty of things to do for a reasonable price. From mini golf and a gift shop to wildlife observatories and sanctuaries, there's something for everyone!
You can even purchase animal food to feed to certain animals along your tour through the nature park. For cheaper rates into the park, Groupon also offers a discounted pass. For visitors looking for authentic Florida souvenirs, the Shell Factory gift shop is great for just that.
If you enjoy history, look no further than the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Guests can easily tour the gardens and labortories and catch sightings of old cars and photographs for hours soaking up all of the information provided on the guided tours and placards along the way.
For guests interested in the audio tour, it's $25 per person, and the guided tour is $30 per person. There are food trucks on the grounds as well as ice cream and sodas in the gift shop. Come out and see how life was truly lived at the turn of the century!
The sun shines bright in Fort Myers and, because the majority of these activities are outside, make sure to load up water and SPF, and bring a hat!
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Cover photo courtesy of Adobe Stock Images
