Local Flavor

Our riverfront getaways provide a unique opportunity to completely unplug and embrace the peaceful rhythm of the water. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, here is how to maximize every moment of your stay. ⚓ Anchor Your Day Around the Sun Waterfront living has its own natural schedule. Early morning is when the water is typically at its absolute stillest—the perfect time to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee on the lanai and watch the glassy reflection of the sky. As the af

If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves hunting for hidden treasures, uncovering mid-century gems, or finding that one-of-a-kind piece of retro decor, forget the modern shopping malls. Southwest Florida’s best-kept retail secret isn't a mall at all—it’s a three-mile stretch of North Cleveland Avenue (U.S. 41) known to locals as "Thrift Alley." Because North Fort Myers has long been a favorite haven for seasonal residents and retirees, the secondhand shopping here is unma

While many think of Florida as a winter destination, locals know that summer is when the region truly comes alive with a vibrant, tropical energy. In the summertime, North Fort Myers transforms into a playground of long days, warm river breezes, and events that celebrate the height of the sunshine season. June: Art, Music, and Tropical Rhythms June kicks off with a creative flare. Just across the Caloosahatchee, the Downtown Art Walk, (1st Friday, every month) and Music Walk

Looking for a splash of color to brighten your vacation? One of our favorite "hidden gem" activities in North Fort Myers and the downtown River District is exploring the vibrant street art created by the Fort Myers Mural Society. This local nonprofit has transformed our city walls into a massive, open-air gallery. From massive 8-foot-high scenes at McCollum Hall to the historic storytelling at the River Basin—where 57 murals depict our early connection to the Caloosahatchee R

If you’re tired of playing "weather roulette" with your vacation days, it’s time to set your sights on North Fort Myers! While the rest of the country is bundled up in parkas or dodging snowflakes, our biggest dilemma is usually choosing between flip-flops or going barefoot by the pool. When winter rolls around, we trade the "Polar Vortex" for what we call "Chamber of Commerce" weather. Imagine bright blue skies and a perfect 75°F breeze that makes you want to spend every wak

Whether you're looking for a competitive night out with friends or a family adventure with a side of alligator feeding, the area surrounding Riverfront Retreats at Bay Pointe has some fantastic "alternative" golf spots. Topgolf Fort Myers: features climate-controlled hitting bays that make it a perfect year-round destination regardless of the Florida humidity. No golf experience is required—microchipped balls track your accuracy and distance while you aim for giant targets wi

For many travelers, Southwest Florida is synonymous with the beach. But for those who know where to look, North Fort Myers offers a different kind of green. While the "City of Palms" across the river gets much of the fame, our side of the Caloosahatchee is a hidden gem for golfers who want variety, accessibility, and a more relaxed pace of play. From your home base at Riverfront Retreats at Bay Pointe , you are a short drive from some of the region’s most storied and scenic

If you’re taking a post-dinner stroll through the downtown River District, you might suddenly find yourself walking through a "soup" of glowing letters. No, it’s not a dream—it’s the Caloosahatchee Manuscripts , one of the most mesmerizing public art installations in Florida. Located right on the sidewalk in front of the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center , these two massive bronze cylinders (sometimes called Lux ) were created by the world-renowned artist Jim Sanborn . If that

If you’ve ever driven down McGregor Boulevard, you’ve witnessed one of the most iconic landscapes in Florida. It is because of this breathtaking, tree-lined corridor that Fort Myers earned its famous nickname: The City of Palms . The story begins with the city’s most famous winter resident, Thomas Edison . When Edison first arrived in 1885, Fort Myers was a rough-and-tumble cattle town. He envisioned something more majestic. To beautify the city, Edison imported and planted o

The name "Fort Myers" traces its roots back to a time of conflict and a story of unrequited love. In 1850, during the Seminole Wars, a military base was established on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River . The fort was built to serve as an operations hub for the U.S. Army, but its name was actually a wedding gift of sorts. Myers himself, a career military officer and future Quartermaster General of the Confederate States Army, allegedly never even set foot in the city that

Long before the first Spanish explorers sighted the Florida coastline, Southwest Florida was the domain of the Calusa , the "Fierce People." Unlike most settled societies of the era, the Calusa did not rely on agriculture. Instead, they built a sophisticated, powerful empire based entirely on the bounties of the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the "Shell Indians," the Calusa were master engineers. Instead of clearing forests for crops, they harvested mi

If you want to experience the true heart of Southwest Florida, you have to get off the pavement and onto the water. The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked paddling trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Lee County, and some of its most enchanting stretches are right here in North Fort Myers . Named after the Calusa Indians who once dominated these shorelines, the trail offers a serene escape for kayakers and paddleboarders of all ski

If you are strolling through the Fort Myers River District, you might find yourself doing a double-take at a rusted iron figure playing chess or a life-sized horse seemingly frozen in time. These are the "Iron Giants" of Colombian artist Edgardo Carmona , a 23-piece collection that has become a permanent staple of the Fort Myers public art scene. Originally brought here as a temporary exhibit from Paris, these Cor-Ten steel sculptures were so beloved by locals that the City p

Charlie Creek is a favorite destination of amateur paleontologists, who scour the creek bed for fossils. If you’re looking for a real-life treasure hunt, look no further than the Peace River . Just a short drive north of Bay Pointe, this "blackwater" river is one of the premier spots in the world for finding fossils. Millions of years ago, Florida was underwater and teeming with massive marine life; today, the river’s current slowly erodes the banks, revealing secrets from th

Lakes Regional Park is the ultimate inland escape. Just a short drive from our North Fort Myers vacation rentals, this 279-acre park was once a rock quarry, but today it is a lush haven for families, fitness buffs, and nature lovers alike. The park’s "claim to fame" is undoubtedly the Lakes Park & Gulf Railroad . This 1/8th-scale miniature train takes you on a 15-minute journey through woods and over bridges—even passing miniature villages. If you have little ones, the massi

For many of our guests, the ultimate North Fort Myers experience starts at the dock. The Caloosahatchee River is more than just a body of water; it’s a sprawling liquid highway that connects the heart of Florida to the Gulf. Whether you’re captaining a pontoon or a center console, The River offers a diverse landscape of urban skylines and wild mangrove forests. Cruising west will take you toward the historic Edison & Ford Winter Estates, where the massive banyan trees spill

If you are staying at Bay Pointe in North Fort Myers, you have a front-row seat to one of the river's best-kept secrets. While most tourists head straight for the Gulf, local boaters know that a short, scenic cruise west on the Caloosahatchee leads to a hidden gem: Big Shell Island . The Route from Bay Pointe Check the tides before you leave Bay Pointe! The island is best enjoyed at low to mid-tide when the sandy spits are fully exposed, giving you plenty of room to walk and

Whether you’re a pro angler or just looking to drop a line with the kids, the Caloosahatchee River is the lifeblood of North Fort Myers fishing. Flowing right past our vacation rentals, this massive river is a unique "brackish" playground where freshwater meets the saltwater of the Gulf. This mix creates a diverse habitat where you can catch a largemouth bass and a saltwater snook on the very same lure. What’s Biting? The river is famous for its "Big Three: Snook: These pow

While staying at our Bay Pointe vacation rentals, you are just a 30-mile scenic drive away from a true bucket-list destination: Sanibel Island . Famed globally as the "Shelling Capital of the World," this unique barrier island is geographically blessed. Unlike most islands that run north-to-south, Sanibel runs east-to-west, acting as a giant "scoop" that catches millions of seashells traveling across the Gulf of Mexico. The seashell diversity here is unmatched. On a single wa

When it comes to ending a day in Southwest Florida, the sunset is the main event. While there are countless places to watch the sky turn to fire, a few locations have earned the title of "iconic." If you are staying at our North Fort Myers rentals, you are perfectly positioned to catch these world-class views from both the river and the Gulf. Centennial Park Just across the bridge in the River District, Centennial Park offers the most classic "Fort Myers" sunset. The vast gre