3 Days in Fort Myers Itinerary: Plan Your Ultimate Long Weekend
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach escape with just the right mix of quirky fun and nature, this 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary will hit the spot. My husband and I visited in January, which was perfect — warm enough to enjoy the beach (but not swim), cool enough that I didn’t sweat through every outfit. Planning a 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary means you can relax on the sand one minute, then hop on an airboat or a murder mystery train the next (yes, really).
So, whether you’re a beach bum, wildlife lover, or just in it for the delicious food, this 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary is packed with something for you. Plus, it’s the kind of trip you can easily squeeze in between work deadlines without needing a two-week vacation!
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Day 1: Shells, Wildlife & Whodunits
Shelling at Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel
Starting our 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary at Blind Pass Beach was a full-circle moment for me. As a kid, I was obsessed with shelling — I had a shell guidebook and loved categorizing every treasure I found. So, you can imagine my excitement when we hit the beach and immediately started spotting beautiful conchs, whelks, olives, and even a gorgeous murex. My husband may not have been quite as emotionally invested, but even he had fun hunting along the shore.
We spent about 2-3 hours here, and honestly, it flew by. It’s such a peaceful, satisfying start to your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary and a great way to slow down and soak in the ocean breeze. Just be warned: you may leave with a heavier suitcase and a shell collection addiction! Pro tip: go as it is approaching low tide (check the tides in advance here), and make sure to bring a bag to store your shells…there are way too many to stick in your pockets. Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel is approximately one hour from downtown Fort Myers.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Next up, head to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a dose of nature. We spent 1-2 hours walking and driving through, spotting birds, alligators, and turtles — basically the Florida wildlife starter pack. Bring binoculars if you have them and keep your eyes peeled…you never know what you’ll spot!
You can explore the refuge by car, bike, or foot, and it’s great for all ages. Pro tip: mornings or late afternoons are best for wildlife sightings. And yes, there’s a gift shop if you need to grab a “Ding Darling” magnet to prove you were there. I’d also highly recommend bringing a zoom lens if you have one…I brought my 100-400mm lens and was able to snag some cool bird shots!
If you’re looking for lunch after the wildlife refuge, check out Rosalita’s Cantina Sanibel. We stopped for a quick bite and found the food delicious and affordable. Plus, how can you turn down free chips & salsa?
Lighthouse Beach Park
Lighthouse Beach Park is a great stop to stretch your legs, check out the lighthouse, or just watch pelicans show off their fishing skills. We spent about an hour here, soaking in the views and enjoying the sea breeze. It’s a chill addition to your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary and a great spot for sunset photos.
Murder Mystery Dinner Train
Now for the weirdest (and most fun) part of the day: the Murder Mystery Dinner Train. We boarded at 5:45pm, departed at 6:30, and spent the next four hours eating, laughing, and failing to solve a murder — though in our defense, the clues were tricky! Expect a full dinner, drinks, live actors running through the train cars, and lots of laughter as everyone fumbles through their amateur detective roles.
We didn’t solve the mystery, but we had an absolute blast trying. The train returned around 10:30pm, and we were stuffed, mildly humbled, and already planning to come back for another round (they switch up the murders and acts periodically). This quirky experience really adds something special to your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary.
Day 2: Swamps, Sloughs & Sunset Bites
Everglades Airboat Ride
The second day of your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary kicks off with an adrenaline rush. After an hour’s drive from downtown Fort Myers, we hit the Everglades for an airboat ride that did not disappoint. For one hour, we zipped through mangroves and marshes, spotting an impressive amount of gators, birds, and enough plant life to make you feel like a real explorer. Make sure you choose a tour on the Western side of the Everglades (nearer to Fort Myers and Naples) so you don’t have to drive across the state to the Miami side.
Recommended Tour: Everglades Airboat Tour
Our captain was hilarious and shared tons of cool facts about the ecosystem. This ride is part thrill, part nature show, and all-around memorable. It was actually my first airboat ride ever, and I was really surprised how the boat was able to navigate through just a couple inches of water…it was such a cool experience! This is another spot I’d recommend bringing your zoom lens; it’s great for an up-close of those gators.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Next, slow things down with a walk through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve. We wandered the boardwalk, where we saw everything from turtles sunbathing to snakes casually hanging out (don’t worry, they weren’t on the boardwalk itself). The preserve is peaceful, shady, and a refreshing spot to explore for an afternoon. One of my favorite wildlife sightings here was a racoon…which we saw in the dumpster of the parking lot. It just kept playing and popping its little head in and out.
A couple of tips: Parking tends to fill up on weekends between 10 and 2, so bring a little patience if you’re arriving during peak time. The upside? It’s a bargain at just $1 per hour or $5 for the day. The boardwalk may only be 1.2 miles, but trust me — spring for two hours of parking. Even as fast walkers, we easily spent close to two hours thanks to all the wildlife distractions along the way. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is one of those under-the-radar stops that makes your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary feel more local.
Dinner at Oxbow Bar & Grill
Wrap up the day with dinner overlooking the water at Oxbow Bar & Grill. We loved the casual vibe, delicious seafood, and gorgeous sunset views. Bonus: you can toast to surviving your gator encounter from earlier in the day while watching the sun go down.
If you’re looking for other dinner recommendations in downtown Fort Myers, make sure to check out the following options:
- Izzy’s: Known for its seafood and oysters, perfect for a laid-back meal with coastal flavors.
- Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza: Cozy, old-school spot with crispy coal-fired pizzas and pastas.
- Bruno’s of Brooklyn: Authentic Italian with homemade pastas and family recipes; definitely make a reservation because this place fills up fast.
- The Standard Fort Myers: Trendy, casual spot offering creative American fare and craft cocktails; you can make a reservation, but walk-ins are usually welcome.
- Veranda Restaurant: Luxury dining tucked inside a romantic, historic setting; reservations are highly recommended for this memorable experience.
Evening Out in Downtown Fort Myers
An evening out in downtown Fort Myers is the perfect finale for day 2 of your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary — there’s a spot here for every mood and craving. Here are a few good ones to check out:
- Downtown Social House: Handcrafted craft cocktails and shareable bites in a fun, energetic setting.
- Skybar: Rooftop beverages with city views and dancing under the stars after 9 pm.
- Cabos Cantina: Cool off with a round of margaritas (or tequila shots if you’re feeling really wild)!
- Ford’s Garage: Pub fare and craft beers served up with a quirky automotive theme.
Day 3: History, Downtown Strolls, & Dolphins
Edison Ford Winter Estates
History buffs, this stop is for you. The Edison Ford Winter Estates let you peek into the winter homes of two of America’s most famous inventors (Thomas Edison and Henry Ford). We spent about two hours walking through the homes, gardens, and museum, marveling at the old-school gadgets and imagining what it was like to winter in style.
We did the self-guided tour, which was conducted via an app on your phone; I found it super informative and appreciated the flexibility to go at my own pace instead of on a guided tour. Arrive early to avoid the crowds, and wear comfy shoes since you’ll cover a lot of ground. The estates are beautifully preserved, and the gardens alone are worth a stroll. For your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary, it’s a nice change of pace.
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Downtown Fort Myers
Downtown Fort Myers is full of charm, with historic buildings like the Edison Theatre and the colorful Arcade that feel straight out of another era. We loved wandering the streets, popping into little shops, and soaking up the lively vibe.
And don’t miss DHOP and Love Boat Ice Cream — because no 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary is complete without a slice of pizza and a massive cone of rocky road. After all, you’ve earned it with all that shelling, sleuthing, and snake-spotting.
Dolphin Tour
For a fun addition to your 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary, hop aboard a dolphin and sightseeing tour from Fort Myers Beach. Take a cruise on a tiki boat with plenty of shade, cold drinks in hand, and eyes peeled for dolphins, manatees, and all sorts of marine life. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to take in the coast. Honestly, it was the perfect low-key finale to the day — no effort required beyond sipping and spotting dolphins.
Recommended Tour: Fort Myers Dolphin & Sightseeing Cruise
Where to Stay for a 3 Days in Fort Myers Itinerary:
Here are my recommendations on where to stay in Fort Myers, Florida:
- Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection for awesome downtown views.
- Hampton Inn Fort Myers Downtown for a great location and reasonable prices.
- Sanibel Inn for beautiful beach views (located on Sanibel).
- Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach for fun resort vibes, pools, and easy beach access (located on Fort Myers Beach).
This 3 days in Fort Myers itinerary offers the perfect mix of beach time, quirky adventures, and nature escapes. Whether you’re spotting gators on an airboat or failing to solve a murder mystery on a train, Fort Myers keeps things fun and unexpected. Embrace the slower pace and get ready for a getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and memorable. You’ll head home with sandy flip flops, alligator pics, and maybe even a few prize shells in your bag.
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