Are you planning a fun-filled day out in Fort Myers, FL and are looking for ideas on where to go or what to do? You’ve come to the right place. Fort Myers is one the most popular places for seniors and retirement. It offers a host of wonderful sights, activities to do, and unique places to have fun and enjoy the beautiful area. Below, we’re sharing some of the best day trip ideas for seniors in Fort Myers, FL.
The weather in Southwest Florida is wonderfully inviting to spend your day outside almost any time of the year. And with different types of walking trails, soft grass, and trees for shade, parks offer the perfect getaway for a relaxed day to revel in Lee County’s great outdoors.
Some of people’s most favorite parks include Centennial Park, Riverside Park, and Buckingham Community Park. All these parks feature an abundance of greenery and nature to recharge in, scenic water views, and paved walking trails for easy exercise. There are also interesting plaques or monuments about nearby sights and historic events in the area. You can also find plenty of entertaining play structures, so you can bring the grandkids along and watch them have a blast.
With its prime location right by Florida’s gorgeous Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is always the right location for a beach day. Pack your swimsuit or trunks, towels and sunscreen, your sunglasses, and maybe a beach hat, and you’re ready to go. Don’t forget to bring enough water and light snacks to stay hydrated and keep fueled. The beach is a delightful way to spend the day with family, your friends or neighbors, or by yourself with a good book and your toes in the sand.
If you are interested in a more elaborate beach adventure, Fort Myers offers exclusive sunset and dolphin tours to take in this area’s breathtaking nature and surroundings.
Fort Myers, despite being small and cozy, has quite a rich history. A guided walking tour is a great opportunity to learn about the city’s captivating stories. For a deep dive into the history of this cozy beach town, consider a historic walking tour, which is sure to be filled with awe-inspiring information and facts. Most tours offer easy wheelchair access in case you need or would like a little extra support with walking. If you’re in the mood for a few spooky surprises, you can even opt for a haunted history tour. Yet, some of those tours might be in the dark, so be sure to check the times.
If you feel like a city day, but more in a light browsing style, you can make it a shopping day trip! Fort Myers has several attractive shopping centers and stores with lots of variety. Link up with a family member or your neighbor, and enjoy strolling through the shops. You can look for cute additions to your apartment or find the perfect holiday gift.
Florida’s southwest is home to many fascinating animals and plants. If you’re a nature lover, there are heaps of places to admire nature’s wonders. One of the most popular spots is the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, where you can immerse yourself in greenery and appreciate Florida’s bustling animal and plant life as a quiet observer.
Another Lee County favorite is The Shops at Butterfly Estates, where butterfly lovers can rejoice in colorful magic. You and your friends can admire the busy little, velvety flyers as you walk along the garden estates’ huge collection of flowers and plants. If you are keen on picking up some souvenirs for friends or yourself, there is also a quaint gift shop to memorize your experience.
Many seniors like to seek out art experiences, and there are a lot of engaging places to delve into cultural magic in Florida. You can learn about industrial developments by visiting the Railroad Museum of South Florida. Or you can explore history and science by paying the IMAG History & Science Center a visit. It’s a captivating and intriguing place for kids and adults alike. For an opulent experience, a must-see place is the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, where different shows and events are held year-round.
Southwest Florida has a number of wide and open lakes to enjoy. So, if you’re in the mood for some exploration via boat, you can enjoy stunning views and a breeze in your face by doing a boat tour with your friends. Most tours are guided by locals with a vast knowledge of the area’s flora and fauna, and you might get to see manatees, dolphins, alligators, and a variety of birds and plants on the excursion.
Whether you’re in the mood for adventure, nature explorations, or a relaxing day full of recharge, Fort Myers, FL has almost anything a retiree could wish for. So, grab your friends or community neighbors, pack your day trip essentials, and make memories of a one-of-a-kind day trip in beautiful Southwest Florida.
Are you looking for more tips and guidance on how you can get the most out of your retirement days? It’s important for seniors to put their wellness and safety first, even when having a fun day out! To make sure you are keeping yourself healthy while venturing out, take a look at our Busy Person's Guide to Recreation in Retirement.
In it, you’ll find valuable information about the best activities for seniors, and how they can help you stay fit. You’ll also find helpful tips on what kinds of nutrition and snacks are most ideal while being active, and other ways to enjoy your retirement to the fullest.