48 HOURS IN FORT MYERS: A CHIC GETAWAY IN THE CITY OF PALMS

You might know Fort Myers as the airport stop on your way to its pretty sisters, Sanibel and Captiva—but don’t be too quick to overlook it. This vibrant city is a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, nestled between Naples and Tampa, and makes for a stylish urban escape. This Gulf Coast beauty caters to travelers who crave a blend of laid-back luxury and tropical charm. Ready to explore? Here’s how to spend 48 hours soaking up the best of Fort Myers in effortless, elevated style.

By Colleen Thompson

Downtown Fort Myers is where Old Florida charm meets modern sophistication. Cobblestone streets, a breezy waterfront, and sun-drenched palm trees give the city a magnetic, almost cinematic vibe. When Thomas Edison arrived here in 1895, he purchased 13 acres along the Caloosahatchee River for his winter estate and planted rows of palm trees along the dirt road to his home. That road is now McGregor Boulevard, famously lined with over 1,800 towering Royal Palms—a legacy that earned Fort Myers its nickname, “City of Palms.”

At the heart of it all stands the Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection, a sleek, upscale 12-story retreat that elevates the city’s historic core with contemporary luxury and panoramic views of the Caloosahatchee River. Whether savoring rooftop dining, diving into local culture, or simply unwinding in a room that feels tailor-made, downtown Fort Myers offers an experience that’s equal parts laid back luxe and refined tropicana.

DAY 1: SUNSETS & SEAFOOD VIBES

5:00 PM | Check-In at Luminary Hotel & Co.

Arrive just in time for golden hour at the waterfront Luminary Hotel, the crown jewel of the River District. Sleek, modern, and dripping in subtle sophistication, the hotel is perched on the Caloosahatchee River. Named Luminary in tribute to Fort Myers’ most renowned resident, Thomas Edison, the hotel draws inspiration from the city’s storied past. The interior design pays homage not only to Edison but also to the remarkable and bold local figures who helped shape the identity of Fort Myers.

Each element of the guest experience has been carefully curated to reflect the character and spirit of these historical influencers. Design touches like industrual brass light fixtures, leather machinery belts, patinaed metal finishes, hand-scraped wood flooring, and a collection of archival photographs of early settlers evoke a sense of authenticity and storytelling throughout the space. The hotel’s color palette—navy blues and tropical greens—takes its cue from the nearby river and the stately Royal Palms , creating a seamless blend of natural beauty and historical reverence. Check into your well-appointed room, where luxury meets coastal comfort—plush bedding, oversized windows framing river or city views, a curated minibar, and spa-inspired bathrooms that practically beg you to unwind. Drop your bags, slip on your poolside slides and ease into the weekend.

5:30 PM | Poolside Dip & Sunset Views

Head straight to the elevated pool deck for a refreshing dip. With sweeping riverfront views and a pink and lavendar sunset over the Caloosahatchee, it’s pure magic.

6:30 PM | Rooftop Cocktails at Beacon Social Drinkery

As twilight sets in, take the elevator and head 12 floors up to Beacon Social Drinkery. This rooftop bar is where Fort Myers turns it on—creative cocktails, DJ-curated vibes, and panoramic views that stretch from the river to the city skyline. Any cocktail menu that has Nolet’s Gin gets my vote. Order the pot stickers with soy & ginger sauce and the pork belly bao buns to kick start the evening.

7:30 PM | Dinner at Silver King Ocean Brasserie

Descend into the stylish Silver King Ocean Brasserie, just steps from the hotel lobby, where elevated, chef-driven seafood takes center stage. The menu is a celebration of bold coastal flavors—think citrus-kissed Black Fin Tuna crudo, grilled snapper with Andouille sausage, pan-roasted scallops over saffron rice pilaf, and a velvety Carrot-Ginger Bisque. At the helm is Chef de Cuisine Zach Geerson, who leads the culinary team with finesse, curating an ever-evolving five-course tasting menu that highlights seasonality and inventive technique. The ambience strikes a balance between intimate and buzzy, featuring an open-concept kitchen, warm wood and sleek marble finishes, plush grey velvet seating, and a dramatic silver-and-copper art installation inspired by the restaurant’s namesake—the majestic “Silver King” Atlantic tarpon. It’s an unforgettable spot for a first-night feast.

DAY 2: CULTURE, GARDENS & GALLERY-HOPPING

8:00 AM | Breakfast at Ella Mae’s Diner

Start your day with a throwback twist at Ella Mae’s Diner. This modern-retro breakfast spot connected to the Luminary is all charm. The vintage glass soda bottles hanging from the ceiling are a playful wink to Ella Mae Piper, Fort Myers’ first Black female doctor, beloved philanthropist, and owner of a local soda bottling company back in the day. The Southern forward breakfast menu is one of the more interesting and creative that I’ve seen in a long time, with plates like cheese grits, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy, crispy onions, biscuits, or sweet cream pancakes or what about Southern Peach French Toast with brioche, pecans, toasted meringue, berries, Wicked Dolphin rum syrup. It’s also a great lunch option if you’re not a breakfast person.

9:30 AM | Caffeine Fix at Dean Street Coffee Roastery

Need a little extra fuel? Pop into Dean Street Coffee Roastery, a sleek neighbourhood-vibe coffee shop inside the hotel lobby. Grab a decadent Cubanito con leche or opt for the healthier but no less boring Greem Machine smoothie. Either way, you’ll be all set for a day of adventuring and a little historical inspiration.

10:00 AM | Wander the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

Step into the lush, beautifully preserved world of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates—a tropical paradise established in 1895 by Thomas Edison along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of jasmine and frangipani, while orchids cascade from ancient live oaks. Towering palms and sprawling ficus trees line winding garden paths, and lipstick-pink bougainvillaea spill over ancient stone walls. At its heart, a magnificent banyan tree stretches across more than an acre, anchoring the gardens in quiet majesty. Wander at your own pace through the historic homes of two of America’s most legendary inventors, then lose yourself in the vibrant, dreamlike landscape surrounding them. There are hidden nooks, and tranquil corners made for lingering. Find a bench beneath a showy pink shower tree, exhale deeply, and breathe.

12:30 PM | Garden Lunch Al Fresco

Grab a casual lunch or slice of strawberry cream cake right on the estate grounds at the Banyan Café, set inside a vintage trailer. It perfectly complements the tranquil surroundings.

2:00 PM | River District Discovery: Shops & Galleries

Spend your afternoon meandering through the cobblestone streets of Fort Myers' historic river district. Pop into independent boutiques, quirky antique shops, and contemporary art galleries. The area is a blend of old Florida charm and fresh, artistic energy.

5:00 PM | Cocktails at The Lobby Bar

Return to the Luminary for a pre-dinner wind-down at the Lobby Bar. Sip a dirty martini and order the charcuterie board while you people-watch, soak in the comings and goings. It's the perfect spot to reflect on the day and reset before dinner.

7:00 PM | Dinner at Oxbow Bar & Grill

Wrap up your 48-hour escape with a waterfront dinner at Oxbow Bar & Grill, just a short stroll from the hotel. Perched at the edge of the Caloosahatchee River, this breezy, nautically inspired spot offers sweeping views and a relaxed, upscale atmosphere—complete with warm Gulf air and sunset skies. The interior strikes a perfect balance between coastal charm and modern elegance. Warm brass fixtures and Edison-style bulbs cast a golden glow over stained oak accents and sleek copper finishes. Overhead, antique oars nod to the region’s maritime roots, while creamy white walls, classic subway tile, and large-format porcelain flooring keep the space fresh and contemporary. Start your meal with the house-smoked fish dip, served in a glass jar alongside crisp lavash crackers—a local favorite. For your main, don’t miss the seared cobia, gently poached in saffron acqua pazza and paired with tender zucchini and fluffy couscous. It’s the perfect final bite of a weekend well spent.

Avelo Air flies from Wilmington International directly to South West Airport (Fort Myers) twice weekly on Mondays & Thursdays.