Neighborhood Spotlight: North Fort Myers
Neighborhood Spotlight: North Fort Myers
Get a feel for Old Florida and satisfy every craving for outdoor adventure in North Fort Myers.
Located on the northern shore of the Caloosahatchee River, North Fort Myers’ popular attraction is The Shell Factory & Nature Park. Browse the gift shop for collections of seashells and internationally sourced pearls, as well as other souvenirs. The expansive outdoor space is home to 400 creatures including curious coatimundis, wide-eyed lemurs and hanging sloths, plus an aviary and butterfly garden. Grab a bite to eat and play around in the Fun Park that includes a zip line, a climbing poll and a classic carousel.
Next to The Shell Factory is the Players Circle Performing Arts Center, an intimate 160-seat venue showing theater and musicals that transform into an evening cabaret.
Also on the north bank of the river is Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve, a protected area where you can launch into Popash Creek by canoe or kayak or picnic in a pavilion. A 1.5-mile boardwalk and paved trail takes you through shaded areas and the preserve opens up into 3 miles of primitive hiking and biking trails.
Soak up the views of the Caloosahatchee River at North Shore Park. From here you can go boating and saltwater fishing, or simply take a sunset stroll along the trail to the base of the Caloosahatchee Bridge. See how calming this area is from the comfort of your home with our live webcam.
Seventeen miles of hiking and horseback riding trails cross through Prairie Pines Preserve, taking you through diverse terrain — including the wet prairie and pines it was named for. Arrive early in the morning to see the wildlife at its most active and check out the elevated half-mile loop trail that has a wildlife viewing area and a boardwalk over the wetland. Some of the wildlife you might see are Roseate Spoonbills, red-headed woodpeckers, gopher tortoises and marsh rabbits.
Take a tour of ECHO Global Farm to experience the unique farming techniques used to help farmers in developing countries. Their sustainable practices work to combat world hunger. In March, the ECHO Global Food and Farm Festival welcomes families for hands-on workshops and demonstrations to taste, touch, and experience ways they can make an impact.
If you’d like to spend more time in the outdoors, the Great Calusa Blueway leads paddlers along more than 190-miles of marked waterways, curving from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay, up the Caloosahatchee River and through its tributaries. Go with a guide or self-launch from selected points for a leisurely day on tranquil waters.
Take a break from the water to enjoy eco-tours just outside of North Fort Myers at Babcock Ranch, including rides on swamp buggies and guided wildlife walks. The area contains several ecosystems, the largest being cypress swamps and pine flatwoods. Follow an expert guide who shares their insights on the ranch’s history and the flora and fauna you’ll see here.
Make your way to this less-explored part of Southwest Florida and see why the locals love where they live.
