Fort Myers
A river city about forty-five minutes up the road, where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered side by side, a historic downtown lines the Caloosahatchee, and manatees crowd a warm-water canal all winter long.
Updated June 2026
Point the car north on US-41 and in about forty-five minutes the beach town gives way to a river city. Fort Myers sits on the broad Caloosahatchee, a working waterfront with a century of history layered onto it: this is where Thomas Edison built his winter laboratory, where Henry Ford bought the house next door, and where the streets of a real downtown still run down to the water. It makes one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Naples, with enough to fill a morning of history and an afternoon outdoors.
It's a good call for travelers who want a change of pace from the sand: history buffs, garden lovers, families chasing manatees, and anyone curious about the SW Florida that existed before the resorts. It's also the natural jumping-off point for the islands, so you can pair it with a run out to Sanibel and Captiva, or break up the drive with a stop in Bonita Springs on the way.
What to see & do
One marquee estate, a riverfront downtown and a handful of wild places, all within a few minutes' drive of each other.
A perfect day up north
History in the morning, wildlife after lunch, dinner on the river. Easy to do from Naples and back.
- Drive up early and start at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates while the gardens are cool, allowing a couple of hours for the homes, lab and museum.
- In winter, swing by Manatee Park to watch for manatees in the warm canal; the rest of the year, walk the boardwalk at Six Mile Cypress Slough instead.
- Head into the River District for lunch and a wander through the galleries and brick streets downtown.
- If the kids need running room, add the trails and planetarium at the Calusa Nature Center, or carry on to Sanibel and Captiva for shelling.
- Finish with dinner on the river downtown, then take the easy drive back south to Naples for the night.
Where to go next
Fort Myers is the gateway, but the islands and the rest of the coast are right next door.
Sanibel & Captiva
The famous shelling islands just past Fort Myers, with lighthouse beaches and the J.N. Ding Darling refuge.
Bonita Springs
The easygoing town between Naples and Fort Myers, with quiet beaches and a riverside old downtown.
All Day Trips
Every easy escape from Naples, from the Everglades to the Gulf islands, in one place.
Where to Stay
Base yourself in Naples and take the day trips from there; here's where to lay your head.
Things to do in Fort Myers
Common questions
How far is Fort Myers from Naples?
Fort Myers is roughly 30 to 45 miles north of Naples, about a 35 to 45 minute drive up US-41 or I-75 depending on traffic and which part of the city you're headed to. It's one of the easiest day trips from Naples, and the natural gateway to Sanibel and Captiva islands just beyond it.
What is Fort Myers known for?
Fort Myers is best known as the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford, whose adjoining riverfront estates and gardens are now a museum. It's also known for its historic downtown River District, its warm-water manatee gathering spots in winter, and as the gateway to the Gulf beaches and the shelling islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
When can you see manatees at Manatee Park in Fort Myers?
Manatees gather at Manatee Park during the cold months, roughly December through February, when they crowd into the warm-water canal beside the old power plant to escape chilly Gulf temperatures. Sightings are most likely on cold mornings; once the water warms back up the manatees disperse, so it's a winter outing. The park is free to enter, with a small parking fee.
Is Fort Myers Beach open after Hurricane Ian?
Fort Myers Beach was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and is still rebuilding. Many hotels, restaurants and beach accesses have reopened and the beach itself is beautiful, but the historic pier and the Times Square area remain in the rebuilding pipeline. Check what has reopened before you plan a day around the beach town.
Is the Edison and Ford Winter Estates worth visiting?
Yes, it's the marquee attraction in Fort Myers and a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in history or gardens. You tour Edison's and Ford's adjoining winter homes, Edison's working laboratory, a museum of his inventions, and over twenty acres of botanical gardens along the river, including a famous giant banyan tree. It's open daily, so check current hours and ticket prices before you go.
What can you do in Fort Myers on a day trip from Naples?
A good day combines the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in the morning with the historic River District downtown for lunch and galleries, plus an outdoor stop like Manatee Park in winter or the Six Mile Cypress Slough boardwalk year-round. Families can add the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, and you can extend the trip out to Sanibel and Captiva for shelling.