The 3 Best Day Trips to Take While Staying in Fort Myers Beach
Make the most of your Fort Myers Beach vacation with these top day trips: cruise to Key West, explore Marco Island, ride horses at Palma Sola Bay, and more.
When you’re on vacation, be it hiking the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee or soaking up the sun on the beaches of North Carolina or Florida, adding a few day trips is the secret to leveling up your getaway. Exploring a little deeper turns a good trip into a great adventure.
If you’re spending your next vacation in Fort Myers Beach, there are plenty of day trips to fill your time with new destinations, great adventures, and even more Florida beauty.
Here’s a sneak peek just for you:
Hop the Key West Express for a Sunny Escape: Cruise across the Gulf, explore Duval Street, visit the Southernmost Point, tour Hemingway’s home, and catch the Mallory Square sunset before heading back.
Discover the Charm of Marco Island: Zip through mangrove tunnels on a Backwater Adventure tour, spot dolphins, shell on secluded beaches, visit Rookery Bay Environmental Center, and relax on South Marco Beach.
Horseback Strolls Along Palma Sola Bay: Ride horses along the beach and into the bay, try horse surfing, then stop in Sarasota for classic cars, jungle gardens, or a waterfront dinner.
At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.
In this blog, I’ve rounded up three of the best day trips you can take from Fort Myers Beach so you can make the most of your vacation.
Ready? Let’s explore!
1. Hop the Key West Express for a Sunny Escape
The Key West Express offers daily cruises to and from Key West. The cruise leaves in the morning, and you will be in Key West for lunch.
There are sundecks and flat-screen TVs to enjoy while on your cruise. Once you get there, you can enjoy your lunch at one of the many restaurants and then head to the Southernmost Point of the continental US. On clear nights, it is possible to see Cuba from the southern tip of Key West. You will also find plenty of shopping and art galleries on Duval Street.
The Key West Express leaves in the early evening on the same day, or you can extend your visit and return to Fort Myers Beach on your specified date. On the trip back, you can enjoy the bar and food services while watching the sunset over the Gulf.
Highlights of a Day Trip to Key West
- Cruise the iconic Duval Street & snap the Southernmost Point Buoy: Stroll along the colorful, lively Duval Street, packed with art galleries, cafés, and quirky shops, and get a photo at the famous “90 miles to Cuba” buoy.
- Ride the charming Conch Tour Train: Sit back on this vintage-style train tour that offers a relaxed, informative look at Key West’s quirky history, with bonus admission to local museums included.
- Explore literary and historic gems: Visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, home of his famous six-toed cats, and the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, both packed with fascinating stories and artifacts.
- Witness the legendary Mallory Square Sunset Celebration: Arrive early in the evening for street performers, arts and crafts stands, food vendors, and a spectacular waterfront sunset ritual.
2. Discover the Charm of Marco Island
You may be wondering why you should take a day trip to Marco Island. It’s just about an hour away, and totally worth it. There’s plenty to pack into a single day! Kick things off with a three-hour guided tour with Backwater Adventure and zip through the mangrove wetlands. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, birds, and other local wildlife along the way. You’ll even get a couple of stops to hunt for shells and take a refreshing swim.
Before heading back, swing by the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. Walk the Snail Trail, check out the exhibits, and learn all about sea turtles and manatees — it’s a great way to mix a little education with your island fun.
Highlights of a Day Trip to Marco Island
Mangrove Adventures: Join a guided tour with Backwater Adventure and zip through the mangrove tunnels on a boat or jet ski. Spot dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and other coastal wildlife.
Shelling on Secluded Beaches: Make stops on quiet barrier islands for world-class shelling and a quick swim in the Gulf’s warm, clear waters.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center: Explore interactive exhibits, walk the Snail Trail boardwalk, and learn about local sea turtles, manatees, and conservation efforts.
Waterfront Lunch: Grab fresh seafood or a casual burger at one of Marco’s waterside restaurants, great for watching boats go by.
South Marco Beach: Relax on the soft, white sand or take a quick dip before heading back.
Sunset Stop (Optional): If you can stay late, catch a Gulf sunset from Tigertail Beach or a waterfront tiki bar for the perfect end to your day.
3. Horseback Strolls Along Palma Sola Bay
About a two-hour drive from Fort Myers Beach, you will find Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, Florida. Here, you can book a horseback riding adventure with Florida Beach Horses. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary to enjoy this great adventure. You will ride your horse along the sandy beaches and make your way out into the salty waters. The best part of the adventure is when your horse starts swimming and you have the opportunity to Horse Surf.
On your way back, stop in Sarasota to explore the Sarasota Classic Car Museum or the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. You will also find some waterfront restaurants where you can enjoy a nice dinner while watching the sun go down over the water.
Highlights of a Day Trip to Palma Sola Bay
Horseback Riding in the Water: Saddle up and ride along the shoreline or even into the shallow waters for a one-of-a-kind beach adventure.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore calm waters, mangrove tunnels, and spot manatees and dolphins up close.
Fishing Fun: Cast a line right from the shore or join a local guide for a relaxed bay fishing trip.
Picnics with a View: Pack lunch and enjoy a laid-back picnic under the palms while soaking in the bay breeze.
Birdwatching: Bring binoculars and spot herons, ospreys, and roseate spoonbills that call the bay home.
Sunset Strolls: Cap off the day with a colorful Gulf sunset reflecting off the water, perfect for photos.
Explore Beyond Fort Myers Beach: More Day Trip Ideas
Shell Out at Sanibel & Captiva Islands: Renowned for seashell hunting, biking, bird-watching, and kayaking through J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, a classic mix of nature and quiet island charm.
Wander the Mangrove Swamps: Head to Corkscrew Swamp or Estero Bay Preserve State Park for serene boardwalks, wildlife spotting, and lush wetlands. Expect gopher tortoises and bald eagles along the paths.
- Cabbage Key & the Forgotten Islands: Hop a boat to Cabbage Key’s nature-packed shores. Sandy strolls, tortoises, local lore, and fun hidden gems await.
- Everglades & Big Cypress Safari: Embark on a swamp buggy or airboat tour for epic wildlife encounters. You can see alligators, manatees, and kayaks through mangrove mazes.
- Island-Hopping to Cayo Costa State Park: Reachable only by boat, this off-the-radar beach is perfect for quiet moments, shelling, and unplugged beach walks.
- Nature Walks & Wildlife in Cape Coral: Explore Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, admire canals that rival Venice, visit local markets, or spot dolphins on a boat tour.
Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers Beach?
To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever!