Slow Down, Go Solo
With wildlife galore and so many peaceful moments to enjoy, you’ll never feel lonely when you take a solo trip to Fort Myers. Not only is this popular destination in Southwest Florida safe for solo travel but you also have endless things to do exactly when, where and how you choose — because it’s all about you! Whether you prefer your vacations to be filled with beaches and nature or enjoy sprinkling in some culinary and cultural forays, get inspired by these itinerary ideas. However you go about your solo getaways, the Fort Myers area is perfectly set up for you to feel at ease.
Plan your solo stay.
Your state of mind begins with where you book your stay. You could greet the morning sunrise with views of the waterfront from a beautiful resort, stay in stylish digs in the heart of downtown, or pick from any number of hotels or inns to match your budget. You can reserve a vacation rental by the beach or near a canal where every amenity is at your fingertips. It’s your vacation, so you get to set the tone!
Make friends on every outing.
Say hello to all the wildlife that pops out curiously as you explore the outdoors. Manatees swim about lazily as you paddle through the water in areas like Lovers Key State Park and Manatee Park in winter months or out in the Gulf when the water warms up in summer.
As you stroll the boardwalk through Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, life springs up all throughout the wetlands — from turtles to wading and migratory birds.
Take a leisurely 4-mile drive, hike or bike ride through J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge to spot animals in the wild, including more than 245 species of birds. You may even be treated to surprise sightings of dolphins, alligators and other reptiles.
Wildlife won’t be your only social interaction on a journey like this. The whole Fort Myers area tends to attract friendly, laid-back types, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with both locals and out of towners. Get to know others on a True Tours walking excursion through historic areas while listening to tales of intrigue and heroism that shaped Fort Myers. You can also look for special events that draw people together, like Yoga by the River or a calming mindfulness walk through the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs.
Local businesses throughout Fort Myers also bring together like-minded people through hands-on classes. Learn to fold dumplings or prepare perfect pasta while sipping BYOB wine or beer at Kitchen Social. Chitchat while crafting your own scented candle at Sanibel Candle Company and bring home a keepsake of your evening out.
Dine and bask.
Whether you’re in the mood to read a book over dinner or are looking to strike up conversation wherever you go, there’s always a seat for you. BackYard Social is an effervescent, fun space with eight unique food trucks and tropical-inspired cocktails along with live music and ice-breaking games, like cornhole and darts. Or spend an afternoon making new friends on a lunchtime cruise to Cabbage Key Inn. As with any other dock-and-dine restaurants on the water, your best company will be the spectacular view that comes with your meal.
One of the best parts about traveling solo is that you can do anything on a whim. Join other locals as you watch the sunset in bustling Times Square on Fort Myers Beach and follow the sounds of music into lively venues. Walk around a gallery and pick up a piece of locally made art that calls to you. Grab a ticket to a performance at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall or the Southwest Florida Symphony. Click here for other cultural attractions in the Fort Myers area and start planning your solo vacation.
