February brings a variety of activities and new developments to the Fort Myers area, including its islands, beaches, and neighborhoods. The region is highlighting opportunities for visitors to relax on sandy beaches, participate in outdoor activities, enjoy fishing, and attend special events such as the return of Spring Training.
The Anchor Inn & Cottages has reopened after restoration following damage from Hurricane Ian. Originally opened in 1959 as Villa Capri, the property features 12 units with vintage charm and local art by Sanibel Island’s Rachel Pierce. The accommodations are located less than a mile from the beach and offer amenities such as a pool, picnic area, and bikes.
Casa Ybel Resort and Thistle Lodge on Sanibel Island have also reopened after three years of renovations. The beachfront resort is now accepting reservations.
Visit Fort Myers has announced a partnership with Kind Traveler, making it the first Florida destination to collaborate with this sustainable travel platform. Participating hotels will contribute part of their booking proceeds to local organizations supporting sustainability efforts.
The Gasparilla Inn & Club on Boca Grande has been recognized on Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List 2026 for Best Hotels in the World. The inn dates back to 1913 and is known for its historic charm.
South Seas Resort recently opened Captiva Landing, a new family-friendly water attraction featuring waterslides, splash zones, a lazy river, cabanas, food options, an arcade, and kids’ nature programs.
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts plans to open White Pelican Villas in early 2026. This development replaces Beachview Cottages destroyed by Hurricane Ian with 22 new units across three buildings.
Manatee Park continues to attract visitors during cooler months when manatees seek warm water from a nearby power plant. The park offers accessible paths through native habitats and butterfly gardens.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum has reopened after repairs and beach renourishment. Visitors can climb both this lighthouse and Gasparilla Island Lighthouse with advance reservations.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is hosting speaker series events covering topics like swallow-tailed kites and regional history. Lovers Key State Park is offering free guided programs throughout February.
CREW Trust provides guided walks in Bonita Springs through more than forty miles of trails spanning four systems that include hiking, biking, equestrian paths, campsites, boardwalks, and observation platforms.
Visitors can explore Sanibel Island’s Wild Mile using a mobile pass delivered via text or email for access to natural attractions.
Lee County VCB and Lee County Parks & Recreation are running Parks, Points & Perks through May 2026. This free program encourages exploration of over thirty parks and recreation sites across the region with opportunities for prizes.
Dining options have expanded with Legno Italian Kitchen opening at Santini Plaza on Fort Myers Beach offering Italian cuisine along with live music and comedy shows. South Seas Resort introduced Beach House restaurant on Captiva Island featuring coastal-inspired dishes as part of its growing culinary offerings.
The Beach Bar on Fort Myers Beach has reopened after nearly three years in a new storm-resistant building designed as an open-air walk-up venue.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) continues to add air service from several major airlines including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. More information is available at flylcpa.com
Travel + Leisure described Bonita Springs as having “undiscovered charm” suitable for retirees due to its sunny weather—nearly 300 days per year—white-sand beaches, clear water ideal for fishing or shelling (including rare angel wings), hiking trails, paddling opportunities and abundant seafood options (https://www.travelandleisure.com/bonita-springs-florida-11892051).
Karon Warren wrote about winter getaways inspired by Thomas Edison’s and Henry Ford’s time in Fort Myers for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “During your winter getaway you could enjoy these and much more including a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates; the Edison Museum; sailing to Cabbage Key for lunch including the cheeseburger Jimmy Buffett made famous; searching for shells on Sanibel Island—the world’s best shelling beach.” Warren also visited Bruno’s of Brooklyn restaurant among other local businesses (https://www.ajc.com/wellness/2025/12/winter-like-edison-and-ford-in-fort-myers).
A number of annual festivals are scheduled throughout February into spring:
– ArtFest Fort Myers runs Feb. 6–8 downtown.
– The Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade takes place Feb. 21.
– Southwest Florida Ag Expo runs Feb. 26–March 8.
– The Burrowing Owl Festival occurs Feb. 28 at Rotary Park Environmental Center.
– Spring Training games begin Feb. 20 for both Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park (https://www.mlb.com/redsox/spring-training) and Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium (https://www.mlb.com/twins/spring-training).
Other recurring events include wildlife lectures at J.N.“Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge through April (https://dingdarlingsociety.org), Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum programs (https://shellmuseum.org), Bonita Springs National Art Festivals (https://artsbonita.org/artfest), MangoMania in July (https://pineislandchamber.org/chamber-events/mangomania), Island Hopper Songwriter Fest in September (https://island-hopperfest.com), Cape Coral Oktoberfest in October (https://capecoraloktoberfest.com), American Sand Sculpting Championship in November (https://fmbsandsculpting.com), Cape Coral Art Festival in January (https://capecoralartfestival.com), Tour De Cape cycling event (https://tourdecape.net) and Caloosahatchee Celtic Festival downtown next January (https://fortmyers.gov/2123/Celtic-Festival).
EDITOR’S NOTE: Fort Myers – Islands Beaches & Neighborhoods includes Sanibel Island Captiva Island Fort Myers Beach Fort Myers Bonita Springs Estero Cape Coral Pine Island Matlacha Boca Grande & Outer Islands North Fort Myers Alva Buckingham Lehigh Acres.
