Fort Myers is a Gulf Coast city best known for its winter warmth, nearby beaches, and ties to two of America’s great inventors. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates preserve the adjoining 1920s properties of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, with botanical gardens holding thousands of plant species and a museum of Edison’s inventions.
Downtown’s River District has historic homes and riverside dining, while the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge nearby protects one of the country’s largest undeveloped mangrove systems. Families enjoy hands-on exhibits at the IMAG History & Science Center, and nearly 20 area beaches range from easy boardwalk access to boat-only stretches. The best time to visit is mid-January through April, when temperatures are warm, humidity is lower, and spring training baseball fills the ballparks each March.