A friendly southwest Florida town on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers is well-known for its beautiful beaches, great fishing and myriad shopping opportunities. Popular with outdoorsy travellers, there's heaps for couples, families and groups of friends to see and do in the area. There’s a good range of accommodation options, including historic B&Bs and self-catering properties, as well as larger hotels. Our pick of the best places to stay in Fort Myers promises a central stay, within easy reach of all the action!

The town’s main cultural attractions are the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. Once the holiday homes of car magnate Henry Ford and his mentor, acclaimed inventor Thomas Edison, the estates have been transformed into superb museums, complete with historic homes, splendid gardens and fascinating museum exhibits with something for the whole family. Fort Myers also offers a wonderful programme of musical events and pop-up art exhibitions — most hotels will be able to point you in the right direction.

Soak up the Florida sunshine at one of the Fort Myers’ many lovely Gulf Coast beaches, or head out windsurfing, sailing and fishing. Discover Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Lakes Regional Park and Manatee Park before kayaking along the Great Calusa Blueway and Fisheating Creek. If you’re keen to see more of Florida’s wildlife, there are some fantastic guided boat tours too. The John Yarbrough Linear Park trail is the perfect place for a hike, cycle or bird-spotting, whilst there are also world-class golf courses and tennis courts in the vicinity. Sun Splash Family Waterpark, in nearby Cape Coral, will be a sure-fire hit with the kids!

Unwind at the spa, feast on delicious fresh seafood or hit the shops after big days out. The best places to stay in Fort Myers offer a relaxing oasis to recharge before your next adventure.