Fort Myers River District

The basics

The Fort Myers River District has come a long way from its cowtown roots. It covers the historic district adjacent to the Caloosahatchee River. While there, you’re within walking distance of the Burroughs Home and Gardens, Centennial Park, and restaurants, bars, and shops. The Caloosa Sound Amphitheatre is abuzz with a private or public event. Monthly art walks, music walks, and other cultural happenings fill the calendar and the streets between the Caloosahatchee and Edison bridges.

Things to know before you go

• Most monthly outdoor events are free to attend.

• The seasonal downtown trolley runs across all of Fort Myers.

• Only two hotels sit in the district, so plan your stay ahead of time.

How to get there

The Fort Myers River District is in the center of town on First Street between the Edison Bridge and Caloosahatchee Bridge. Highway 41 crosses the Caloosahatchee Bridge, putting you right in the heart of the River District. Multiple parking lots and garages surround the district, while the city bus and seasonal downtown trolleys are the only forms of public transportation.

When to get there

Warm weather and a welcoming community make any time a good time to visit Fort Myers. The River District is best experienced on the monthly art or music walk nights, and they're popular, so arrive early to find parking. Hurricane season runs from June through November, which is why many visitors find winter to be a great time to visit.

Explore the Caloosahatchee River

You can’t visit the Fort Myers River District without getting a deeper appreciation for its river. Guided tours, which launch from the Historic Fort Myers Riverfront marina, take you down the river for nature tours, sunset cruises, and exciting kayaking excursions. The river’s western mouth flows into the San Carlos Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, getting you into the open water in minutes.