My first glimpse of the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers came in shades of pink and orange, as the sun rose over the Caloosahatchee River outside my window. Before the day’s site visits began during a recent FAM trip, I slipped out for a quiet walk along the marina at The Westin Cape Coral at Marina Village, my host hotel. It was so peaceful in that fleeting hour before breakfast conversations spilled onto the waterfront and attendees gathered for the day.
That contrast between tranquility and activity would become the defining theme of my three days exploring the greater Fort Myers area. While I hadn’t spent much time on the Gulf Coast before, I quickly discovered this region’s appeal: miles of white beaches and nature escapes, a bustling downtown, and new developments and reopenings throughout its distinct neighborhoods. The area offers many of the amenities and adventures that groups seek in a Florida destination, but at a noticeably more relaxed pace than in cities like Miami or Orlando.
A destination for every kind of personality
Although it covers a large geographic area, the islands, beaches and neighborhoods of Fort Myers feel surprisingly connected. Southwest Florida International Airport sits within easy reach of the many neighborhoods, so guests can begin exploring almost as soon as they arrive. Just as importantly, there’s no one-size-fits-all stay. Planners can choose from downtown riverfront hotels, marina resorts, luxury beachfront properties and secluded island retreats, depending on the experience they want to create.
Each stop on my itinerary revealed a different side of the destination. At the Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village, life revolves around the water. Set on Tarpon Point Marina, the property makes it easy for attendees to set out on a dolphin cruise, charter a fishing excursion, hop aboard a tiki boat, or wander the waterfront restaurants and boutique shops after the day’s meetings.
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs is a different kind of coastal escape. Multiple pools and restaurants pair with a private island beach, creating an experience that feels worlds away from the conference room. Back on land, my group capped off the evening with fresh seafood at Tarpon Bay. Soon, a new spa and wellness center will give future guests yet another reason to linger after their business wraps.
On the north end of Fort Myers Beach, DiamondHead Beach Resort features suites and condo-style rooms with lovely views of the Gulf. Bicycle rentals and nearby watersports will keep groups busy between meetings, and they will thoroughly enjoy dining on dishes such as seafood cioppino, paired with choices from the curated wine list at Cōste Island Cuisine.
The Marriott Sanibel Harbor Resort & Spa is so close to Sanibel and Captiva islands it's easy to build a half-day excursion into an itinerary, without the full commitment of staying on the island. The property also is home to the Sanibel Harbour Princess, a double-decker yacht that welcomes an off-site dinner-cruise option.
Explore the walkable downtown
It’s easy to assume a Florida meeting should take place on the beach, but downtown Fort Myers is a refreshing alternative. Anchoring the district is the Luminary Hotel & Co., an Autograph Collection property by Marriott, which connects directly to the Caloosa Sound Convention Center.
Attendees are just steps away from the River District’s restaurants, coffee shops, parks and riverfront, all connected by a scenic promenade along the Caloosahatchee River. What stood out most was how easy it was to explore on foot. Instead of ending the day on a shuttle bus, guests can step outside and wander to dinner or grab a drink along the river, allowing conversations to continue naturally without coordinating transportation.
Highlights included Love Boat, a local ice cream shop known for its seasonal and classic flavors. I went with oatmeal cream pie while colleagues debated between mango sorbet and banana cream pie. A few steps later, the vivid facade of Leoma Lovegrove stopped us mid-stride. The late Southwest Florida impressionist-expressionist artist’s studio is based here, and her whimsical, tropical paintings give groups an easy reason to duck in during a break. Food trucks at Bay Street Yard and such rooftop bars as the Luminary’s Beacon Social Drinkery help keep the district active well into the evening.
Experience Sanibel and Captiva islands
The tranquil barrier islands of Captiva and Sanibel beckon those who prefer secluded beachfront stays with access to nature and some of the best sunset views.
We explored Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, which combines condominium-style accommodations with the outdoor lifestyle for which Sanibel is known. Along a mile of the shell-strewn Gulf shoreline, the property also is home to one of the largest pickleball facilities in Southwest Florida.
Just a short drive away is South Seas, a resort set on a 330-acre wildlife preserve on the northern tip of Captiva Island that balances corporate gatherings with the laid-back rhythm of island life. Guests can spend downtime boating, golfing or unwinding on miles of beachfront, while villa-style accommodations make longer stays feel more like a private retreat than a hotel. The property recently unveiled Captiva Landing, a new recreation hub featuring waterslides, a lazy river, pools and casual dining.
During free time, guests can bike island trails, go shelling on the beach, or explore J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is one of the best places in the state to spot birds, manatees and other native animals.
Hands-on activities and team bonding
There’s no shortage of ways to get out on the water or explore the area's natural beauty. One experience that surprised me most, though, was visiting the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The historic properties were once the winter retreats of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and offer a more immersive experience than a typical museum visit. It’s easy to spend an afternoon touring the grounds and gardens, then taking a peek inside each innovator’s laboratory and in Ford’s Model Ts.
Norman Love Confections offers a sweet Southwest Florida take on team building. The world-renowned chocolatier hosts private classes where participants learn the techniques behind its vibrant, hand-painted artisan chocolates that resemble edible works of art. Guests leave with new confectionery skills and chocolates they made themselves.
As my trip came to a close, I thought back to that quiet sunrise over the marina and realized there isn’t one version of Fort Myers. This corner of Southwest Florida gives planners the freedom to build an experience-filled itinerary, whether that means a walkable downtown meeting followed by rooftop cocktails, a waterfront resort with watersports between sessions, or an island retreat where shelling and sunsets are built into the agenda. Each encourages attendees to step outside the meeting room and experience Southwest Florida at a more thoughtful pace, creating memories that will last long after the agenda ends.
