September 2026
What's New in the Fort Myers Area
There's no such thing as a slow period in the Fort Myers area. From wading into wetlands and spotting wildlife to checking into newly refreshed resorts, there's always something new to experience on our islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Southwest Florida.
The perfect time to come by
This September through mid-October, Wet Walks at Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve let you explore off the boardwalk and into the inner wetlands with an expert guide. Choose from classic wet walks or themed outings focused on meditation, photography and even the frogs that call the slough home.
Reserve your spot for a park ranger–led stroll through Lovers Key State Park. Walk over the estuary to learn about seashells and crustaceans, or plan ahead for upcoming walks focused on shorebirds and group beach cleanups.
Cool off with a series of indoor educational lectures led by hosts from the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Land & Water Trust. Topics include mycology, alligator biology and natural medicine.
For early risers, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium's Beat the Heat walks make the most of cooler morning temperatures. Explore the shore with expert museum educators while learning about Southwest Florida's prized shells and live mollusks.
What's new in nature
Earlier this summer, the City of Sanibel was named a Florida Trail Town, the first of its kind in the county. Explore the island's 26-plus miles of bike-friendly scenic paths connecting local beaches, wildlife preserves and downtown dining and shopping.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium recently expanded its Living Gallery of Aquariums with a new marine species, including the brightly patterned flamboyant cuttlefish and the playful giant Pacific octopus - joining the already charismatic crew of giant clams, queen conchs and seahorses.
Game on
Turn your nature adventures into a friendly competition. Between now and April 1, 2027, the Wild Mile Pass 2.0 lets you earn points, badges and prizes by checking into nature and wildlife centers in the region. This free virtual passport is available on mobile, and includes major attractions such as J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
Prefer to park hop? Sign up via text for the Visit Fort Myers Parks Pass for a free digital passport. Parks, Points & Perk runs through April 24, 2027, rewarding you with prizes and passes for checking into more than 30 regional parks, beaches, and preserves.
Hotel news
This year marks a milestone for two beloved properties. Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island and Shangri-La Springs in Bonita Springs are celebrating a century-long tradition of hospitality while preserving their distinctive Old Florida charm.
After extensive renovations, Beachview Villas on Sanibel Island has opened 22 Gulf-view villas, and Pointe Estero Beach Resort officially reopened its Gulf-front doors after a $15 million project.
Fort Myers also welcomed a new addition to its lodging lineup with the opening of HomeTowne Suites by Red Roof. The property features 124 studio-style accommodations equipped with kitchenettes, full-size refrigerators and cooktops for travelers planning longer stays.
The newly rebuilt Aquagene Spa has reopened at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on Fort Myers Beach, with five treatment rooms dedicated to massages and treatments that draw inspiration from the water.
Big news for foodies
Three restaurants have scored MICHELIN recommendations, so add these local showstoppers to your list. Canary Club in Bonita Springs for its Middle Eastern-inspired menu starring sourdough pizza baked in a wood-fired hearth. Also in Bonita Springs, The Bohemian Restaurant received recommended status for its global cuisine with small plates and craft cocktails, while Fort Myers' Liberty restaurant earned the same status for its modern American cuisine.
Holiday happenings
Think ahead to Thanksgiving! A four-day (or longer) break is the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy all the activities around town. The 36th Annual American Sand Sculpting Championship will take place November 19–23, 2026, bringing towering works of sand-carved artistry to DiamondHead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach. College basketball fans can also make a weekend of it at the Fort Myers Tip-Off and Coconut Hoops taking place over during Thanksgiving break.
Awards and accolades
Breezy beach days and stunning natural beauty landed Sanibel Island on Expedia's Hot List for 2026, making it the only U.S. island to earn this honor.
Newsweek readers have named Captain Brian on the Water as the Best Boat Tour 2026, claiming first place compared to boat tours in Hawaii, Alaska and Louisiana. Thanks to the expertise of Captain Brian Holaway, these shelling and birding expeditions carry you away from any crowds and onto secluded beaches and shores.
