Your Guide to Free Things to Do in Fort Myers
In Southwest Florida, the gifts that keep on giving are often entirely free. Anywhere you choose to stay, you’ll be near pristine nature parks, kid-friendly places to visit and cultural treasures in every neighborhood — there’s no limit to the fun and affordable activities. Perfect for couples on a budget or those maximizing family time, these are just a few of the best attractions and events in and around Fort Myers that are free to enjoy.
Tap Into Your Cultural Side
Vibrant art galleries and bright murals have established Fort Myers and its surrounding islands, beaches and neighborhoods as a true cultural hub. There’s a special kind of energy during Art Walk, which takes place the first Friday of every month in the historic River District. Stroll along Broadway, First, Hendry and Jackson streets, popping into art galleries, restaurants and bars well into the night as street performers keep everyone entertained.
Similarly, the Music Walk takes place on the third Friday of every month and showcases live music in a variety of venues — including restaurants, bars and even art galleries. If you have music on your mind, look out for concert series where you can enjoy live performances in open-air settings throughout our islands, beaches and neighborhoods. On Fort Myers Beach, the Bayside Park concert series takes place every Sunday from 4–7 p.m. Riverside Park in the heart of downtown Bonita Springs is home to regular concerts, movies and Taste of Bonita, among other special events. Time your visit with Cape Coral’s Concert in the Park, which takes place on the first Thursday in February, April and November from 5–8 p.m.
Keep your cultural exploration going in historic downtown Fort Myers. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center has new exhibits every month and swings its doors wide open during Art Walk (a $1 suggested donation is requested). Don’t miss late-night hours on Wednesdays and Fridays on the rooftop for breathtaking views of the sunset over the Caloosahatchee River as you explore the sculpture garden and mingle with others.
Arrive at Alliance for the Arts for a free view of the Campus Mural Project, a colorful collaboration between over a dozen artists from around the country. Other free exhibits and the monthly Family Art Lab complete your artistic immersion.
Taste Fresh Flavors
Southwest Florida’s bountiful crops make it easy to show up and savor some of the delicious ingredients that make this region so special. Pay a visit to Sun Harvest Citrus in Fort Myers, where you’re welcome to try free samples while you look around for local and gourmet gifts.
At Farmer Mike’s U Pick location in Fort Myers, you can roam around the produce and sunflower fields across 60 acres and browse the farm store. Meanwhile little ones are free to let loose at the bounce house, slides and play area.
Got a taste for something stronger? Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery Tour invites guests on free tours of the facility to learn how they transform locally sourced Florida sugar into handcrafted small-batch rum. Get a close-up look of the cooking, fermenting and distilling processes and see how it’s transferred from a traditional copper pot to oak bourbon barrels. At the end, you’ll have a chance to sample different types of rum.
Explore the Outdoors
Discover inspirational settings and calm your state of mind by spending time hiking or biking. There are acres of parks and preserves where bird-watchers and nature lovers feel right at home. Even if you don’t consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of boardwalks and flat pathways that meander through lush environments and diverse Southwest Florida terrain.
With such easy access to waterways, you have your pick of what kind of water adventures you’d like to experience. Paddle your way through coastal waters, inland rivers and remote backwaters along the Great Calusa Blueway. Winding between Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay and up the Caloosahatchee River, this 190-mile marked paddling trail is free to access from multiple launch points. While you’re there, take part in the Calusa Blueway Challenge! Just sign up for free, check into locations along the trail and be entered for a chance to win prizes and earn discounts and deals.
Combine outdoor exploration with historic enrichment when you visit Mound House. At this archeological treasure, you’ll stand on a 2,000-year-old Calusa shell mound and immerse yourself in the beauty of Estero Bay. A tip: If you arrive early, you can catch an incredible sunrise from the Observation Pier. Look closely, and you may even spot dolphins swimming in the water!
While state parks and beaches may require a parking fee, many community parks do not. You can also take advantage of amenities such as nature trails and butterfly gardens that are free and open to the public.
Start planning your free activities throughout Fort Myers, and your wallet will thank you long after you return home.
