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Fort Myers, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, is a year-round tropical paradise. The white sandy beaches beckon travelers from around the world. The waters in the Gulf of Mexico remain warm all year long. Among the various beaches of the Fort Myers area, you are likely to see dolphins, manatees, starfish, sea turtles and pelicans!
There are many beaches to visit in the Fort Myers area. Perhaps the most popular beach is Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island. Fort Myers Beach is a popular spot for Spring Breakers as well as tourists of all ages. Numerous restaurants, stores and island shops line the beach boardwalk. The beautiful pier plays host to both fishermen and couples on a romantic moonlit walk. For the adventurous travelers, Fort Myers beach offers jet-ski rentals, paddle boat rentals and para-sailing, which is floating through the air suspended to a parachute that is pulled by a speed boat.
There is bountiful lodging overlooking the ocean. You can step out of your door onto to the glimmering white sands. Whether you prefer a hotel room, a beach cottage, or a larger beach front house, you will find it on lovely Fort Myers Beach.
Fort Myers Beach retains its crowd all year round. If you are looking for a quieter, more secluded beach spot, you will love Lover's Key. Located between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs Beaches, Lover's Key is a State Recreation Area. In addition to fishing, swimming and ocean side picnics, Lover's Key offers kayak and canoe rentals. Paddle your way around the keys to see the island's perimeter up close. Collect sea shells, sand dollars and starfish...and if your lucky, get a close up view of dolphins, sea turtles and manatees.
In addition to its beautiful beaches and warm waters, Fort Myers has much to offer the outdoor enthusiast. If you like to play golf, Fort Myers has a golf course to suit you. There are approximately 60 golf courses open for year round golfing.
Fort Myers also has many historical attractions including the Burroughs Home, The Fort Myers Historical Museum and the winter home of inventor Thomas Edison.
The Burroughs home is a turn-of-the-century house, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Burroughs Home, built in 1901 in downtown Fort Myers, overlooks the Caloosahatchee River. A tour is given by guides dressed in World War I era costumes. The guides portray members of the Burroughs family as they lived in the year 1918, when they purchased the home.
The Fort Myers Historical Museum is housed inside of a restored train depot. The museum has many exhibits on the earliest settlers of the Fort Myers area including the Calusa Indians, the cattle ranchers, who played a valuable part in suppling the Confederacy with food during the Civil War, and the Koreshan religious sect. Also at the museum, is a model of turn-of-the-century Fort Myers and a railroad car dating back to 1930.
The Edison Home, the one time winter residence of Thomas Edison, inventor of the light bulb, is a popular tourist attraction. When Edison's wife died in 1947, she donated the estate to the City of Fort Myers so that the city might honor Mr. Edison's many accomplishments. The city open the home and Mr. Edison's laboratory for tours in November of 1947 and the tours have continued for more than 50 years. The laboratory is just as Mr. Edison left it, including the cot he used for taking his naps. The house also remains just as it did when the Edison's lived there.
A tour guide is provided for all tours and a gift shop is available. If you visit during the holiday season, the Edison Home presents a magnificent display of Christmas lights and decorations, calling the beautiful display The Holiday House.
Whether relaxing in the warm Florida sun or learning a bit about history is what entertains you, Fort Myers is bound to thrill and amaze you with its charm, history and beauty.
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