Fort Myers, Florida — historic River District, Edison Estates, and RSW Airport.
Home to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, and a historic downtown River District that has quietly become one of the best dining scenes north of Naples.
Edison Estates morning, River District Art Walk night.
Spend the morning at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates — the laboratory tour is the part most groups skip and shouldn't. Have lunch at Ford's Garage, kill the afternoon on the Caloosahatchee waterfront, then time your visit for the first-Friday River District Art Walk — galleries open late, music in the streets, dinner at Izzy's.
Known for
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, the downtown River District, JetBlue Park (Red Sox spring training), Fort Myers Beach, and RSW Airport.
Why visit
If you fly into RSW, you're already in Fort Myers. Spend a few hours at the Edison Estates, walk the River District at golden hour, and grab dinner before heading to Ave Maria.
Top attractions
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford's winter homes, gardens, and museum on the Caloosahatchee — Fort Myers's signature attraction.
A historic 10-block walkable district packed with restaurants, galleries, and Friday Art Walks.
Red Sox spring training (Feb–March) — a mini Fenway with the Green Monster.
Pier, sand, and casual beach bars on Estero Island — rebuilding strong post-Ian.
Free park with a manatee viewing area — they gather Nov–March in the warm-water canal.
Where locals eat
Restaurants our drivers actually recommend.
River District seafood — the daily oyster sheet alone is worth the drive.
Burgers and craft beer in a Henry-Ford-themed two-story space across from the Edison Estates.
Southern fine dining in a 1902 Victorian — special-occasion classic.
River District Mexican standout with a beautiful courtyard.
Local seafood chain — go for the stone crabs in season (Oct–April).
Hour-by-hour, the way we'd plan it.
- 19:00 AM
Drive to Fort Myers via Oil Well Road and I-75.
- 210:00 AM
Edison & Ford Winter Estates — buy the combo ticket.
- 312:30 PM
Lunch at Ford's Garage across the street.
- 42:00 PM
Walk the River District — galleries, the History Museum.
- 55:00 PM
Manatee Park (Nov–March) or Fort Myers Beach pier.
- 67:00 PM
Dinner at Izzy's Fish & Oyster downtown.
Getting here from Ave Maria
Fort Myers rides from Ave Maria are bundled into our $90 RSW / Naples / Fort Myers / Bonita Springs flat rate. RSW is the closest major airport — the easiest way to start any Ave Maria trip.
Local Pro Tips
- The River District Art Walk (first Friday of every month) is the best free evening in Fort Myers.
- Edison Estates: buy the combo ticket and start in the laboratory — most groups skip it and miss the highlight.
- Red Sox spring training tickets go on sale in December and sell out by mid-January.
- JetBlue Park parking is $10 cash only — bring small bills.
Frequently asked questions.
How far is RSW from Ave Maria?
+
About 50 miles / 50 minutes via Oil Well Road and I-75. Ave Rides is a $90 flat rate.
Is downtown Fort Myers worth visiting?
+
Yes — the River District is one of the most underrated walkable downtowns in Florida, especially on Art Walk Fridays.
When is spring training at JetBlue Park?
+
Late February through late March each year. Book early — the Red Sox draw big crowds.
Need a ride to or from Fort Myers?
Flat-rate pricing. Local drivers. Book in seconds.