Fort Myers is known as the "City of Palms" due to its thousands of Royal Palm trees that line its streets. It is the center of a number of communities and cities locally referred to as the Lee Island Coast. This group of communities includes Fort Myers, Sanibel, Captiva, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Pine Island and Boca Grande, and Lehigh Acres.
The area is a playground of beaches. Fort Myers beach, Bonita Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva are just a few excellent places to enjoy the sand, sea and sun. Boaters can enjoy the vast Intracoastal area among the many islands or venture offshore for open-water sailing and fishing.
Nearby islands of Sanibel and Captiva offer spectacular natural beauty. The white sand beaches are known for the beautiful seashells that wash on their shores. Part of Sanibel is preserved in the J N 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A 5 mile drive, by auto, Tram tour, or bicycle, through this area can be enjoyed where one may see a huge variety of wildlife including herons, hawks, sandpipers, spoonbills, pelicans and an occasional alligator. Canoeing and Kayaking are also popular ways to enjoy this natural beauty.
The area is a popular for fishing and boating enthusiasts with its many waterways, harbors, canals, estuaries, passes and islands. Fishing may be enjoyed from charter boats, piers, bridges, docks or surf casting from the many beaches. Numerous places and marinas are available to rent or launch boats, kayaks, canoes and sailboats.
Two of the area's most distinguished residents from years past were genius-inventor Thomas Edison and auto industry pioneer Henry Ford. It is said that Henry Ford visited Edison and liked the area so much he bought the house next door. Both of these estates are available for tour today. The tour also includes a walk through Edison's workshop and botanical gardens. Many of Edison's post light bulb inventions were accomplished in his Florida laboratory/workshop.
For those interested in other activities the area offers many fine golf courses, shopping venues, museums and resorts.
