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

For nature enthusiasts staying at our rentals, you are perfectly positioned to explore a piece of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail . This statewide network of over 500 premier sites is designed to showcase Florida's incredible biodiversity, and Lee County hosts some of its brightest stars. Rather than a single path, the trail is a collection of protected stops where bird populations are known to thrive. In the North Fort Myers area, this means moving from the salt

The highlight of the preserve is its stunning 1.2-mile elevated boardwalk . Fully accessible and shaded by a canopy of ancient cypress trees, the trail meanders through swamps and ponds, providing a safe and dry way to view Florida’s diverse wildlife. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into the wild heart of Florida, Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve  is an absolute local gem. Located 14-miles from Bay Pointe, this 3,500-acre wetland ecosystem offers a shaded retreat that

When you visit our North Fort Myers vacation rentals, you’ll find that some of our most famous neighbors are only ten inches tall. Cape Coral is home to the largest population of Burrowing Owls  in the world, and these quirky, yellow-eyed birds have become the official city mascot. Unlike most owls that nest high in trees, these "ground owls" prefer to dig their homes right into the soft Florida soil. You’ll spot them standing guard outside their burrows in vacant lots, parks

Enjoy seeing manatees from elevated boardwalks and observation decks that provide a crystal-clear view of the manatees as they lounge, play, and come up for air. Located just a short drive away from Bay Pointe,   Manatee Park  is a local must-do. This non-captive refuge is the best place in Southwest Florida to see our famous "sea cows" up close in their natural habitat.  Unlike a zoo, these manatees are wild. From December through March , you can often count dozens of manate

If you’re staying at our vacation rentals, a trip to the Fort Myers River District  is a must. Just a short drive away, this historic downtown area trades the sandy shores for brick-paved streets, towering royal palms, and a sophisticated urban energy that still feels like a well-kept local secret. The River District is the cultural heartbeat of the city. Stroll past the restored 1920s buildings that now house eclectic boutiques and art galleries. The absolute best way to exp

While Southwest Florida is famous for its white-sand beaches, there is a hidden side of North Fort Myers that trades flip-flops for cowboy boots. Located around the corner from our rentals, the Lee County Posse Arena , an open-air community landmark, has been the beating heart of the area’s western heritage since 1960. Lee County Posse Arena is a hub for equestrian sports, hosting high-energy events like the Fort Myers Pro Rodeo . This non-profit, volunteer-run arena hosts ev

There is a reason North Fort Myers is known for more than just its sunsets. Just five miles  from our vacation rentals at Bay Pointe sits a local landmark that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide: the Southwest Florida Eagle Cam . Since 2012, the Pritchett family has provided a 24/7 window into the lives of the bald eagles nesting on their property. This isn't just a nature documentary; it’s a local "soap opera" that brings the community together. Whether it’s the l