By Elizabeth Arnold
Fort Myers
beach, located on the Gulf coast of Florida, is the ultimate vacation destination. Whether you are seeking family fun or a
romantic rendezvous, Fort Myers Beach will meet your needs and expectations. The quaint and charming beach town is anything but sleepy, offering cultural attractions, a variety of entertainment options and a packed events calendar.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Spend the day exploring the J.N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge with an experienced naturalist on hand. Tarpon Bay Explorers offers kayak, pontoon boat, bike and canoe tours through the refuge; prepare to see dolphins, alligators and manatees, among other Florida wildlife.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
900 Tarpon Bay Road
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
Phone: (239) 472-8900
www.tarponbayexplorers.com
Paradise Parasail
Go parasailing over the ocean with the help of the experts at Paradise Parasail. The parasail team includes U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains to ensure your safety; the parasail equipment uses the latest technology.
Paradise Parasail
1160 Estero Boulevard
Ft. Myers Beach, FL
Phone: (239) 463-7272
www.paradiseparasail.com
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Step back in time with visits to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates on the Caloosahatchee River. View the grand furnishings and antiques in Thomas Edison's winter home, and tour Henry Ford's neighboring property as well.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
2350 McGregor Blvd
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: (239) 334-7419
www.efwefla.org
Mound House
Spend a day experiencing "old Florida" at the Mound House, which is Estero Island's oldest standing structure. The house sits on top of an ancient Calusa Indian mound; picnic facilities are available.
Mound House
289 Connecticut Street
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Phone: (239) 765-0865
www.moundhouse.org
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
Watch a live show at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, which seats 448 patrons. The theatre features an intimate, 90-seat "black box" theatre, as well as two banquet facilities. The Broadway Palm Children's Theatre also offers several shows throughout the season. Tickets are available online or at the box office.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
1380 Colonial Boulevard
Ft. Myers, FL
Phone: (239) 278-4422
www.broadwaypalm.com
Everglades Day Safari
Explore the Florida Everglades during a tour with the Everglades Day Safari staff. The adventure will lead you through sawgrass prairies, mangrove estuaries, cypress swaps and pine savannahs. A 90-minute boat ride is available, as well as guided nature walks. Take an airboat ride through a 1,500-acre lake, where you will can view alligators, herons and other native animals.
Everglades Day Safari
Several pick-up points are available throughout the Ft. Myers area
For reservations, call: (239) 472-1559
www.ecosafari.com
Sunsplash Family Waterpark
Bond with your family during a visit to the Sunsplash Family Waterpark, which features a variety of slides and tunnels. River tubing is available, and the park offers a designated area for small children. The park also features gift and snack shops and arcade games.
Sunsplash Family Waterpark
400 Santa Barbara Boulevard
Cape Coral, FL 33915
Phone: (239) 574.0557
www.sunsplashwaterpark.com
Resources
About the Author:
Elizabeth Arnold, who studied English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, has written for a wide variety of publications and websites. Her experience includes writing travel features for "Recommend" magazine and packaging and marketing copy for both Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Warner Bros. consumer products. Recently, Arnold was a staff writer for "Special Events" magazine.
