Fort Myers and its idyllic island escapes

Lifestyle | Travel | Worldwide Holidays
At a glance: a more serene Gulf getaway in Fort Myers
Where: Fort Myers, a relaxed coastal city on Florida’s southwest coast
Best for: A smaller-scale beach and city break at a leisurely pace
Road trip highlight: Driving out to beautiful islands such as Sanibel and Captiva
Nature fix: Nature is everywhere here, including wild dolphins and manatees
Getting started: Tampa International Airport is a two-hour drive away; Miami International Airport and Orlando International Airport are both around a three-hour drive away
When you’re planning a Florida holiday, there are certain big-hitters you’re almost guaranteed to include: the nightlife of Miami, say, or the theme parks of Orlando.

But sometimes the most memorable moments come from the more secluded, under-the-radar spots, such as Fort Myers.

A laid-back Gulf Coast escape, here you’ll find friendly neighbourhoods, serene green space, and white sand beaches looking out to a spray of paradisiacal islands.

When you travel with British Airways, Fort Myers is a simple addition to a bigger Florida itinerary, allowing you to experience all its charm with pure ease.

Fort Myers: beautiful beaches and idyllic islands
Whether you’re hoping to kick back with a good book or spend the day splashing in the sea, Fort Myers has a beach to suit.

Bunche Beach Preserve is a natural expanse of tidal wetland flanked by salt flats and mangrove forest.

Fort Myers Beach is adjacent to city facilities and perfect for families, with picnic areas, paddlecraft launch spots and charcoal grills for barbecuing.

Nearby Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is well placed to provide a beachfront getaway for friends and families alike.

What makes Fort Myers so unique is its enticing islands, many of which have truly breathtaking beaches.

Located just off the city’s mainland, Sanibel is a 12-mile-long, three-mile-wide island with alabaster sand.

It’s known for its chilled out charm and the colourful shells that wash up on Bowman’s Beach Park or Blind Pass Beach Park.

Or make your way to Captiva, a smaller island that’s accessed via a bridge from Sanibel.

This slim strip of island is a good jumping-off point for boat trips and a prime spot to see an epic Gulf Coast sunsets.

Downtown Fort Myers and the River District
A brilliant beach break doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the sophistication of the city, however.

Fort Myers has several distinct neighbourhoods to explore, whether you’re after shopping and park walks in Bonita Springs or canal boating and craft beer in Cape Coral.

For the latter, The Westin Cape Coral Resort , perched right on the waterfront, offers the perfect relaxing coastal retreat.

Downtown Fort Myers is vibrant and green, with the historic River District showcasing a time-warp of early 20th-century architecture.

Here you’ll find museums, galleries and plenty of theatre.

Explore the great outdoors in Florida
In Fort Myers, you won’t get far without plunging into green, whether you’re winding along a boardwalk trail in a tree-dense reserve or taking a leisurely walk along an untamed stretch of sand.

Wild bird populations are especially plentiful, thanks to the mix of coastal shore, mangrove waterways and salt flats.

Head to the right places – perhaps out on a paddling trip – and you’re likely to spot plovers, reddish egrets, white ibises and possibly even iconic bald eagles.

One of the Sunshine State’s unsung gems, Fort Myers has a little bit of everything – beautiful beaches, exciting city life and majestic nature – all within close proximity.

It’s an essential stop on any discerning Florida road trip.

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