Fort Myers, Florida: Gateway to Southwest Florida

Fort Myers is Southwest Florida's main city and the gateway to some of the region's finest barrier island beaches. Known as the "City of Palms," Fort Myers offers a compelling blend of historic charm, modern amenities, and proximity to exceptional nature — from the beaches of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island to the wilderness of the Caloosahatchee River.

Historic Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers preserves one of Florida's most authentic historic districts — a compact, walkable area along the Caloosahatchee River with 1920s Mediterranean Revival architecture, excellent restaurants, and galleries.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Fort Myers's most famous attraction — the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, side-by-side on the Caloosahatchee River. Edison's botanical garden, the largest private lab of his era, and the original buildings are preserved as a National Historic Landmark and one of Florida's finest museums.

Getting to Fort Myers

• RSW Airport to downtown Fort Myers: 15-20 minutes
• TPA to Fort Myers: 2+ hours via I-75
• Sarasota to Fort Myers: 75-90 minutes