The area that would become Fort Myers was once inhabited by the Calusa Native Americans, who held their capital near the eventual site of the city. Before the city existed, Fort Myers was an actual U.S. Army fort, which was originally called Fort Harvie. Fort Myers was named for Brevet Colonel Abraham Charles Myers and features 57 separate buildings over 139 acres. The actual community of Fort Myers was founded on February 21, 1866, by a Civil War captain named Manuel A. Gonzalez, who was familiar with the area due to his time serving during the war. When the town was officially incorporated on August 12, 1885, it had a population of just 349.
Today, Fort Myers is one of Florida's larger cities, featuring a population of approximately 87,000. Fort Myers is a major tourist destination, regularly referred to as the "Gateway to Southwestern Florida." It's almost always sunny in the area, and you can enjoy the beautiful weather by spending a day at Fort Myers Beach. The popular beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and even spotting dolphins. You should also spend some time exploring the Fort Myers River District, a bustling neighborhood filled with great restaurants, theaters, and boutiques in a lovely setting. Another place worth checking out is the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts wonderful hiking trails and is an excellent place to observe unique wildlife species.
While you're in town, you could enjoy a sunset cruise around the Gulf of Mexico. You may also want to observe the alligators, otters, turtles, blue herons, and other fascinating creatures at the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. Another awesome option is to kayak through the Mangroves. If you're a sports fan, you could catch a Major League Baseball spring training game at Hammond Stadium or JetBlue Park. You could also do some shopping at Fleamasters Fleamarket or check out unique museums like the Railroad Museum of South Florida, the IMAG History & Science Center, and the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival - The annual Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival takes place in the River District in early January.
Annual Craft Fair - The Annual Craft Fair in North Fort Myers showcases a variety of products, including toys, clothing, accessories, jewelry, gourmet foods, and much more. The fair takes place in early November at the Lee Civic Center.
GoldenFest - The annual GoldenFest event is happening in mid-November at the Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers. The festival celebrates all things golden retriever and canine, featuring music, food, vendors, and more.
Lake Okeechobee is east of the city and you'll find the stunning Bonita Springs 27 miles to the south. Naples, home of the renowned Naples Piers as well as countless shopping boutiques, is 40 miles away.
The establishment of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates dates back to 1885 when Thomas Edison purchased the property to make a vacation home. This historical museum includes a lush 21-acre botanical garden with a 400-foot, century-old banyan tree. The on-site archival library contains more than 1,000 books about Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and the history of Fort Myers. This museum is located within Fort Myers on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River.
The IMAG History & Science Center features aquariums and kid-friendly interactive exhibits. The center promotes hands-on learning and has an expansive collection of fossils, live animals, and touch tanks. Visitors of all ages will love the Walk-Through History exhibit and the IMAG Live! Science Show. The IMAG is located on Cranford Avenue in Downtown Fort Myers and doesn't require reservations.
The 3,500-acre Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is only a few minutes from Fort Myers. It includes a 1.2-mile boardwalk and an interpretive center filled with facts about the area. The highlight of the preserve is the nine-mile-long slough that allows animals to travel safely out of city limits. The wetlands here are a natural flood control system and support many different local endangered species.
You'll find more than 900 exceptional RV rental options around Fort Myers, FL. Consider snagging a Class B camper van if you're interested in more secluded and rustic parking adventures. Class B rentals are compact, easy to maneuver, and boast amenities like extendable kitchens, climate control, and electric generators. Class A motorhomes are more luxurious, with expanded seating options and master bedrooms. They're the best choice for large families who want to camp comfortably. Finally, Class C rentals aren't as large as Class A options, but they offer more amenities than Class B vans. Class C rigs are one of the best options if you plan to stay in a local Fort Myers campground or state park.
A convenient RV rental can give you direct access to many great points of interest in the area, such as the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. You can also visit the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve or start a road trip from Fort Myers to Key West. Oscar Scherer State Park in South Florida boasts a large beach as well as ample camping spots for RVs. Don't forget to make time to visit Highlands Hammock State Park if you're interested in local animal and plant species. Additionally, you'll have access to Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the country.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Fort Myers, FL, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Fort Myers?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Fort Myers from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Fort Myers?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.