From its stunning beaches to its amazing attractions and events, Lee County, Florida has plenty of free things to do that you'll love. Take a trip to the Six Mile Cypress Slough Reserve, an urban paradise with pine forests, oak hammocks, and cypress swamps. Here you'll find nearly 13 kilometers of hiking and horseback riding trails. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, this is the perfect spot for you.
Bunche Beach, on San Carlos Bay, is a 718-acre beach and mangrove forest reserve that offers a variety of recreational activities. For a scenic drive, take a trip down McGregor Boulevard, which combines Municipal Highway 867 and State Highway 867. This 14.6-mile-long stretch is perfect for a road trip. The Edison Shopping Center is a closed, super-regional mall with more than 160 national and local stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. During impromptu trips or when you just want to kill time, bring your friends and explore the more than 100 department stores, boutique chains, and the food court.
Gulf Coast Town Center is an outdoor shopping area located in the heart of Fort Myers with more than 100 retail stores. The 10-acre Alliance for the Arts offers a variety of programs, many of which are free. The 1-mile route through mangroves and an oak hammock in the bay is part of the Matanzas Pass Reserve, a 60-acre wildlife refuge. In addition to being open to everyone, it has 1.25 miles of trails that wind through mangroves and an oak hammock along Estero Bay.
The monthly Art Walk and Music Walk events in the Downtown River District of Fort Myers bring the neighborhood to life. Manatees swim in the 17-acre Lee County Manatee Park, where they can spend the winter in hot water discharged from an old power plant. Pack a beach chair or blanket, lie on the sand and enjoy the stunning view of the Caloosahatchee River that flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Lee County has plenty of free indoor and outdoor activities, including festivals and events.
Fort Myer turns the night into an event where the sun disappears in the Gulf of Mexico with a sunset celebration in Fort Myers Beach. On Sanibel Island, visit Lighthouse Beach Park (10 Periwinkle Way) and Bowman's Beach (1700 Bowmans Beach Rd) for the best opportunities to bomb. ArtFest is an annual 3-day event held in February that raises funds for art classes at local schools. You should see what Alliance for the Arts has to offer if you're looking for free events in Fort Myers.
Waterfront Park Lee County Manatee Park offers paved walkways, up-close views of manatees, an amphitheater, and kayak rentals. If free is your favorite price, then this street should be on your list of things to do in Fort Myers Beach. The manatee park in Lee County, Florida, offers the free opportunity to see manatees up close without having to pay to visit a zoo or aquarium. The cities also have excellent public transportation, such as the Fort Myers Beach streetcar and Lee County LeeTran buses.
Captiva Beach (14770 Captiva Dr) is widely recognized as one of the best beaches in the country because of that castaway feeling of Robinson Crusoe. Southwest Florida is one of the most visited places in the state due to its beautiful beaches and sunny weather. Discovering free beach events in Lee County can be a great way to explore this beautiful region without breaking your budget. From art walks to sunset celebrations and manatee parks to beach parks - there are plenty of activities that won't cost you anything! Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or indoor entertainment - there's something for everyone here.