🏖 Arrival in Fort Myers: A Gulf Coast Welcome
Start your Fort Myers Travel Guide for August with the warm embrace of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and pick up your rental car, as exploring the area’s beaches, islands, and cultural sites is easiest by road. Head to the charming River District in downtown Fort Myers, where historic architecture meets modern art galleries and inviting cafés.
Take a leisurely stroll along First Street, lined with colorful buildings and shaded by royal palms. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant and indulge in fresh grouper tacos with a glass of citrusy Florida craft beer. In the afternoon, visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where you’ll wander through lush gardens and see inventions that shaped history.
End the day with a sunset walk along Fort Myers Beach, feeling the warm sand under your feet as the sky bursts into shades of orange and pink. Dine on stone crab claws and key lime pie at a beachfront grill.

🌴 Sanibel Island: Shelling Paradise & Wildlife Encounters
Your Fort Myers Travel Guide for August wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Sanibel Island, famous for its powdery white beaches and world-class shelling. Start at Bowman’s Beach, where the tides reveal countless unique seashells. Spend your morning collecting treasures or swimming in the warm Gulf waters.
In the afternoon, rent bikes and explore the island’s quiet trails shaded by mangroves and lined with quaint cottages. Visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to spot roseate spoonbills, manatees, and even alligators basking in the summer sun. Before heading back, enjoy dinner at an island bistro with coconut shrimp and a refreshing tropical cocktail.
🌅 Captiva Island & Sunset Magic
Next, venture to nearby Captiva Island, a more secluded haven perfect for a day of relaxation in your Fort Myers Travel Guide for August. Lounge on its pristine beaches, where dolphins often leap from the waves and pelicans dive for their dinner. For lunch, dine at the whimsical Bubble Room, known for its eclectic décor and decadent desserts.
In the evening, return to Fort Myers for a sunset dolphin cruise. Glide across the Gulf as dolphins swim alongside your boat and enjoy the spectacular coastal views bathed in golden light. This memorable day is a highlight of any Fort Myers Travel Guide for August, combining serene beaches and unique local flavor.

🏛 Culture, History & Gardens
Dedicate a day to exploring Fort Myers’ rich history and vibrant arts scene in your Fort Myers Travel Guide for August. Begin at the IMAG History & Science Center, where interactive exhibits delight visitors of all ages. Continue to the Burroughs Home and Gardens, a beautifully preserved 1901 estate offering a glimpse into Florida’s Gilded Age.
Stop for lunch at a local café serving Southern staples like shrimp and grits, an essential taste of any Fort Myers Travel Guide for August. Spend the afternoon walking along McGregor Boulevard, lined with over 1,800 towering royal palms planted by Edison himself. As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a downtown bistro featuring farm-to-table Floridian cuisine.
🌊 Lovers Key State Park & Outdoor Adventures
Escape the bustle with a day trip to Lovers Key State Park, a sanctuary of natural beauty. Kayak through mangrove-lined estuaries, hike shaded trails, and relax on quiet beaches where sea turtles nest in late summer.
After your outdoor adventure, enjoy a light lunch of fish tacos and frozen lemonade at a beachfront shack. August’s warm evenings are perfect for a final sunset stroll along the shore, listening to the gentle waves of the Gulf.
đźš— Transportation Tips
- Getting there: Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
- Getting around: Rent a car to explore the region’s islands, beaches, and inland attractions with ease.
🍤 Culinary Highlights
- Seafood: Don’t miss stone crab claws, blackened mahi-mahi, and conch fritters.
- Local favorites: Try Florida’s iconic key lime pie and refreshing citrus-infused cocktails.
- Where to eat: Waterfront grills, island bistros, and farm-to-table restaurants dot the area.

đź’° Budget Recommendations
- Meals: $40–70 per day for fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
- Accommodation: Hotels and vacation rentals range from $130–300 per night in August, with beachfront properties at the higher end.
- Transport: Car rental approx. $50–80 per day; fuel averages $3.60/gallon.
- Activities: Dolphin cruises $35–60; wildlife refuge entry $10–15.
- Estimated Total: $1,400–1,900 for a week-long coastal getaway.
💡 Discover official guides, upcoming events, and local tips for Fort Myers and Florida’s Gulf Coast on the Visit Florida website.
👉 For another unforgettable summer experience, check out our 🌟 St Simons Island August Getaway and explore Georgia’s enchanting barrier island.