Fort Myers
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As a desirable vacation destination, an average annual temperature of 76 degrees F, and 50 miles of white sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers and its neighboring cities attract thousands of visitors annually, both landlubbers and waterway travelers. One of the fastest growing areas in Florida, Lee County includes Cape Coral, Pine Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs.
A step back in time, much remains as it was hundreds of years ago, serene and unspoiled. Mangrove forests, saltwater wetlands, estuaries, wildlife refuges, tropical gardens, nature trails, miles of winding canals and waterways, and hundreds of islands, some inhabited, some not, provide a magical retreat from a fast-paced world.
Fort Myers
Located on the southern bank of the Caloosahatchee River and known as the “City of Palms”, Fort Myers is rich in history, Civil War settlement, and Seminole Indian legacies. In 1850 it was a Union fort, named after Colonel Abraham Charles Myers. As a major stopover for a thriving cattle industry at the turn of the century, it was called “Cowtown” until northerners discovered its warm climate. The land provided plentiful supplies of food: wildlife, fish and game. Myriad waterways provided a means of transportation and communication between homesteads and outposts.
The wide Caloosahatchee River diagonally divides the city from Cape Coral to the west, and North Fort Myers just across the Edison Bridge. US Interstate Highway 75 runs north to Tampa and south to Naples on the east side of the city. The Southwest Florida International Airport is only ten miles southeast of the city.
You’ll never be bored here. Beach combing for exotic seashells, swimming in clear, tropical waters, discovering secluded coves and inlets by kayak or pleasure boat, to high-spirited sport fishing provide abundant choices for recreation or relaxation. You can also do nothing at all, lying under shady palms, listening to the peaceful sounds of breaking waves on ground shell beaches. Life is casual, laid back, and slow paced. There is no reason to hurry here.
Fort Myers offers the avid golfer dozens of public and private courses and clubs to practice his swing. Museums, historic buildings, science, art and culture centers, and professional sport complexes also offer many opportunities for education and enjoyment. Fort Myers is the winter home for the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins.
Cape Coral
Northwest of Fort Myers, Cape Coral was originally laid out to resemble the Venice of Italy on the Gulf of Mexico. The man-made canal systems were instrumental in its residential and commercial growth and expansion. As the second largest Florida city after Jacksonville, its population is now well over 100,000. With more than 30 parks, there are numerous boardwalks and trails through ecological preserves, playgrounds, and picnic facilities. Armadillos, box turtles, bobcats, coyotes, bald eagles burrowing owls and foxes can be seen in the wild.
Pine Island
Just west of Cape Coral is the largest island along the southwest coast of Florida. 17 miles long and 2 miles wide, much of it is a protected wildlife preserve, surrounded with mangroves. However, it is also a growing residential area along canals with access to San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also a fisherman’s paradise. Communities on the island include Bokeelia, Matlacha, Pine Island Center, Pineland and St. James City. Agricultural farms and nurseries can be found here for exotic tropical fruits such as mangoes, citrus, and pineapples. Water taxis will take you to Cabbage Key, Upper Captiva and other places to visit not accessible by car.
Matlacha is the first little town you come to crossing the bridge from Cape Coral. Part of the charm here are the refurbished 2 bedroom 1940’s Old Florida Conch style cottages available for rent. Complete with modern amenities including TV and cable, they also have kayaks, bikes and canoes for discovering the area and visiting neighboring communities.
Sanibel Island
Southwest of Fort Myers is the popular island of Sanibel, 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, connected at a narrow point. 2500 years ago, the island was inhabited by Calusa Indians who created the islands from mounds of discarded seashells, used for food, weapons, tools and building materials. With a reputation for great fishing, windsurfing, shell collecting, bird watching and other outdoor pursuits, the best way to get around the island is by bicycle.
Golf and tennis are available here at the Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on the eastern end of the island, the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa and the Beachview Golf Club on the western side. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named after Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a conservationist and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist.
Captiva Island
Upper Captiva, at the northern end of Sanibel Island, is about 4 ½ miles long and ½ mile wide. It is mostly a wildlife sanctuary and the perfect place to go for seclusion and privacy. This barrier island is a great place to view dolphins, birds, and beautiful sunsets.
Fort Myers Beach
Fifteen minutes south of Fort Myers along the Gulf coast is Fort Myers Beach. A popular retreat for vacationers with many quaint restaurants and unique village shops, it offers charter fishing, cruises and tours to neighboring islands or all the way to Key West. An adjacent smaller island is San Carlos.
Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs is a small community just south of Fort Myers Beach, drawing visitors and vacationers to its attractions, natural and man-made, including shopping, restaurants, and water sports.
Among the Spanish explorers, Ponce de Leon and Hernando De Soto came to the Southwest Florida area by accident and found the New World. Since they didn’t find any gold, they didn’t stay. However, this beautiful area with its natural habitat and incredible wildlife is richness itself, a treasure many appreciate and respect.
