All the Feels: Three Days of Curiosity

Just as the tides are always in motion, the Fort Myers area is constantly shifting and changing with the times. Satisfy your sense of curiosity in this refreshing destination, where there’s always something new to catch your attention. From restaurant openings to mind-bending museum exhibits, these ideas for a three-day itinerary in Southwest Florida are sure to spark joy. Spend a long weekend enriching your mind, body and spirit with these unique getaway experiences.

Day 1

Open Your Horizons on Sanibel Island

Be among the first guests of Shalimar Beach Resort, the first new hotel to open on Sanibel Island in 40 years. Start your day out right by gathering seashells on the private beach and sipping coffee on your screened-in balcony overlooking the Gulf waters — with your own fully equipped kitchen that’s perfect for making breakfast together.

If you want to explore further without an agenda, bike rentals are plentiful on Periwinkle Way. (You can even rent a buggy or a trailer to carry young kids.) The island has 25 miles of beautiful trails that give you access to more remote and secluded areas that cars can’t reach. Pick up a map and see what you’ll uncover, including a wildlife refuge and the lighthouse.

Take a ride to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, where you’ll learn everything you need to know (and more!) about living shells and mollusks. The aquarium shows off at least 60 species of mollusks and impressive marine life like the giant Pacific octopus and giant clams. Little ones especially will get a kick out of the interactive touch pool.

On a stroll or bike ride along Periwinkle Way, grab a treat with a side of whimsy at The Magic Bus Caffeine & Creamery. Creamy milkshakes served in a mason jar, loaded sundaes, candy, and vintage sodas are just the beginning of this sweet-tooth adventure.

When you have room for dinner, take your pick from longtime favorites like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille or Gramma Dot’s, or a newer eatery like Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant. Serving all three meals with a full bar, Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant takes inspiration from Old Florida fare with a modern point of view.

Day 2

Enrichment in Estero

Estero has seen a lot of history unfold over the years. Learn stories at Mound House with over six exhibits that cover nearly 2,000 years of inhabitants, beginning with the native Calusa people who constructed the significant shell mound. A kayaking tour of Estero Bay reveals wading birds and the occasional dolphin or manatee popping its head above water.

Another slice of history lies in Koreshan State Park, once a gathering place for homesteaders who envisioned a utopian way of life. Nearby nature trails take you along the Estero River, where kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders like to spend leisurely days.

Just a short drive away are the Miromar Outlets, a perfect spot for deal hunters and fashionistas alike. Browse top brands with discounts up to 70% off, and then make your way to the newly opened Rush Inn Bar and Grille for burgers, build-your-own pizzas and more.

Bonita Springs is Estero’s neighbor to the south, and it opens you up to a whole different set of discoveries. Explore the Gulf Coast at Little Hickory Island Park and the sand dunes at Bonita Beach Park, or simply stroll around the charming downtown area where historical architecture and public art collections inspire a deeper understanding of the local culture.

Day 3

Wandering Around Fort Myers

Spend a morning in total wonder at IMAG History & Science Center. Designed with kids in mind but fun for the whole family, this imaginative space captivates with hands-on fossil hunts, science experiments and an animal lab. You could get lost in here for hours.

When your appetite kicks in, head to the next block to the newly opened Swamp Cat Brewing Company. Both kids and pets are welcome to enjoy the space, where you’ll find a full menu of craft beer and nonalcoholic options along with food trucks serving up tasty treats. Live music and board games make it a day to remember.

You’re just a few short minutes away from Fort Myers’ historic River District. Walk the brick-paved road and admire the mix of historic and modern buildings. Don’t be shy about stepping into an art gallery to meet the owner and checking out one-of-a-kind shops to bring home a taste of Florida. To learn about this area’s rich past, take a River District History Tour for storytelling and anecdotes.

Any cuisine that you crave is within reach, and one of the newest restaurants in Fort Myers is sure to spark your culinary curiosity. OISE Ristorante by Brad Kilgore fuses Japanese and Italian recipes and techniques, with signature dishes like chicken breast brined in dashi, topped with chili crisp, caper aioli and mozzarella.