Day Trips From Fort Myers

Fort Myers • Fort Myers Beach • Sanibel • Captiva

You may have planned your visit to the Fort Myers, Florida area because of the warm sunshine and beaches, but so many fantastic things to do are close by. A variety of interesting day trips and same day excursions are within easy reach of the Fort Myers area.

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Fort Myers One Tank Trips

How does getting within inches of lions, tigers, and bears, or viewing some of the finest collections of art in Florida sound? A day trip to the Naples Zoo, Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary or the Ringling Museum can provide kids (and adults) with a much-needed break from the sun and sand.

The Everglades

You are only a short trip away from one of the most unusual and amazing destinations on Earth when you visit the greater Fort Myers and Lee County area.

An easy day trip and just hours from the Fort Myers and Sanibel area are the amazing Everglades and Everglades National Park. These subtropical wetlands are unique among the ecosystems in the world with an interwoven series of marshes and prairies that cover about a third of the southern Florida peninsula. The Everglades are home to more than 400 species of land and water animals, including the American alligator and American crocodile. There’s no doubt that a day trip to the Everglades will leave everyone in your travel party with a new appreciation for nature’s beauty.

Key West Day Trip

Looking for a taste of the tropics? Key West is an easy-breezy side trip to add to your Fort Myers vacation itinerary. You can be in Key West by noon to explore the southernmost point in the United States. Return the same day or stay a night or two!

Historical and “Old” Florida

History buffs can dabble in Old Florida thanks to a variety of places that offer a glimpse back in time. If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Seminole people or early settlers of Southwest Florida you will find it all a short drive from the beach.

Whatever interests you, you will be happy you planned a day trip to one of the nation’s top hidden treasures. In fact, the hidden gems that are day trips from the Fort Myers, Florida area make for memories, no matter which route you choose.

See more things to do in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, and Captiva Island and check out Sarasota and Naples.

Day Trips From Fort Myers

The Ringling Museum of Art, formerly Sarasota, Florida's John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art was built by John-Ringling to house his personal collection of masterpieces, the museum features paintings and sculptures by European, American and Asian Old Masters, including Rubens, van Dyck, Gainsborough and more. Photo by Debi Pittman Wilkey. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.

The Ringling in Sarasota

The Ringling Museum Sarasota is less than a two-hour drive from the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Art enthusiasts will want to make the drive north to experience The Ringling, which is home to one of the finest collections of art in the entire state of Florida. The beautiful Ringling estate also features spectacular gardens, a circus museum, and waterfront mansion. The Ringling... Read More

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Beach Horses in Bradenton

Fun and exciting horseback riding on the beach! If you’re planning a day trip to Sarasota you’ll want to include this on your itinerary. All the guides/trainers and horses at BeachHorses.com are experienced, providing a safe and slow ride along the beach at Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, Florida, which is just north of Sarasota. In addition to riding along the palm-lined shore,... Read More

View meaningful exhibits of over 1,000 donated artifacts, documents, and original photographs from the Holocaust and World War II at the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples, Florida USA. Must Do Visitor Guides | MustDo.com

The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples, FL

Holocaust and World War II Educational Exhibits View meaningful exhibits of over 1,000 donated artifacts, documents, and original photographs from the Holocaust and World War II. This important and educational museum grew out of a Naples, Florida middle school exhibit created by students and teachers studying the Holocaust. The exhibit was transformed into a museum and educational center in 2001. Today the Holocaust Museum &... Read More

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Key West Express in Fort Myers Beach

Take the Key West Express to Key West for the Ultimate Fort Myers Vacation Day Trip! Visit the southernmost point in the United States during your Florida holiday or vacation. A cruise on the Key West Express ferry is the fast and fun way to visit the southernmost point in the United States. From lazy lounging on the beach to exhilarating activities on the... Read More

Ave Maria

Things to do in Ave Maria, Florida Ave Maria is a short drive (approximately 1 hour) from Fort Myers. When you arrive at the town center, stop by the New Home & Welcome Center for a town map. Tour one of 20 designer model homes in this master-planned community. Visit the award-winning Oratory architecture and the first major U.S. Catholic university built in 40 years; Ave Maria University. On... Read More

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Peace River Charters in Arcadia, FL

Scenic and Exciting Peace River Airboat Tours Experience the nature and beauty of Old Florida. Peace River Charters offers safe, enjoyable, and family-friendly airboat tours and charters. Observe native wildlife such as alligators, deer, wild boar, turkey, and more. Each tour is personalizes based on the group, from an exciting thrill ride, to slow and relaxing. Read our blog article about Peace River Charters ... Read More

Entrance sign Fishermen's Village Punta Gorda, FL

Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda

Explore, Shop, Dine, and Stay at Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda Located on pristine Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Florida, Fishermen’s Village is just a short drive from Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva making it an easy day trip. Visitors can enjoy an array of boutique and specialty shopping, waterfront restaurants, and a variety of recreational activities including fishing charters, out island sightseeing tours, nightly... Read More

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Manatee Eco-Tours in Naples, FL

See manatees in the wild. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are large, gentle and slow-moving gray-brown aquatic mammals with bodies that taper to a large flat, paddle-shaped tail. They have two flippers with three to four nails on each, and their head and face are wrinkled with whiskers on the snout. These gentle giants can grow to 12 feet in length, weigh up... Read More

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Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda

Native Wildlife And Bird Rehab Peace River Wildlife facility sits among the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda, Florida which is a short drive north of Fort Myers making it an easy day trip. The non-profit native Florida wildlife facility rescues, rehabilitates and releases approximately 2,000 birds and small animals each year and currently provides permanent homes for... Read More

See and learn about exotic and endangered Siberian tigers, African lions, and rare White tigers at Sarasota's Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. Also encounter bears, primates, birds, and other animals. Be entertained by the individual personalities of the animals during educational training demonstrations. There are a petting Zoo and special events throughout the year. Photo by Jennifer Brinkman. Must Do Visitor Guides, MustDo.com.

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary in Sarasota offer a unique opportunity to get up-close to a range of big cats including Royal Bengal Tigers, Siberian Tigers, lions, rare white tigers, and cross-bred ligers. With their beautiful markings and athletic ability they are a joy to watch in action. Adults and children will find it a worthwhile day trip and a welcome... Read More