Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers, also known as the River District, forms the core of a city that stretches for miles south along the Caloosahatchee River and east to the rural interior. Named for a Civil War-era army colonel, Fort Myers' history parallels that of Florida itself.

Indigenous peoples, the Calusa Indians, inhabited the islands nearby. Later, pioneers settled the pine flatwoods, and cattle drivers escorted their charges down what is now McGregor Boulevard to ships docked at Punta Rassa. The cattlemen had long whips they used to drive the cattle and that's how native Floridians earned the nickname "crackers."

Thomas Edison and Henry Ford brought the town to prominence when they chose it as their winter getaway. It became known as the City of Palms for its palm-lined streets. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates encompass 20 acres of tropical gardens, historic homes, Edison laboratory, a museum, inventions and exhibits, a museum store, garden and cottage shop.

Downtown Fort Myers still has many lovely old buildings, many with a Spanish influence. It was one of the locations for the Sean Connery movie, "Just Cause." It's also a mecca for dining and nightlife - and a great place to stroll along the riverfront and see all the boats docked in the city harbor.

In and around Fort Myers is some excellent shopping that ranges from independent boutiques, picturesque outdoor malls, an indoor mall, and high-end outlets.

Choose from the following to find out more about:

• Accommodations
• Attractions
• Dining
• Fishing
• Golf
• Government
• History
• Map
• Rentals
• Schools
• Shopping

 

Southwest Florida International Airport
Gateway to Fort Myers & Florida’s Gulf Coast
Lee County Port Authority
11000 Terminal Access Road, Suite 8671
Fort Myers, Florida 33913-8899
239-590-4800
www.flylcpa.com

Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce Inc.
2310 Edwards Drive
PO Box 9289
Fort Myers,Florida 33902
(239) 332-2930 or (800) 366-3622
www.fortmyers.org