For a beach getaway that’s a little more low-key than those on the southeast coast of Florida, navigate your way to the west coast for calm waves and a slower pace.
Today, we’re taking our Ridge Landing residents on a hypothetical trip to Fort Myers and Cape Coral–two lovely cities on the southwestern coast of Florida that are an easy trip from our airpark.
If you’ve been wanting to take your aircraft somewhere but just weren’t sure where to jet off to next, check out the below things to do in Fort Myers/ Cape Coral.
The area is best known for its beaches, fishing, and shopping, so if you have shopaholic co-pilot to tag along, the two of you will have plenty of fun activities to choose from when you land. Speaking of landing, are you wondering where to fly into?
The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is an 85-mile flight from your backyard, and it puts you within distance of both Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
So, what are you waiting for? Fill up the fuel tank and start scribbling down your itinerary! The Gulf coast of Florida awaits you.
1. EXPLORE THE ESTATES
Fort Myer was home to some of the most influential inventors of our time. Does Thomas Edison ring a bell? What about a fellow named Henry Ford? In 1916, Ford bought land in downtown Fort Myers to be next door to his mentor, Thomas Edison.
Both of these winter estates are now full museums honoring their founders’ immense impact on the world as we know it today. Here’s all the info you need for hours and admission as well as directions.
2. DINE IN THE FORT MYERS RIVER DISTRICT
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Stroll riverside in this charming downtown area that has plenty of dining options. The Fort Myers River District will have you truly feeling like you’re on a fantastic beach weekend getaway.
There’s usually music playing in the courtyard (care to dance?), and there is a lovely array of local art and culture to enjoy. Spend the day or a night here to get the full experience!
3. GO FISHING
If you’re looking for a little time to test out your fishing skills, why not rent a fishing charter for the day and see what the Gulf of Mexico has to offer? Fish Face Charters operates out of Cape Coral, and allows customers to “mix it up,” including a stop for an island lunch or sightseeing with their fishing excursion.
4. SAIL AWAY
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Perhaps you prefer your water explorations to be a little sport-oriented and a little more adventure-oriented? If so, it’s time to test out your sea legs.Hop on a sailboat for a 2.5- or 4-hour ride to get a whole new nautical point of view.
And if you’ve got your lady in low, surprise her with a sunset ride she’ll be gushing about for months to come. TripAdvisor users rave about the sailboat, comfort, and their fun while on the water with Magic Wind Adventure Sailing out of Fort Myers.
5. CATCH A SOX GAME
Red Sox fans, this is your park! Don’t miss a spring training game at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, which might be nestled in southwest Florida, but mimics can iconic features of Fenway Park. Check out the website for more information and scheduling so you can coordinate your trip.
6. SEE THE SUNSET AT BUNCHE BEACH
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A local hidden gem, Bunche Beach won’t be overly crowded, so you can enjoy the true beauty of the shoreline and sand as it surrounds you.
The Gulf coast of Florida has some of the best sunsets out there, so it’d be a shame not to catch one! Arrive at Bunche in the late afternoon to be there when the sun begins its colorful decent beyond the horizon. This is also the perfect spot to hang up a hammock!
7. PERUSE THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Especially if you’re generally unfamiliar with southwest Florida, the Southwest Florida Museum of History is a great place to expand your knowledge of the state and this particular region. There are exhibits and facts pertaining to both ancient and current history, providing for an enlightening and intriguing visit.
Visitors easily spend over two hours absorbing the array of interesting information the museum has to offer.
