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By Dina Roth Port
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Published Jan 9, 2019
There’s nothing really quite like the holidays—so many parties,so muchhighly concentrated family time, and nonstop shopping, cooking and planning. It’s no wonder we desperately need a few days to recalibrate after ringing in theNew Year. But where to go when relaxing is prioritynumber one?
Given thatSouthwest Floridais reliably warmer than most places in the country, even in January, it’s a surefire win—and there’s no better place to unwind and unplug thanThe Beaches of Fort MyersandSanibel. We know you don’t have a spare minute to eventhinkabout planning a tripat this time of year, so we did all the work for you. Here’s your itinerary—all you need to do is book.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
1. Stay on Fort Myers Beach, which offers the ideal vacation for any type of traveler, thanks to a seven-mile coastline with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexicoanda bevy of activities to choose from. If you’re intodon’t-lift-a-finger
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
2. Looking for peace, quiet and natural, eco-friendly beauty? Head over to the aptly namedLovers Key State Park. This pristine haven will have you feeling relaxed (read:sprawling outfor a nap on the beach)andsomehow invigorated at the same time.You can fish, try stand-up paddle-boarding or simply walk or bike the five miles of trails. If you’re lucky, you’ll see wildlifesuch as gophers, tortoises, manatees and dolphinsin and aroundthe area’s backwaters.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
3. Take the phraseday dateto a whole new level in downtown Fort Myers, also known as theRiver District. This vibrant neighborhood, with its brick-lined streets and old-city charm, is packed with boutiques, antique stores, funky shops, bars and incredible eateries, perfect for spontaneous fun.
4. Indulge in a wine-filled Italian dinner atBruno’s of Brooklyn. (Pro tip: Order the arancini to start.) And speaking of dining, consider feasting at the other great eateries in town, likeThe Standard Restaurantforhome-styleAmerican fare andCity Tavern,a gastropub that boasts live local music. Plus, since you’re on vacation, you totally deserve dessert at the local ice cream parlor,Scoops on First.
5. If you’re visiting in February or March andyou arebaseball fans, prepare for the surprise of yourlives: TheBoston Red Soxand theMinnesota Twinsboth call Fort Myers their home forspring training.
6.Book a romantic sunset cruiseto experience the Caloosahatchee River in the golden-hour sunlight with a glass of wine in hand. It’s as dreamy as it sounds.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
7. A little history lesson never hurt, so be sure to stop bythe Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Apparently, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were such good friends that they built their winter homes right next to each other (bestie goals, right?). You can tour the estates, stroll the20acres of gardens, check out the Edison Botanic Research Lab and view thousands of artifacts related to these two inventors and their friendship.
8. Connect with each other—and loads of birds and sea creatures—while kayaking theGreat Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile paddling trail you can access at any of 80 points in SouthwestFlorida. You may see mullets, gulls, snooks, manatees, ospreys and,yep, even dolphins at play as you paddle peacefully through the water with your partner.
Sarah Lee Photo
9. Part of the beautyof beingon vacay and being in love? Feeling like a kid again! Sanibel is one of the best places to find seashells in all of North America because its beaches, like famedBowman’s Beach, are covered with conchs, sand dollars, clam shells and many other treasures. Grab a bucket or bag, crouch down into what’s called the “Sanibel stoop”—the stance people take to pick up shells—and find some natural keepsakes. If you need some collector’s inspo, head toThe Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
10. Want to get back to nature? The seriously popularJ.N. “Ding”Darling National Wildlife Refugeon Sanibel Island will let you get up close and personal with all sorts of furry(and not-so-furry)friends, from birds and otters to dolphins, manatees and alligators. Just prepare for one of those “Are we ready for a pet?!” conversations to follow.
11. Soak up all the saltwater vibes you can while escaping the cold.Go fishing,rent a WaveRunneror goparasailing.If you’re feeling very 1950s romance movie,rent a boat, grab a bottle ofChampagne and sail out to your own personal sunset.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
12. Get island-y for lunch and an afternoon co*cktail. The Caribbean-styleDoc Ford’s Rum Bar andGrilleis a perennial favorite, whileSanibel’s family-owned and operatedThe Island Cowserves award-winning mealsand hasoutdoor games, a fun atmosphere and live entertainment for daiquiri-fueleddancing. For something more low-key, pop overtoThistle Lodgefor beachfront dining.
Rosa Irene Betancourt 9/Alamy Stock Photo
13. If the holiday season wasn’t enough for you, stop byThe Bubble Roomon Captiva for a Christmas-on-repeat experience. It’s worth visiting just for the spiriteddecoralone:The place is packed with antique toys, bubble lights,Santa decorations andold Hollywood nostalgia. The food is pretty awesome too.
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
14. If your idea of romance is enjoying comfortable silence together, seek out the Florida version of a reflecting pool,stat. Visit theSanibel Lighthouse, situated on the eastern tip of the island. Built in 1884, this historic landmark offers the perfect amount of serenity.
15. No visit toThe Beaches of Fort MyersandSanibelis complete without a stop at theCabbage Key Inn and Restaurant. Hopaboarda water taxi(no cars allowed!) and head to the open-air restaurant built on a Calusa tribe shell mound. Legend has it that this place inspired JimmyBuffettto write “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” With its festive, laid-back vibe, gorgeous views and thousands of autographed and dated dollar bills taped to the walls, we totally believe it.
Dina Roth Port
Freelance PureWow Editor
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