Fort Myers in Southwest Florida is the perfect destination if you love pristine, white sand beaches free of high rises. Run on the beach in the morning with your pup. Paddle alongside manatees and dolphins during the day. And enjoy the sunset from restaurants and breweries with pet friendly patios. Visitors will enjoy the laid-back vibe of Fort Myers with nearby nature preserves and a lively downtown.
Best Time To Visit
Fort Myers can be a lovely pet friendly destination any time of year. It is far enough south to have warm temperatures even in the winter. And December is when the area gets the least rain. Early spring attracts baseball fans (the Twins and Red Sox practice here) enjoying spring training camp. And summer is popular with families taking advantage of kids being out of school. Book early to get your choice of accommodations.
But March to April offers lower hotel rates. And temperatures range from the low 70s (about 22 celsius) to the high 80s. If you’re looking for a quiet vacation, just remember that the area may also attract students on spring break.
Things Not To Miss
Play on the sand on pet friendly beaches in Fort Myers and nearby Bonita Beach and Sanibel. Or launch a paddleboard or kayak at Estero Bay Preserve State Park, a few miles south off Route 41.
For a classic Florida tourist experience, visit The Shell Factory with its large gift shop and tiki bar with a pet friendly patio. Your pets may accompany you to most places at the attraction, excluding the nature park. And they even have an off-leash dog play area on-site!
Stroll the downtown River District to enjoy colorful architecture, window shopping, and restaurants with pet friendly patios. Plus, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the river and watch the boats go by.
Meander along Lovers Key State Park trails. Or hike along the water on the Eagle or Black Island Trails.
