Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Fort Myers Beach

"J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the premier destination in the area for seeing nature and wildlife. The visitor center, open to the public free of charge, is a great spot to learn about the ecosystems and animals, as well as the history of the refuge's founder, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. Informative displays, large picture windows, and the latest wildlife spotting information will get you right up to speed on everything nature related on Sanibel."

"Sanibel Island may be small, but it’s home to the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country, which takes up an astounding 50 percent of the island."

"​Day Four: Lovers Key State Park, Love Boat Ice Cream, Pool, and Fine Folk Pizza There are so many outdoor and water activities in Ft. Myers so on this day we tried our hand at canoeing at Lovers Key State Park. We were able to rent a canoe for half the day for $48 (they only charged us the 1-2 person rate due to the kids ages)."

"Just 15 minutes south of downtown and connected by trolley, this state park is a must for nature lovers. Lovers Key State Park is comprised of four islands and makes a great destination for any season. In summer, people will love its fabulous 2.5 mile long pristine beach with powdery white sand and a natural shoreline."

"Measuring roughly 3,500 acres, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has a fantastic 1.2-mile boardwalk through the Florida wetlands. Nature lovers will really enjoy taking a few selfies at this preserve’s many lookout points. This preserve is usually open between dawn and dusk every day, but always check the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s website for info on closures."

"The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that cares for over 3,000 orphaned, injured and sick migratory and native wildlife patients per year. Unlike your typical zoos, this veterinary hospital rehabs these creatures and aims to return them to their natural habitat. To make the most of your visit, join their daily presentations, which are led by a pro."

"The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary..."

"Like the Cypress Slough Preserve, the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral has a wonderful boardwalk through the Florida wetlands with plenty of photo ops. Plus, this preserve is attached to the Veterans Memorial Park, which features many impressive war monuments. The Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is open between 8 AM till dusk on most days."

"Measuring over 100 acres, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a fantastic way to get children interested in ecology. After watching a show at the 87-seat planetarium, go on a hiking trail, visit live animals, and check out the butterfly room. Typically, Calusa is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM."

"Offering scrumptious seafood with a French twist, Bleu Rendez-Vous is another excellent choice amongst Sanibel Island’s restaurants. The French inspiration is found not only in the menu, but also in the elegant décor and even the extensive wine list (although the USA is also well represented). A great choice for a luxurious dinner with Parisian style."

"Owners Mari and Christian Vivet have hit their stride with this place. Formerly tucked into a south Fort Myers strip-mall, Bleu moved to Sanibel in 2015. Out here the Vivets have room to work, to charm, and to serve the classic French cuisine Chef Christian grew up eating in his native Paris."

"Ordered 2 subs thou uber and called girl at the store to add tomato's to the steak sub because ppl aren't smart enough to add it on uber, Also ..."

"From Sanibel, it’s about a half hour to Fort Myers, where you can spend a leisurely few hours exploring the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Then hit the road again for the 90-minute drive to Sarasota, where you can catch an opera performance, stroll the downtown art galleries, or gawk at the gaudy architecture of circus magnate John Ringling’s mansion. For fans of serious American architecture, a trip to Sarasota would be incomplete without exploring the scores of gorgeous and innovative buildings in the area, many of which were designed by a confederacy of architects known as the Sarasota School."

"Fast forward in time will bring you to the Edison & Ford Winter Estate. This well-preserved home of the great inventor Thomas Edison and automobile builder Henry Ford is a step back into the beginning of the last century. More than a winter getaway, the estate in Fort Myers also housed a massive laboratory and extensive garden. It was here in Florida that Edison had plants from around the world brought here to search for materials for his inventions."