The City owes its nickname City of Palm to Thomas A. Edison who used to pass the winter months in Fort Myers. In 1880, he began to plant Cuban king palms along the old main road, the McGregor Boulevard. Thanks to him, the small fishing village grew up to a city.

Famous inventors Thomas Edison´s Winter Estate can now be visited as a museum and is one of the most important sights in Fort Myers. At least as worth seeing is the adjoining estate Mangoes which belonged to the automobile manufacturer Henry Ford who was also a good friend of Thomas A. Edison. A great attraction is the first modern swimming pool from 1900.

The two friends spent here the winter months together with their families. Edison’s house, his laboratory and the garden remained unchanged until today. It is worth visiting this house as lots of his inventions are exposed there. With the tickete for Edison’s house, you can also visit Henry Ford’s estate, where some of the old Ford cars are exposed.

The Fort Myers Historical Museum exposes a toy town of Fort Myers by the end of the century. The "Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium" delivers you an insight into Florida’s flora and fauna.

Also, the First Street district with lots of shops and restaurants is lovely. It was recently re-built in its old style and completely renovated.

Take a boat trip to the Everglades or to Lake Okeechobee on Caloosahatchee River separating Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

The Edison Mall at US41, one of the biggest shopping malls in Florida, invites you to an extensive shopping tour. Those who like to forage for something should have a look at Fleamasters Fleamarket in the North of Fort Myers.

Are you tired of shopping and sightseeing? Take a rest at Fort Myers Beach or on Sanibel Island or Captiva Island. Both islands can be reached by a bridge (liable to tolls, 6 US$ at the moment).

Or take a trip to the white beaches of Estero Island from where you can see the Gulf of Mexico and different kinds of watersports are offered (e.g. parasailing or jetski).

Manatee Park in the North-East of Fort Myers is also worth visiting. Thanks to the power plant in the neighborhood, the water in the branch of Caloosahatchee is quite warmish even in the winter months. With a little bit of luck, you can spot Manatees in the early morning hours from November to April. The park is quite small but very nicely engineered with short trails. You can also rent kajaks there.