Fort Myers is a vibrant and pleasant community which constitutes the nearest mainland city to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. This community is welcoming to tourists and enjoys long stretches of beach and several community resources that appeal to visitors of all ages. It is a moderately-sized city, having a permanent population of just under 50,000 people but has 100,000's of people in its metropolitan area. It is also the county seat of Lee County of which Sanibel and Captiva are both a part. This city is far more than a tourist destination and has all of the amenities that one would expect from any urban area.

Among the more popular attractions in Fort Myers is the Southwest Florida Museum of History. While Florida’s recent history-principally as a vacation paradise-is well-known, the state has a long history of human habitation. The Native American tribes who called the region home are represented through their artifacts and works at the Southwest Florida Museum of History. The history of the first non-native settlers, from the Spanish expeditions to the 19th Century homesteaders is also represented. The history of Florida in the 20th Century is also told at this establishment and offers some insight into how Florida became the diverse and dynamic state it is today.

The Imaginarium is a museum which is designed to appeal to children. The complexity and the subject matter of the exhibits will most certainly keep parent’s attention, as well, however. The Imaginarium is designed as a diverse museum with the sort of hands-on exhibits that can keep the interest of children for hours. Young visitors to this establishment will be able to learn about the natural world and the sciences of physics, environmental science and other cutting-edge fields. This facility is located near Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Fort Myers tourism also centers on the beaches. There are several near the community and most of them enjoy shallow waters with gentle slopes. The climate is as pleasant as it is on the islands but there are, of course, more services available. Fort Myers tourism is also popular with golfers. Florida is famous for its myriad courses. A Fort Myers vacation can provide a nice mix of urban adventuring while still offering access to plenty of wild and beautiful places. From Fort Myers, one ventures to the islands via a causeway. One can, of course, simply charter a boat to the island, as well.