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

Backwater Adventure

Self-drive Catamaran Boat Tour of The 10,000 Islands Explore Naples and Marco Island’s backwaters and the beautiful mangrove tunnels of the 10,000 Islands on a 2-person power catamaran. The two-person motorized catamaran is just over 11 feet long, has two side-by-side seats and a Bimini top for shade. The boats are safe, smooth riding, fun, easy to operate, and quiet–an important plus if you... Read More

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Manatee Eco-Tours in Naples, FL

See manatees in the wild! Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures Boat Tours Just a short drive from the beaches of Fort Myers, adults and kids of all ages can take a family-friendly and fascinating Manatee Sightseeing & Wildlife Adventures boat tour. Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Adventures offers 4 exciting ways to see manatees by boat! Observe manatees, alligators, and birds of the Florida Everglades in... 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

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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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

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 on Holocaust and WWII history, and the personal stories of Southwest Florida residents who are Holocaust Survivors and Liberators. Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center in Naples, Florida presents a chronological display of Holocaust and World War II history, pre-war through the post-war Nuremberg Trials through artifacts, documents, and original photographs. Many of the... 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

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 Conservation and Education Center in Sarasota

Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center in Sarasota offers a unique opportunity to get up close to over 300 animals across 62 species. The organization cares for everything from Himalayan and Brown Bears to African Caracals, Bengal Tigers, Clouded Leopards, the Florida Panther, all types of lemurs, exotic birds, and monkeys. Adults and children will find it a worthwhile day trip and... Read More