Fort Myers Car Rental

Guide to Fort Myers

Geography

Fort Myers is a city in the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat and commercial center of Lee County.

Climate

Fort Myers experiences a tropical savanna climate with hot oppressive and wet summers; and short, pleasant, and mostly clear winters. Over the course of the year, the temperature rarely falls below 42°F or rises above 94°F.

Culture

The area was originally inhabited by the Seminoles in the 19th century. In 1841, a fort was constructed for campaigns against the Seminoles, however, it was abandoned at the end of the Seminole Wars. In 1863, it was used by the Union Forces during the American Civil War. After the military permanently left, the city was laid out in 1876 and the citizens continued using the original name.

Things To Do in Fort Myers

Enjoy an afternoon at a beach

A 20-mile drive south from downtown Fort Myers takes you to Fort Myers Beach, a popular destination for tourists. It is a 7-mile-long strip of powder-white sands and warm shallow waters, where you can indulge in a variety of activities like swimming, fishing, sunbathing, kayaking and parasailing. If you are lucky, you can also spot dolphins just a few feet from the shore. Beach chairs, watersport equipment and local snacks are available for rent. The area around the beach and pier, known as Times Square, is a dining and shopping hotspot where you can grab a bite or enjoy live music..

Visit a historical museum

The two American inventors, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were great friends who built their winter homes adjacent to each other. Today, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates are in a picturesque neighborhood about a mile south of downtown Fort Myers. Spread over 21 acres, it is open to the public for tours. Aside from the magnificent mansions, the grounds also include a lush botanical garden with a gigantic Banyan Tree dating from 1925, a research laboratory, and a museum with 7 galleries including vintage cars and hundreds of inventions and artifacts from the pioneers.

Explore local flora and fauna

Lying southwest of Fort Myers’ city center on Sanibel Island is the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a fantastic glimpse into the wildlife and ecosystems prevailing in this part of Florida. Originally a mangrove conservation area, the highlight of your tour can be a 90-minute open-air tram ride led by a certified naturalist. You can also explore the refuge in your own car or opt for any of the four hiking trails. The ideal time to visit the refuge is between November and April, during low tide, when you can spot the most wildlife.

Eating Out in Fort Myers

The Oxbow Bar & Grill downtown serves a delicious steak with carrots and mashed potatoes which you will relish. Seafood lovers can head to Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille for the tastiest grilled shrimps served with butter, garlic, mild Colombian chilies, and cilantro. The Veranda is one of the most award-winning restaurants in town. Try their beef carpaccio or the veal piccata for a sumptuous dinner.

Fort Myer Transport

Airport

Fort Myers is served by Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), also known as Fort Myers Airport, which lies just southeast of the city center.

Getting Around

The county’s public transport system, LeeTran, operates both bus and trolley services in Fort Myers. Boat and bike rentals are also viable options to explore the popular attractions. However, your best bet is to bring your own car or rent one. The most popular car rental agencies in town include Sixt, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise.