Visitor’s Guide to the Fort Myers River District

Everyone who visits the beautiful and historic Fort Myers River District will immediately understand how special a place it is. From elegant and delicious dining to unique shops and waterfront charm, this Fort Myers spot has something for everyone. Whether you’re new to town, enjoying a relaxing vacation, or hoping to try something new in your area, there’s always a fun surprise in the River District.

At Fort Myers Mitsubishi, we know how special our town is, and we want you to know it too. Read on to learn more about one of our favorite spots in this visitor guide to the Fort Myers River District.

What’s So Special About the Fort Myers River District?

If you’re looking for modern charm mixed with impressive history, you’ll find it here. Right on the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers began its history as an important battleground in the Seminole Indian Wars. But things really started developing in the early 1900s.

In the beginning, Fort Myers gathered influence from famous industrialists like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Edison and his wife, Mina, are even said to be responsible for the district’s palm-tree-lined streets. If you want to learn more about the Edisons and their time in Fort Myers, check out the Edison Ford Winter Estates nearby to soak in the town’s unique history and delightful garden sunshine.

Today, you can learn all about Fort Myers’ unique story as a battleground, industrialist paradise, and, eventually, charming tourist town. Thousands of visitors check out this unique spot yearly, letting the history in through everything from museums to the city’s unique Beaux-Arts and Neo-Classical architecture influences. Whether you want to take a tour or wander aimlessly and soak in the sights, you’ll have a great time in this vibrant district.

Exceptional Dining Options

All that exploring might leave you hungry, though. So, it’s a good thing that the Fort Myers River District has your back with great food options for diners of any taste palate. If you’re feeling like a drink and a meal that might knock your socks off, check out the popular Standard Restaurant. With creative cocktails (and endless Bloody Marys) along with made-from-scratch seafood, pizza, and burgers, you and your whole party will have a great time as you fuel up.

If you’re looking to really dive into the area’s seafood scene but don’t want to get too fancy about it, check out Izzy’s Fish and Oysters. This unpretentious spot features draw-droppingly fresh catches, along with drinks, sides, and a raw bar to complete the experience. To take a quick fuel break between activities, you can also stop at the local Wild About Popcorn, which sells inventive flavors like Sour Patch or Beer Cheese. For more dining options, check out the district’s full dining guide and be amazed at the options you have right in front of you.

Local Shopping

Want something beautiful to take home with you and remind you of your time in Fort Myers? Well, you’ll find plenty of shopping options right downtown. You’ll experience boutiques, galleries, record stores, antique stores, thrift shops, and enough specialty stores to help you find the perfect gift for your loved ones or yourself. With 55 stores, in fact, you might want to just take the day to explore the extensive retail options in our beautiful town.

If you’d like to reach as many options as quickly as you can, though, you can try out the massive, local Franklin Shops. Located in a converted, two-story hardware store, you can spend the day exploring this gift and craft store alone. Or you can stop by for one of the concerts, performances, or events that the store opens to the community.

To connect with your natural side right downtown, check out the Spirit of the Earthgem, crystal, and mineral store. For unique finds from all over the world, this spot’s proprietors travel extensively, looking for the most special items to pass on to you. Whether you’re in the market for a new gem or not, this place is worth a stop.

If you’d rather do some shopping that’s a bit more alfresco, visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market. Located in Centennial Park, under the Caloosahatchee Bridge, this market runs every Thursday year-round from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Great finds to be had include local produce, seafood, baked goods, honey, nuts, cheese, flowers, and plants. The Thursday morning trip downtown might be worth it for this delightful market.

Area Attractions and Events

“Fort Myers Art Show” by Cletch is licensed under CC BY 2.0

There’s so much to do in Fort Myers. Explore the enchanting Butterfly Estates and feel good about supporting a local nonprofit, all while becoming mesmerized by this colorful and bright butterfly conservatory. For the science fanatic of all ages, check out the local IMAG History and Science Center. While you’re there, stop at the cafe, join the STEMLab, or learn more about your local history with Science and History Saturdays. If you’d rather support the Fort Myers art scene, you can catch a show at the Florida Repertory Theatre, a local cultural institution.

Besides these wonderful, permanent activity options, you can also explore some of the seasonal events that the district has to offer. With its great weather and yearly glow, Fort Myers always has something for those who like to celebrate. From monthly arts and music festivals to fireworks over the water and everything in between, there’s always some sort of party downtown. To learn more, check out the district’s event page before your visit. Or you can just head out and see what you run into. In the Fort Myers River District, chances are it will be something magical.

So, there you have it. Fort Myers Mitsubishi just told you all about the Fort Myers River District and what makes it so special. How did you find our guide? Are there any local spots we should add? Contact us today and let us know. We can’t wait to help you have the best time in our favorite city.