Visitors can take a break from the beach and hit the stands at a Boston Red Sox spring training game in February or March. The Mighty Mussels, a minor league team affiliated with the Minnesota Twins also play its regular season in Fort Myers. Grab some snacks and enjoy some baseball.

A piece of nature that can only be found in Alva, Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers 20 miles of biking and hiking trails just 30 minutes northeast of Fort Myers. Here, pine Flatwoods, oak hammocks, and cypress swamps tower over tourists, while tunnels look as if they're carved into the trees. It's an exhilarating way to spend a day, on foot or wheels.

One of the best ways to soak up Fort Myers is to rent a kayak at Koreshan State Park. This land is the home of a historical religious settlement whose structures still stand today. From the kayak launch, paddle the Estero River 3 miles to Estero Bay, looking out for manatees and shorebirds. While you’re out there, explore Mound Key, a major ceremonial center of the Indigenous Calusa.

Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighborhoods have some of the best fishing in Southwest Florida. Charter a boat to go offshore in search of grouper and mahi. You’ll get plenty of bites inshore from snook, redfish, and mangrove snapper. Tarpon fishing is a favorite sport in the area, and Boca Grande Pass is known as the “Tarpon Capital of the World.”

Located on San Carlos Bay, Bunche Beach Preserve is a hidden gem loved by visitors and locals alike. This park preserves 718 acres of natural ecosystems, beautiful beaches, mangroves, and salt flats. Standing on a paddleboard is one of the best ways to explore the area. Plus, the calm waters make it a breeze for beginners. There are two paddle craft launches that send SUPs to glide past serene, bird-filled mangroves. The sandy beaches and sand flats provide the perfect respite from the board. 

Fort Myers boasts over 50 golf courses that can be played year-round in the area’s sunny and warm climate. Fort Myers Country Club, named “The Fort” by locals, is one of the oldest courses in Florida and sits just a mile from the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where the two men played throughout the 1920s. The course was designed by Donald Ross and perfectly marries a historic past with modern and sophisticated amenities. 

Could there be anything more exhilarating than falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves? This is what it’s like to camp in paradise. Koreshan State Park allows you to pitch a tent on a nationally registered historic site, or you can sleep in style at one of the area’s many RV parks. San Carlos RV Resort & Marina looks out onto Hurricane Bay.

It’s hard to miss the J.N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where there’s a good chance that a bright pink bird will be a greeter. Taking up one-third of Sanibel Island, this national wildlife refuge is home to over 245 species of birds. Visitors can snag a checklist and mark each one off, like a roseate spoonbill, the green heron, or the “Big Five” that are unique to Southwest Florida. A peaceful stroll along the pathway includes a handful of overlooks, an observation tower, and signage that identify birds and trees. Pro tip: Bring a pair of binoculars.  

With over 100 remote barrier islands off the Gulf coast, there’s a patch of sand for everyone. Head out on a tour, charter a boat or rent one on your own, and explore Pine Island Sound. You just might see playful dolphins jumping in your wake. Stop for lunch at Cabbage Key, cruise by a historical fish house, then stop at North Captiva to check out secluded white-sand beaches.

Take a break from the boat for a visit to Manatee Park in Fort Myers. It’s a non-captive, warm-water refuge for these threatened animals, where the largest numbers are spotted in cool-weather months. Visitors can make a day of it by packing a picnic lunch and enjoying the lovely views. After your picnic, rent a kayak and paddle alongside these gentle giants.