A Local's Guide to Fort Myers

Who better to seek advice on the outdoors and heritage of Fort Myers’ islands, beaches, and neighborhoods than a biologist turned tour guide? After moving to the area nearly 40 years ago, Steve Tutko transitioned from biology to leading eco-tours at Babcock Ranch, where he served as the director. Following a visual impairment that prompted a career shift, Tutko embraced his role as a tourism ambassador, greeting visitors at Southwest Florida International Airport with his extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm for the region.

“I truly enjoy living here, and I recognize that this is a very unique part of Florida. This presented a fantastic opportunity for me to share insights with both visitors and locals,” he expresses proudly. According to Tutko, the uniqueness of the destination lies in its blend of history, location, and activities. “We have a significant river, the Gulf of Mexico, stunning beaches, estuaries, and bays,” notes the local expert. “The ecosystem in Southwest Florida is exceptionally unique, leading to abundant wildlife. The boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing experiences are top-notch, and the climate is wonderful year-round. While there are other beautiful areas in Florida, the variety we offer here is truly remarkable.”

Here, he shares his insider tips with Dinogo for an adventure filled with natural beauty, rich history, and much more. A visit to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is essential. “Thomas Edison explored various locations in Florida for his winter residence and botanical laboratory,” Tutko explains. “His primary goal in Fort Myers was to establish the Edison Botanical Laboratory Corporation to cultivate plants, particularly ragweed, as they sought a natural rubber source. He needed a suitable climate in Florida for this... and his friend Henry Ford built a house right next to his.”

Travelers should also take time to enjoy the 50 miles of stunning beaches in the Fort Myers area. Experience the “Sanibel stoop” on Sanibel Island’s scenic shores, where beachcombers gather in search of exquisite seashells. This region is rightly celebrated for its wealth of shells, which have significantly influenced its history.

Discover more about seashells by visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel, a favorite spot for shell collectors and researchers. While on the island, don’t miss the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which Tutko notes is “one of the most-visited national refuges in the country.”

Uncover hidden gems in Bokeelia

Beyond the popular attractions, a wealth of hidden gems awaits in the greater Fort Myers area. The Randell Research Center is at the top of Tutko’s list for history enthusiasts and anyone curious about Fort Myers' origins.

Here, you’ll learn about the Calusa people, who inhabited the area for thousands of years and played a significant role in its settlement. While modern homes are often built on stilts, the resourceful Calusa constructed their homes and ceremonial buildings on shell mounds, Tutko explains. “They were a non-agricultural society—primarily fishermen—and their story is truly fascinating.”

Get outdoors and discover the parks of Southwest Florida

For year-round manatee sightings, especially during the cooler months, Tutko recommends Manatee Park. Animal enthusiasts should also visit Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500-acre wetland that's “a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing in Fort Myers, featuring an education center and a scenic boardwalk,” according to Tutko. He also suggests the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife for an up-close look at injured animals being cared for before their return to the wild.

Explore the family-friendly Lakes Park, which offers numerous walking and biking paths. “You can rent these fun little bicycle carts [called surreys] to take four or five people around the park,” Tutko advises. Or enjoy a ride on the delightful miniature train that winds through charming, scenic villages in the park.

For a more adventurous day, try kayaking or boating in Caloosahatchee Regional Park, or take time after your visit to the Randell Research Center to walk the Calusa Heritage Trail. “This trail offers hiking, walking, biking, and boating experiences that celebrate the Calusa,” says Tutko. “You can walk parts of it, kayak or canoe, and bike along different sections. It’s a unique trail with various activities to enjoy.” Afterward, visit Mound Key Archaeological State Park in Estero Bay, accessible only by boat, for a deep dive into Calusa history, believed to have been their ceremonial center.

Discover surprising attractions across the islands, beaches, and neighborhoods of Fort Myers

Sports enthusiasts flock to the area due to the collaboration between Lee County Sports Development and the Parks and Recreation Department, which hosts a variety of sporting events featuring prominent teams from across the nation. “We offer everything from baseball to soccer and lacrosse,” says Tutko, highlighting spring training games for teams from Minnesota and Boston.

For a hidden gem in the region, check out Koreshan State Park, which narrates the story of a religious cult that resided there in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With members committed to celibacy, the cult eventually dwindled. Explore the historic buildings and gardens, and admire the majestic oaks lining the banks of the Estero River.

Enjoy a picnic at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area, located next to W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, and discover the lock system that facilitates boat passage from the Gulf of Mexico. “You can also kayak and canoe in the nearby river area,” says Tutko, “and there’s a small museum that provides a wealth of information about the history of the lock system in our country.”

By participating in the Educational Concern for Hunger Organization (ECHO) Global Farm Tour, you'll contribute to the mission of cultivating plants and seeds that are distributed worldwide to help nourish the global population.

Explore Fort Myers' museums

The IMAG History & Science Center, which Tutko highlights as suitable for visitors of all ages, offers displays on local water systems and the history of Fort Myers, along with unique traveling exhibits, all set within a repurposed water treatment facility.

Visit the Williams Academy Black History Museum, which Tutko describes as a tribute to Black history in Southwest Florida, highlighting the individuals who played a pivotal role in shaping Fort Myers. This site also hosted the first government-funded school for Black students, established in 1913.

Make sure to explore the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach, the oldest home in the area, and witness the impressive layers of millions of shells that form the ancient Calusa-built Shell Mound. It's a unique sight that you won't find anywhere else.