Destination Guides: Fort Myers, United States - City Information

Population:                  48,208

Elevation:                    10 feet above sea level

Location:                     Located very near the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern Florida, near Interstate 75

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Fort Myers, it’s 11am in Chicago and 9am in Los Angeles).  Fort Myers observes Daylight Savings Time from April – October.

Land Area:                   31.8 square miles

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:                       

Winter is by far the busiest season as many visitors from the cold north come to visit this tranquil Florida paradise.  With its numerous golf courses, proximity to the beach as well as closeness to other major Florida cities including Miami and Orlando, Fort Myers has become a haven for winter “escapees” desiring a warm beautiful day with a tropical breeze.  With high temperatures near 80 F and low temperatures still in the mid-high 50’s F, this time of year allows the visitor to experience virtually anything, from a day at the beach for that perfect tan, to visiting many of the areas fine attractions.  After all, Thomas Edison chose Fort Myers as home.  Spring and fall are less crowded with temperatures approaching 90 F.  Late spring and early fall allow visitors to enjoy many of the outdoor activities.  Of particular interest is shell hunting along the beautiful nearby beaches.  Summers can be hot and humid but with a breeze from the Gulf of Mexico, it tends to be a good time for shopping, and partaking of the many indoor activities available while still spending time out of doors.

How to Get There:

By Car:

Easily accessible by car from Interstate 75 from the north (Tampa) or south (Miami) to Route 80 West.

By Air:

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

16000 Chamberlin Parkway

Fort Myers, FL 33913

941-768-1000

Southwest Florida International Airport’s 381,000-square-foot, two-level terminal complex is designed for passenger comfort and convenience.  Many of the national airlines as well as certain regional carriers serve the airport.  During the winter season, there are additional flights available.

By Train:

Amtrak

6050 Plaza Drive
Fort Myers Travel Plaza
Fort Myers, FL 33906

800-USA-RAIL

By Bus:

Greyhound

2250 Peck Street
Ft Myers, FL 33901

239-334-1011

How to Get Around:

The easiest way to get around town and visit all of the nearby towns is by either personal or rental car.  Taxis are also available. 

National Holidays:

New Year's Day Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day 3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day last Mon. in May

Independence Day July 4

Labor Day 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day 4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve Dec. 31