Fort Myers vs. Fort Lauderdale For Vacations: Which Is Best? (2023)

Fort Myers is smaller than most Florida beachside towns, but it has simple attractions that are perfect. Not too big and not too unique, Fort Myers is best reserved for a simple cosmopolitan getaway. Fort Lauderdale, on the other hand, may be laid-back and laid-back, but it's full of uniqueness and beauty.

Fort Myers

Laid back, laid back and simple, Fort Myers is a perfect getaway for anyone looking for a quieter life in South Florida. Away from the Sunshine State's big players, Fort Myers offers a contrasting scene that welcomes you and makes you feel right at home.

Fort Myers is best reserved for the simpler traveller, the hipster and those on a budget. The city is adorned with a multitude of simple designs that blend seamlessly together to simulate a friendly, laid-back feel. If you don't want the hyper energy of Miami, Orlando or even Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers is your place.

What makes Fort Myers unique?

fort myers beach

It's almost difficult for visitors to think of Fort Myers without mentioning nearby Fort Myers Beach. Although they are two independent communities, they come together to offer a raffle in themselves. Both form a unique blend of history, small-town charm and beach culture found nowhere else in Florida.

These two regions, when combined, offer a diverse range of activities for people of all ages and interests. On Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is an 7-mile-long golden sand beach with warm, shallow waters.

The beach is surrounded by houses and a modest number of hotels and restaurants. This is an excellent place for swimming, walking and watching dolphins, which are common in the area and can be seen just a few meters from the beach.

Historic center

Also called the Fort Myers River District, the city's historic center is perfectly preserved with all the charms of its rich past. The area is home to the largest concentration of historic structures not just in Fort Myers, but in all of Southwest Florida. Spanning 540 acres (219 ha), the area is full of opportunities for a glimpse of history.

The interconnected red sidewalk designates this region. The area is full of exclusive restaurants, theaters and boutiques. The area, which comes alive in the late afternoon and early evening, is framed by Art Deco structures from the 1920s. Pedestrians meander through the wide corridors while the courtyards fill with diners enjoying the good food on offer.

Parks, parks and even more parks

With its South Florida address, Fort Myers is surrounded by expanses of wilderness teeming with wildlife. You can expect to find many wildlife centres, reserves and conservatories around the city, and some even within it. These extensions aim to protect, conserve and raise awareness about the life and ecological richness of the Sun State.

Here are some of the most famous ones in and around Fort Myers:

Lagos Regional Park

Once a gravel quarry, this 117-hectare park is now a popular family attraction and outdoor recreation spot. It's also very accessible, with easy, uniform routes and small trails for light hikes. The Parque Regional de los Lagos has a large and magnificent artificial lake where you can launch a boat, rent a boat, watch the fountains and even go fishing.

National Refuge J.N. ding darling

The J. N. Ding Darling National Species Refuge is located 45 minutes from downtown Fort Myers. It offers fascinating insight into the wildlife and ecosystems that define this part of Florida. It's one of the best places to visit in Fort Myers, especially if you love Florida's nature, ecosystems and wildlife.

You will witness a wide variety of local vegetation and fauna in the mangrove habitat. Among them are alligators, lynxes, otters, ospreys, countless wading birds and a multitude of species of crabs and fish.

There are four walking trails to discover here, as well as loads of activities to enjoy. You can try canoeing, rowing, fishing, birding and kayaking.

Reserva Six Mile Cypress Slough

The 3,500-acre (1,416 ha) Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve provides a sanctuary for wildlife. It has been designated as a reserve since 1970 and is open to the public. It is a beautiful reserve with a diversity of flora and fauna, being an excellent alternative for nature lovers.

A walk along the 2.2 kilometer long boardwalk is one of the pleasures of a visit. It is a route flanked by interpretive and informative kiosks of all kinds. The walk skirts the reserve and provides insight into how it protects the Gulf.

You may see ibises, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills and a variety of other wading species along the route. There are also turtles, alligators, otters and many endangered species.

Edison and Ford Winter Escape

Edison & Ford Winter Estates is located north of downtown Fort Myers in a lovely area. The two innovators were incredibly good friends, choosing to live next door to each other in Fort Myers in the late 19th century. These homes are now designated National Historic Landmarks and are open to the public for tours.

One of the city's biggest attractions is the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, which covers an impressive 21 acres (8.5 ha) on the edge of town. Despite the high entry costs, a visit to these stately residences is a must. is perfect for anyone interested in the history of these legendary inventors. Seminole Lodge is Edison's residence, while The Mangoes is Ford's.

Here, the two friends would spend the rest of their lives in each other's company. On a tour you will visit the huge grounds, laboratories and a modern museum. It has seven galleries that include vintage car and electricity exhibits.

lauderdale fort

Fort Lauderdale can often be underrated due to its proximity to the high powered area of ​​Miami. It's a stark contrast to Miami, though, with all its more laid-back feel and scenes that hit closer to home. A coastal town full of fun facts, Fort Lauderdale adds a unique twist to your Florida experience.

While Miami is perfect for an energetic vacation, Fort Lauderdale is designed for the slow tourist. Families who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere can certainly also enjoy the city. From its quirky canals, museums and family-friendly beaches, Fort Lauderdale must be as popular as Miami.

What makes Fort Lauderdale unique?

quiet beaches

Like most of Florida's east coast, Fort Lauderdale is also blessed with an endless expanse of sparkling white sand. This has given the city a plethora of beaches to enjoy and even more reasons to explore. You can find a beautiful selection of beaches with unique characteristics and specialties.

However, Fort Lauderdale is not all about crowded beaches and high energy. The city's beaches boast a brand of their own that distances itself from Miami's hyperhighs. You will find that most Fort Lauderdale beaches are more welcoming, inviting and relaxing.

Here are some of the most recommended spots along the city's legendary white-sand coastline:

Loggerhead e Vista Park

With neighboring locations, Loggerhead and Vista Park are always in tune in the itinerary. They are considered the best beaches in Fort Lauderdale. They best represent the city's more relaxed and relaxed appeal, along with the welcoming warmth of its local customers. Loggerhead and Vista Park are also located along a beautiful coastline with the best ocean views.

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is not as quiet and peaceful as Loggerhead and Vista Park. But it best represents just how relaxed and welcoming Fort Lauderdale can be. The famous beach has services and facilities designed for families in the region. They can come together as a community through leisure.

Around the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, you will find spaces for sports and fun, such as basketball courts and a children's play area. It also has rental companies that offer leisure equipment. You can use volleyball nets, bicycles and water sports equipment. You can also find barbecue grills where you can grill and meet locals and other tourists, offering a sense of community and familiarity.

beach of the waves

If you like energy and nightlife, head to the famous beach of Las Olas. It's Fort Lauderdale's party hub for the younger set. You can find an interesting collection of bars, restaurants and nightclubs along the waterfront here. It might not be as potent as Miami's nightlife, but it's a phenomenon in and of itself in the city.

The Venice of America

Surrounded by an abundance of bodies of water, Fort Lauderdale is full of water and quirks. When visiting the city for the first time, its abundance of canals and waterways might surprise you in a good way. This unique feature makes people compare it to Venice and even Amsterdam. Fort Lauderdale is full of those man-made aquatic wonders that have made it one of its most defining features.

With a large collection of canals, bays, inlets and marinas, Fort Lauderdale is a Waterworld wonder. It became a hit with tourists for years. Thanks to this unique feature, you can retrieve scenes directly from movies. Not to mention a plethora of fun and interesting activities all around. Imagine a fun water taxi ride or a romantic canal cruise.

Speaking of canal tours, thanks to its many waterways, there are plenty of ways to get around and explore this man-made wonder. There are water rides that can take you from the beaches to the more inland waterways, or you can even try out many of the city's quirky water transports. Several cards offer not only an exploration of the canals, but also pieces of their history.

With a plethora of these waterways, many of which may sound romantic, Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America". Thanks to this comparison, many people were curious to see what it's like and created a reputation for the city. If you want to see what the waterways and Fort Lauderdale are all about, head to the Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal Waterway.

There are many interesting activities that you can do along the largest waterway in the city. Filled with many places and resources, it is perhaps the liveliest center in the city. You can find bars, restaurants, the best malls and much more entertainment. You can enjoy the wonder of the canals as you walk along the banks of the main artery.

In addition to the attractive features of the main Intracoastal Waterway, the famous Las Olas area is also easily accessible. If you're looking for some energy and a lot to do, Las Olas is the place to go. The area is great for tourists and locals who love the cosmopolitan.

sailing capital of the world

With its Waterworld setting, the city is filled with marinas and docks perfect for boats of all types and sizes. The city receives the highest number of ships compared to other coastal port cities in the continental US. Thanks to several ideal conditions and factors, Fort Lauderdale has become a favorite anchoring location. You can catch yachts that come from all over the world here.

Just walking around the city's marinas, you will see yachts of various types. From the extravagant mega-yachts of the super-rich to the extravagant small touring yachts, you can see a show here.

What really makes Fort Lauderdale ideal is the many yacht-focused services it offers. You can find a wide range of solutions here. Some services include yacht building, refinishing and maintenance. You can even find financial and crew management services. Yachts of all types can find a perfect haven in many of the city's marinas.

In addition to the yacht-related factors, thanks to the city's location, it also offers near-perfect weather year-round. Its climate and weather conditions make it a perfect sanctuary not only for tourists but also for boats. You can be assured of safe nautical charts and great seas to sail.

museum galore

Fort Lauderdale also has another quirky attraction that is both educational and fun. The city is dotted with museums thanks to its cultural and historical richness, without forgetting its appreciation for science and art.

For vacationing families and curious adventurers, there are plenty of museums to learn something about. Discover some of the best known:

NSU Museum of Art

Because of its telling name, the NSU Museum of Art is the best place for art lovers or those who just want to see the aesthetics of it all. The museum is filled with masterfully crafted pieces of art open to criticism and appreciation.

It houses an abundance of 6,000 exhibition collections over a few floors. Each of these floors contains certain art collections of various types, from various origins and artists.

One of NSU's best and most famous collections is by the American painter William Glackens. You can see a variety of his work, from colored pencil sketches on canvas to elaborate hand-carved wood carvings.

You can also find many famous artists on display from other parts of the world. Some of the most notable are avant-garde pieces by many European COBRA artists.

Stranahan Historic House Museum

For a glimpse into the city's curious history, visit the iconic Stranahan Historic House. It is the oldest residential home in the city and also one of the oldest surviving structures in Fort Lauderdale.

The house was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, the town's founder. It was initially built to be a center for commerce and community meetings. However, in the years following its conversion into a museum, it was also the official residence of the Stranahan family.

As old as it is, Stranahan House has witnessed all of Fort Lauderdale's wealth of historic sights. As you take a tour inside, the identity and spirit of Fort Lauderdale will easily flood you with all the memories of the home's past. You can even see glimpses of how Frank and his wife lived there.

Museum of Discovery and Science

For science lovers and curious kids, the Museum of Discovery and Science has to be the obvious choice. The museum is known for its interactive and informative exhibits. It's perfect for getting the balance between education and entertainment.

You can gain a huge amount of knowledge in many fields of science, as well as modern discoveries of man, including the boundaries of nature. With over 200 exhibits, the Museum of Discovery and Science was built to entertain and educate.

One of its most famous features is a virtual airboat exploration of the famous Everglades National Park. Which goes to show how blessed the natural side of Florida is.

Which is better, Fort Myers or Fort Lauderdale?

For vacations and holidays packed with excitement, Fort Lauderdale is the best choice. The seaside town is known for its interesting mix of attractions and unique features. Fort Lauderdale is also perfect for travelers of any type. Families and solo travelers who prefer a more relaxed approach to traveling will find the city most charming.

But if you want real peace, quiet and simpler scenes, Fort Myers is a good choice. It has a distinctly small-town vibe, despite its many cosmopolitan charms. It's also a very safe place to travel and very gay-friendly. However, Fort Myers doesn't offer as many activities as any other large city in the area.

frequently asked questions

Is Fort Myers or Fort Lauderdale hotter?

Located in the same state, located on opposite coasts, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale don't have much difference in temperature. However, Fort Myers is slightly warmer than Fort Lauderdale, especially during the high summer temperatures. Fort Myers has an average high of 92 F (33 C), while Fort Lauderdale hits around 90 F (32 C).

Playa de Fort Myers x Playa de Fort Lauderdale

When it comes to beaches, Fort Lauderdale definitely wins. Lined with dozens of beaches on its edge facing the Atlantic, the coastal city has a list of beautiful corners. Fort Myers technically has no beach.

How far is Fort Myers from Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Myers is 110 miles (178 km) directly from Fort Lauderdale.

How far is Fort Lauderdale Airport from Fort Myers Airport?

The direct distance from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Fort Myers Airport is approximately 104 miles or 168 km.

How to go from Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale

You can drive, fly or take a bus from Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale.

Which airlines fly from Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale?

Only a few airlines can take you from Fort Myers to Fort Lauderdale. You can book with airlines like JetBlue, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and Spirit Airlines.