Places to eat, things to see and do
Sightseeing
Long-running community theater offering a full lunch & dinner menu paired with a Broadway-style show.
39 locals recommend
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
1380 Colonial Blvd
Long-running community theater offering a full lunch & dinner menu paired with a Broadway-style show.
Great place to see Florida birds and an occasional alligator.
139 locals recommend
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife DriveGreat place to see Florida birds and an occasional alligator.
Great trails and an opportunity to experience Florida’s natural scenery and wildlife.
CREW Marsh Trails
4600 Corkscrew RdGreat trails and an opportunity to experience Florida’s natural scenery and wildlife.
Established in 1936, this attraction features botanical gardens & wildlife enclosures. The small zoo/garden atmosphere is family friendly.
75 locals recommend
Everglades Wonder Gardens
27180 Old 41 Rd
Established in 1936, this attraction features botanical gardens & wildlife enclosures. The small zoo/garden atmosphere is family friendly.
Botanical gardens, restored houses and a museum all in one estate-something for everyone.
459 locals recommend
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor BlvdBotanical gardens, restored houses and a museum all in one estate-something for everyone.
A great place to see the natural side of Florida and don’t be surprised if you see an alligator or two!
112 locals recommend
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
7751 Penzance BlvdA great place to see the natural side of Florida and don’t be surprised if you see an alligator or two!
This is a little ways away but the Everglades are so worth a day trip!
160 locals recommend
Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center
40001 State Hwy 9336This is a little ways away but the Everglades are so worth a day trip!
Downtown-The butterfly estates and gardens are a destination on their own, but the added bonus is the option to dine or to shop at the artist’s gallery.
15 locals recommend
The Shops at The Butterfly Estates and Florida Native Butterfly Society Conservatory (501c3)
1815 Fowler StDowntown-The butterfly estates and gardens are a destination on their own, but the added bonus is the option to dine or to shop at the artist’s gallery.
Start Your Adventure on the River!
Estero River Outfitters is the family-owned and operated river outfitter in Southwestern Florida supplying you with all the gear and supplies you need for your adventures along the local waterways and rivers. Whether you’re looking for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing gear, we’ve got you covered.
30 locals recommend
Estero River Outfitters
20991 S Tamiami TrailStart Your Adventure on the River!
Estero River Outfitters is the family-owned and operated river outfitter in Southwestern Florida supplying you with all the gear and supplies you need for your adventures along the local waterways and rivers. Whether you’re looking for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, or fishing gear, we’ve got you covered.
Food scene
San Carlos Park off 41-Local flavor-freshest seafood with a small town diner atmosphere.
12 locals recommend
Skip One 41 - Seafood Restaurant and Market
15820 S Tamiami TrailSan Carlos Park off 41-Local flavor-freshest seafood with a small town diner atmosphere.
Downtown-Great food, New York style pizza by the slice. Option to eat inside or outback in the courtyard.
44 locals recommend
Downtown House of Pizza
1520 Hendry StDowntown-Great food, New York style pizza by the slice. Option to eat inside or outback in the courtyard.
Pinchers
6890 Estero BlvdEdison Ford Estates area-Great place to eat on the water.
Fort Myers Beach-This unassuming shack offers two genuine delights: sumptuous fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits – overflowing with eggs, cheese and bacon – and delectable cinnamon rolls. Eat directly off the waxed paper on the tiny porch or get it to go; you can build a bigger breakfast with grits and home fries. It's nothing fancy or highbrow: just a simple thing done right.
72 locals recommend
Heavenly Biscuits
110 Mango StFort Myers Beach-This unassuming shack offers two genuine delights: sumptuous fresh-baked buttermilk biscuits – overflowing with eggs, cheese and bacon – and delectable cinnamon rolls. Eat directly off the waxed paper on the tiny porch or get it to go; you can build a bigger breakfast with grits and home fries. It's nothing fancy or highbrow: just a simple thing done right.
Ft Myers Beach-Pete’s has delicious martinis, drinks and sliders and fries close to Time Square.
37 locals recommend
Pete's Time Out
1005 Estero BlvdFt Myers Beach-Pete’s has delicious martinis, drinks and sliders and fries close to Time Square.
Wicked Wings & Things
8024 Alico RdSan Carlos Park/Alico and Ft Myers Beach locations. Best wings ever!!!!
Chocolate art, gelato, and baked goods.
10 locals recommend
Norman Love Confections - McGregor, Fort Myers
13261 McGregor BlvdChocolate art, gelato, and baked goods.
Tin City
1200 5th Ave SNaples Area: Tin City offers a variety of shops and restaurants.
Bealls mall parking lot-Daniels/41-Typically known for their buffet but their well kept secret is their sushi!
Jingdu Japanese Buffet
13300 S Cleveland AveBealls mall parking lot-Daniels/41-Typically known for their buffet but their well kept secret is their sushi!
Downtown-The best place for tea and scones in Ft Myers. Reservations are required and Royal or Afternoon tea is recommended.
24 locals recommend
Wisteria Tea Room & Café
2512 Second StDowntown-The best place for tea and scones in Ft Myers. Reservations are required and Royal or Afternoon tea is recommended.
Gourmet food in a quaint cottage turned cafe with additional outside patio seating area.
42 locals recommend
McGregor Cafe
4305 McGregor BlvdGourmet food in a quaint cottage turned cafe with additional outside patio seating area.
Edison Mall Parking lot/Colonial-Endless Sushi Hibachi. For price of 14.95 for lunch and 23.95 for dinner. Order endless and they make it fresh for you."
GinZa Japanese Restaurant
4429 Cleveland AvenueEdison Mall Parking lot/Colonial-Endless Sushi Hibachi. For price of 14.95 for lunch and 23.95 for dinner. Order endless and they make it fresh for you."
Fort Myers Beach-Go to the bar at the ground level: Best rum runners and Miami Vice (1/2 pina colada 1/2 strawberry daiquiri) drinks on the beach. Dine on the top floor for a meal under the stars experience.
47 locals recommend
Lani Kai Island Resort
1400 Estero BlvdFort Myers Beach-Go to the bar at the ground level: Best rum runners and Miami Vice (1/2 pina colada 1/2 strawberry daiquiri) drinks on the beach. Dine on the top floor for a meal under the stars experience.
Bell Towers-Order the Love Boat, sushi for two or the Party Boat for a larger group.
11 locals recommend
DaRuMa Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge
13499 S Cleveland AveBell Towers-Order the Love Boat, sushi for two or the Party Boat for a larger group.
Cristof's on McGregor
10231 McGregor BlvdMcGregor & Colonial-Upscale Southern Food
Golden Rind Cheese & Wine
13251 McGregor Blvd McGregor area-Charcuterie, wine, cheese & kitchen gifts
The EATERY By Ryan
16960 Alico Mission WaySan Carlos Park neighborhood-Great breakfast spot
San Carlos Park neighborhood-Conventional dishes with creative twists served in copious portions
FK Your Diet
19630 S Tamiami TrailSan Carlos Park neighborhood-Conventional dishes with creative twists served in copious portions
True Floridian’s don’t go to Subway, we go to Publix Deli for subs-with Boar’s Head meats!
18 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Colonial Crossings
4600 Summerlin RdTrue Floridian’s don’t go to Subway, we go to Publix Deli for subs-with Boar’s Head meats!
Living Vine Organic Cafe
1400 Colonial BlvdNice and close to Hampton Court-organic fresh options
Cattyshack Cafe is a coffee shop and lounge with a separated area dedicated to interacting with adoptable rescue cats and kittens.
While saving lives and enriching others, Cattyshack Cafe provides a home for adoptable cats that would have been otherwise overlooked at an animal shelter.
Cattyshack Cat Cafe
9902 Gulf Coast Main StreetCattyshack Cafe is a coffee shop and lounge with a separated area dedicated to interacting with adoptable rescue cats and kittens.
While saving lives and enriching others, Cattyshack Cafe provides a home for adoptable cats that would have been otherwise overlooked at an animal shelter.
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
13499 S Cleveland AveBell Towers-Authentic dine in pizzeria.
Bell Towers-great seafood with outdoor dining option.
7 locals recommend
Blue Pointe Oyster Bar & Seafood Grill
13499 S Cleveland AveBell Towers-great seafood with outdoor dining option.
Farmer’s Markets
Immokalee, FL:This farmer’s market is like a trip to Mexico: it’s great place to source fresh produce fresh from the fields. My favorite drink is also sold there: fresh agua de horchata.
Immokalee State Farmer's Market
424 New Market Rd EImmokalee, FL:This farmer’s market is like a trip to Mexico: it’s great place to source fresh produce fresh from the fields. My favorite drink is also sold there: fresh agua de horchata.
Sanibel Island Farmer's Market
800 Dunlop RdSunday mornings: Go early and go hungry!
Downtown Farmers Market
2000 W First StGreat fresh fruits and veggies
Shopping Center
Sanibel’s Baileys offers a full grocery store, bakery, deli and hardware store.
42 locals recommend
Bailey's General Store
2477 Periwinkle WaySanibel’s Baileys offers a full grocery store, bakery, deli and hardware store.
Publix Super Market at Colonial Crossings
4600 Summerlin RdClosest Grocery Store to Hampton Court
Edison Mall
4125 Cleveland AveClosest shopping mall to Hampton Court
Sanibel Outlets
20350 Summerlin RdCoconut Point
23106 Fashion DrBonita Spring’s shopping center
Mercato
9110 Strada PlUpscale shopping near Naples
Vera Bradley, Coach, Ann Taylor, Sperry, Michael Kors, White House Black Market
349 locals recommend
Miromar Outlets
10801 Corkscrew RdVera Bradley, Coach, Ann Taylor, Sperry, Michael Kors, White House Black Market
Bell Tower
13499 S Cleveland AveDaruma’s, Friday’s, Dave and Buster’s, World of Beer
Welcome Center
Sun Harvest Citrus
14601 6 Mile Cypress PkwyPerfect place to buy Florida souvenirs.
Beach, restaurants, and shops
Offers lots of places to eat and shop. I recommend parking at the liquor store-turn left when you come over the bridge and it’s on the left side of the road. Park in the lot and go into the liquor store to pay. Another parking option is Dave’s parking just past Lani Kai.
436 locals recommend
Fort Myers Beach
Offers lots of places to eat and shop. I recommend parking at the liquor store-turn left when you come over the bridge and it’s on the left side of the road. Park in the lot and go into the liquor store to pay. Another parking option is Dave’s parking just past Lani Kai.
Best shelling place in the world: When is the best time to look for sea shells on Sanibel Island? The best time to go beachcombing for sea shells and sea glass is during low tide as the calm waters gently pull the sand away naturally sifting through the sand, leaving more shell on the beach and sandbar exposed.
68 locals recommend
Sanibel Lighthouse
112 Periwinkle WayBest shelling place in the world: When is the best time to look for sea shells on Sanibel Island? The best time to go beachcombing for sea shells and sea glass is during low tide as the calm waters gently pull the sand away naturally sifting through the sand, leaving more shell on the beach and sandbar exposed.
The islands are beautiful, with tangles of Mangrove trees along the roads and a whopping 15 miles of beaches. They boast an abundance of quirky restaurants and eclectic shops. And they’re as relaxed as juice-in-the-blender. They don’t even have any traffic lights.
But don’t think you’ll get bored! Check out some of the favorite Captiva Island and Sanibel Florida activities:
1. Shelling
Assume the ‘Sanibel stoop’ and scoop up some treasures from the sea in this world-famous shelling hotspot. Make sure to visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum while you’re in town; they offer free workshops to teach you all about shelling, as well as trips to the beach where you can try the real thing.
2. Ding Darling Nature Preserve
This 6,300-acre nature preserve is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, is famed for its spectacular migratory bird populations, and you can explore it via car (on their wildlife drive), kayak or canoe, on foot or bicycle. Go – you’ll love it!
3. Have a Ball at the Beach
Sanibel and Captiva boast an abundance of beautiful beaches, where you can look at a lighthouse, search for shells, escape the crowds or just soak up the sun.
4. Biking
Bikes and mopeds and Segways, oh my! Sanibel’s superbly-maintained bike paths meander through 22 miles of shopping districts, back roads, friendly neighborhoods and quiet waterways. Check out where you can rent bikes and suggested trips here.
5. Parasailing
Soar over to tiny Captiva Island for a fabulous flight with YOLO Watersports. You’ll never forget the views!
6. Rent a Wave-runner
Search for manatee, sea turtles or dolphin – or just enjoy the ride on your too-cool wave-runner. You can rent one from Captiva Island’s YOLO Watersports. They also offer guided tours to Cayo Costa Island.
7. Fishing
Hook into some family-friendly fun on a backwater fishing trip with Adventures in Paradise. They also offer sea life encounters, sunset and afternoon dolphin cruises, shelling and lunch excursions, and eco-canoe tours.
8. Snorkel or Scuba Dive
Wrecks and more than a dozen artificial reefs and residents like barracuda, cobia, nurse sharks, grouper, amber jack and moray eels make the waters surrounding Sanibel a super place to dive into the underwater world.
9. Cruise to Cayo Costa
Spot delightful dolphin, enjoy superb shelling and snorkel in the shallows with a boat ride – either private or group – to the barrier island of Cayo Costa with Sanibel Island Cruise Line. The pristine paradise boasts seven miles of beautiful Gulf front beach. While there, kick back in a kayak or splash into fun on a Sea Doo Sea Scooter.
10. Nature and Historical Walks and Tours
Discover delightful Sanibel diversions that include Chapel by the Sea (11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239- 472-1646), C.R.O.W. (the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife), Old Town Sanibel and Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
157 locals recommend
Captiva Island Pizza
11513 Andy Rosse LaneThe islands are beautiful, with tangles of Mangrove trees along the roads and a whopping 15 miles of beaches. They boast an abundance of quirky restaurants and eclectic shops. And they’re as relaxed as juice-in-the-blender. They don’t even have any traffic lights.
But don’t think you’ll get bored! Check out some of the favorite Captiva Island and Sanibel Florida activities:
1. Shelling
Assume the ‘Sanibel stoop’ and scoop up some treasures from the sea in this world-famous shelling hotspot. Make sure to visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum while you’re in town; they offer free workshops to teach you all about shelling, as well as trips to the beach where you can try the real thing.
2. Ding Darling Nature Preserve
This 6,300-acre nature preserve is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, is famed for its spectacular migratory bird populations, and you can explore it via car (on their wildlife drive), kayak or canoe, on foot or bicycle. Go – you’ll love it!
3. Have a Ball at the Beach
Sanibel and Captiva boast an abundance of beautiful beaches, where you can look at a lighthouse, search for shells, escape the crowds or just soak up the sun.
4. Biking
Bikes and mopeds and Segways, oh my! Sanibel’s superbly-maintained bike paths meander through 22 miles of shopping districts, back roads, friendly neighborhoods and quiet waterways. Check out where you can rent bikes and suggested trips here.
5. Parasailing
Soar over to tiny Captiva Island for a fabulous flight with YOLO Watersports. You’ll never forget the views!
6. Rent a Wave-runner
Search for manatee, sea turtles or dolphin – or just enjoy the ride on your too-cool wave-runner. You can rent one from Captiva Island’s YOLO Watersports. They also offer guided tours to Cayo Costa Island.
7. Fishing
Hook into some family-friendly fun on a backwater fishing trip with Adventures in Paradise. They also offer sea life encounters, sunset and afternoon dolphin cruises, shelling and lunch excursions, and eco-canoe tours.
8. Snorkel or Scuba Dive
Wrecks and more than a dozen artificial reefs and residents like barracuda, cobia, nurse sharks, grouper, amber jack and moray eels make the waters surrounding Sanibel a super place to dive into the underwater world.
9. Cruise to Cayo Costa
Spot delightful dolphin, enjoy superb shelling and snorkel in the shallows with a boat ride – either private or group – to the barrier island of Cayo Costa with Sanibel Island Cruise Line. The pristine paradise boasts seven miles of beautiful Gulf front beach. While there, kick back in a kayak or splash into fun on a Sea Doo Sea Scooter.
10. Nature and Historical Walks and Tours
Discover delightful Sanibel diversions that include Chapel by the Sea (11580 Chapin Lane, Captiva, 239- 472-1646), C.R.O.W. (the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife), Old Town Sanibel and Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Mangrove islets surround Bokeelia and extend through Pine Island Sound. They can be paddled around with rentals from Gulf Coast Kayak in Matlacha, FL or otherwise toured on the Tropic Star of Pine Island which also carries visitors to beaches at Cayo Costa daily. There are no beaches to speak of on the bridged islands.
12 locals recommend
Matlacha Isles-Matlacha Shores
Mangrove islets surround Bokeelia and extend through Pine Island Sound. They can be paddled around with rentals from Gulf Coast Kayak in Matlacha, FL or otherwise toured on the Tropic Star of Pine Island which also carries visitors to beaches at Cayo Costa daily. There are no beaches to speak of on the bridged islands.
Pine Island
This a great beach designed for your dog to play and run free.
104 locals recommend
Bonita Beach Dog Park
8800 Estero BlvdThis a great beach designed for your dog to play and run free.
Lovers Key Beach
Barefoot is a quieter beach where you will almost always see turtles. You actually drive through a neighborhood to get there.
14 locals recommend
Barefoot beach Bonita Springs,FL
27506 County Rd 865Barefoot is a quieter beach where you will almost always see turtles. You actually drive through a neighborhood to get there.
Park/Playground
Lakes Park has walking trails, multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, bikes and paddle boats for rent.
Lakes has several playgrounds, great walking trails, paddle boats, and bicycles for 4-6 people, picnic shelters, and a splash pad
130 locals recommend
Lakes Park
7330 Gladiolus DrLakes has several playgrounds, great walking trails, paddle boats, and bicycles for 4-6 people, picnic shelters, and a splash pad
Estero Park has several playgrounds, trails and 2 dog parks. This park also has a community center that offers pickup basketball games several times a week.
8 locals recommend
Estero Community Park
9200 Corkscrew Palms BlvdEstero Park has several playgrounds, trails and 2 dog parks. This park also has a community center that offers pickup basketball games several times a week.
FastTrax Fort Myers
17455 Summerlin RdArcade, rides, miniature golf
Red Sox Spring Training
Minnesota Twins Baseball
14400 6 Mile Cypress PkwyMini golf, zip lining, bungee trampoline, paintball, go-cart, escape room, batting cages, and arcade. Great for all ages. Outside bar “Old Florida Style”.
63 locals recommend
Gator Mike's Family Fun Park
35 NE Pine Island RdMini golf, zip lining, bungee trampoline, paintball, go-cart, escape room, batting cages, and arcade. Great for all ages. Outside bar “Old Florida Style”.