Top Weekend Getaways Within 2 Hours of Fort Myers

Are you looking for a quick escape from the Fort Myers area? Whether you’re a local or a newcomer to Southwest Florida, there are plenty of fantastic weekend getaways within a two-hour radius. From family-friendly beach retreats to romantic island hideaways, adventurous nature excursions, and luxurious resort escapes, we’ve curated a list of top destinations you can reach by car, ferry, or boat. Each offers something unique – be it pristine beaches, wildlife adventures, cultural experiences, or just a change of scenery – all without straying too far from home. Read on to discover your next weekend adventure in Southwest Florida!

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a nature lover’s paradise known worldwide for its seashell-strewn beaches and unspoiled beautymatanzas.com. This barrier island has a laid-back, old-Florida vibe – no stoplights, no high-rises – making it perfect for families and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amid nature. You can stroll or bike along quiet roads draped in tropical greenery, spotting wildlife at every turn.

• Travel Time & Getting There: Approximately 45 minutes by car (25 miles) west of Fort Myersmatanzas.com. Drive across the scenic Sanibel Causeway (toll bridge) and you’ll be on island time before you know it.

• Highlights: Beachcombing for colorful seashells is a must – Sanibel’s tranquil Gulf beaches are famous for shell collectingmatanzas.com. Nature enthusiasts can explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge by bike, car, or kayak, encountering birds, manatees, and alligators in the mangrove wetlandsmcmurrayandmembers.com. The historic Sanibel Lighthouse on the island’s eastern tip offers great views and a quaint walking beach. Biking is popular too – there are over 25 miles of bike paths connecting beaches, boutiques, and cafes.

• Where to Stay: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is a family-friendly beachfront resort with pools and on-site activities. For a quieter stay, consider the Island Inn or Casa Ybel Resort, both offering beachfront cottages and a touch of historic charm.

• Suggested Duration: A weekend stay (2–3 days) lets you slow down and enjoy island life. It’s also doable as a day trip, but an overnight gives time for a spectacular Sanibel sunset and early morning shell-hunting (local tip: the best shells wash up at low tide!). matanzas.com

Naples

Naples offers a blend of luxury and leisure on the Paradise Coast. This sophisticated city by the sea is known for its upscale shopping, art galleries, and gourmet dining – all wrapped around gorgeous white-sand beachesmatanzas.commatanzas.com. Couples will find it romantic for its sunset vistas and fine dining, while families can enjoy the beaches, parks, and even a nearby zoo.

• Travel Time & Getting There: Just about 1 hour south of Fort Myers by car (approximately 45–50 miles) via I-75 or US-41matanzas.com. It’s an easy drive to this elegant seaside city.

• Highlights: Start at the historic Naples Pier – stroll above gentle waves and watch for dolphins playing at duskmcmurrayandmembers.com. Enjoy downtown Naples: Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and sidewalk cafés perfect for people-watching. Nature lovers can visit the Naples Botanical Garden or take a walk in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary nearby for birdwatchingmcmurrayandmembers.com. Of course, beach time is a highlight: Naples Beach’s powdery sand and calm Gulf waters are ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Don’t miss the spectacular sunsets – grab a seat at a waterfront restaurant like on Naples Pier or at a beachfront bar to toast the day’s endmcmurrayandmembers.com.

• Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is a top choice for luxury travelers, offering beachfront pampering (upscale dining and a world-class spa). For a downtown option, The Inn on Fifth puts you in the heart of the action along Fifth Avenue. Families might also consider Naples Grande Beach Resort, which has a fun pool area and easy beach access.

• Suggested Duration: Weekend getaway or 2-night stay. Naples’ mix of relaxation and activities can fill a long weekend. Spend one day shopping and dining in town, and another day lounging on the beach or exploring nature reserves. It’s a rejuvenating escape that combines stunning beaches with upscale dining and culturematanzas.com.

Captiva Island

If you’re dreaming of a romantic island escape or a whimsical family beach trip, Captiva Island delivers secluded serenity with a splash of fun. Captiva is smaller and even more laid-back than its sister island Sanibel, offering postcard-perfect beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and a charming village vibematanzas.commatanzas.com. It’s a favorite for couples seeking tranquility, but also great for water sports and family adventures.

• Travel Time & Getting There: About 1 hour by car from Fort Myers. You’ll drive via Sanibel Island (Captiva is connected to Sanibel by a bridge on Sanibel’s north end). The total trip is roughly 40 miles; from Fort Myers to Captiva is around 40–60 minutes depending on trafficmatanzas.com.

• Highlights: Beach relaxation is the main event – Captiva’s beaches have clear turquoise waters and soft sands, perfect for swimming and sunbathingmatanzas.com. The sunsets here are legendary – join the tradition of gathering on the shore each evening to watch the sky turn pink and gold. For active fun, try paddleboarding, kayaking, or a dolphin-watching cruise; Captiva’s calm Gulf and bay waters are ideal for spotting wildlifematanzas.commatanzas.com. Fishing charters are available for anglers (Captiva has great inshore fishing). Don’t miss the island’s quirky local spots: The Bubble Room, a famous kitschy restaurant with epic desserts, or The Mucky Duck, a pub right on the beach where you can sip a drink with your toes in the sand as live music plays at sunset.

• Where to Stay: South Seas Island Resort at Captiva’s north end is a fantastic full-service resort spanning 330 acres, popular for families and couples alike. It features pools, a golf course, marina, and numerous activities on site. For a more intimate stay, ’Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa is a historic inn between the Gulf and Pine Island Sound, known for its sunset views (and even a romantic seaside spa).

• Suggested Duration: Overnight or weekend. Captiva can be enjoyed in a short visit, but a 2-night weekend is ideal to fully unplug. Spend your days beach-hopping and boating, and your evenings dining by sunset. With its peaceful atmosphere, water sports, and scenic sunsets, Captiva Island is perfect for relaxation and adventure alikematanzas.com.

Everglades (Everglades City & Ten Thousand Islands)

For the adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts, a weekend in the western Everglades is hard to beat. Everglades City – a small coastal town just south of Naples – is the gateway to Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands, offering thrilling wildlife encounters and a glimpse of “Old Florida” wildernessvisitflorida.comvisitflorida.com. This getaway is all about airboats, alligators, and amazing sunsets over the mangroves.

• Travel Time & Getting There: About 1.5 hours by car (80–90 miles) southeast of Fort Myers. Take I-75 (Alligator Alley) to SR-29 south, which leads directly to Everglades City. The drive is straightforward and under two hourstravelmath.com.

• Highlights: Outdoor adventure is the main draw here. Hop on an airboat tour in Everglades City to zoom through mangrove tunnels and sawgrass marshes – you’ll likely spot alligators, exotic birds, and maybe even turtles up closematanzas.com. For a quieter encounter with nature, rent a kayak or canoe to explore the Ten Thousand Islands water trails and coastal mangrove mazesvisitflorida.com. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park is located in Everglades City, where you can arrange guided boat tours deeper into the park’s wildernessvisitflorida.com. Fishing enthusiasts will find this area a paradise as well – snook, redfish, and tarpon thrive in these waters. On land, you can visit Big Cypress National Preserve or hike the boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand for a chance to see rare orchids and maybe a Florida panther (if you’re very lucky!). Don’t leave without trying the local seafood – Everglades City is known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, and if you visit between October and May, you can feast on fresh stone crab claws at local eateriesvisitflorida.com.

• Where to Stay: For a truly unique stay, check into the Everglades Rod & Gun Club, a 100-year-old historic lodge on the Barron Rivervisitflorida.com. This rustic inn has hosted presidents and adventurers, offering cozy cabins and an on-site restaurant filled with trophy fish and nostalgia. If you prefer modern comforts, there are a few small inns and eco-lodges in Everglades City and nearby Chokoloskee Island. Glamping options (like waterfront eco-tents or chickee hut rentals) are sometimes available for those who want to sleep under the stars in comfort.

• Suggested Duration: 1–2 nights. A weekend is perfect to experience the Everglades’ magic. Plan one day for an airboat tour and exploring Everglades City’s quaint museum and shops, and another day for a guided nature tour or kayaking expedition. This outdoor adventurer’s paradise will leave you with amazing wildlife memoriesvisitflorida.comvisitflorida.com – just remember your bug spray and camera!

Marco Island

Marco Island combines resort luxury with unspoiled nature, making it an ideal getaway for both families and couples. It’s the largest and only developed island in Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands chainvisitflorida.com, renowned for its beautiful beaches, stunning sunsets, and water sports galore. On Marco, you can relax at a high-end spa one minute and be exploring wild mangrove islands by boat the next – it truly offers the best of both worlds.

• Travel Time & Getting There: Roughly 1 hour drive south from Fort Myers (about 55 miles) via I-75 and Collier Boulevardtravelmath.com. Marco Island is just south of Naples, connected to the mainland by bridges, so it’s easy to reach by car.

• Highlights: Beach lovers will be in heaven – Marco Island’s sugary white-sand beaches stretch for milestravelingtessie.com. Tigertail Beach on the north end is famous for bird watching and shelling (you can often find sand dollars and conch shells), while South Beach is great for swimming and watersports. Speaking of watersports, Marco is a playground: you can go parasailing, jet-skiing, paddleboarding, or take a guided jetski eco-tour through mangrove estuaries. Dolphin-watching boat tours are extremely popular – wild dolphins frequently surf the wakes behind boats here. The island’s unique location within an aquatic preserve means nature is always close by. Consider a boat excursion to see the abandoned Cape Romano Dome Homes just south of Marco or a sunset sailing cruise for a romantic treat. Off the water, Marco Island has golf courses, a quaint Marco Island Historical Museum, and even an artisan shopping district at The Esplanade. Wildlife and nature are a big part of the appeal: the island is home to nesting sea turtles (in summer) and many species of birds. It’s part coastal resort, part fishing village – a family-friendly destination where you can relax and unwind in nature while enjoying modern comfortsvisitflorida.com.

• Where to Stay: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is the crown jewel here – a large luxury resort right on the beach, featuring multiple pools (including a fun kids’ splash area), several restaurants, a spa, and golf coursevisitflorida.com. It’s equally suited for families (with a kids’ club and game room) and couples (don’t miss the adults-only infinity pool and rooftop bar). For a quieter stay or budget-friendly option, The Boat House Motel offers Old Florida charm on the bay side of the island, with easy access to fishing and boatingvisitflorida.com. Vacation rentals and condos are also plentiful on Marco if you prefer more space.

• Suggested Duration: Weekend or long weekend. Two nights on Marco Island allows a full day of beach relaxation and a day of adventure on the water. Many visitors return regularly because Marco is the perfect place for an outdoor escape – from fishing and shelling to kayaking and dolphin toursvisitflorida.com. Whether you crave a pampered resort experience or a nature-filled outing (or both!), Marco Island delivers a memorable getaway.

Boca Grande (Gasparilla Island)

For a quiet, upscale retreat with Old-Florida charm, head to Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island. This small, affluent island community northwest of Fort Myers is known for its sugar-sand beaches, historic village, and world-class fishing. Time seems to slow down in Boca Grande – golf carts outnumber cars in the tiny downtown, and the vibe is elegant yet unpretentious. It’s a perfect weekend getaway for couples seeking romance, anglers chasing tarpon, or anyone who wants to experience a more refined coastal escape reminiscent of Florida’s pastvisitfortmyers.com.

• Travel Time & Getting There: About 1.5 hours by car from Fort Myers (approximately 70 miles). Drive north to Placida and cross the Boca Grande Causeway (a short toll bridge) onto Gasparilla Islandfwtmagazine.com. You can also arrive by boat – many visitors dock at the island’s marina or come via private boat from Pine Island Sound.

• Highlights: Boca Grande’s beaches are pristine and uncrowded – perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling. Visit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at the island’s southern tip (now a museum) and the newer Gasparilla Island Lighthouse on the gulf shorevisitflorida.com. Both make for great photo ops and a peek into local history. The island’s centerpiece is its charming downtown Boca Grande, where pastel-colored shops, art galleries, and ice-cream parlors line the streets under the shade of sprawling banyan treesvisitfortmyers.com. Rent a bike or a golf cart to explore the six-mile Boca Grande Rail Trail that runs the length of the island, passing scenic shoreline and tunnels of greeneryvisitflorida.com. If you’re into fishing, you’ve come to the right place – Boca Grande Pass is known as the “Tarpon Capital of the World,” famed for the silver king fish that spawn here each springvisitfortmyers.comvisitfortmyers.com. Even if you don’t fish, it’s exciting to watch the action at the Pass during tarpon season (May–June) when anglers try to reel in 100-pound tarpon. Other activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding in the clear shallows, or taking a short boat trip to nearby Cayo Costa State Park – an undeveloped island just north of Gasparilla that’s perfect for a day of hiking and beachcombing in wild naturevisitflorida.com.

• Where to Stay: The Gasparilla Inn & Club is the iconic place to stay. Opened in 1911, this luxurious historic hotel has hosted dignitaries and celebrities and retains an elegant “Old Florida” feelvisitflorida.com. Enjoy its lovely beach club, spa, and golf course – it’s a destination in itself. For more casual accommodations, the island offers a few quaint cottages, B&Bs, and the Boca Grande Hotel, which is a simple inn on the island’s north end. Vacation home rentals are another option if you’re traveling with family or friends.

• Suggested Duration: 1–2 nights for maximum R&R. Boca Grande is about savoring the slow pace – have a leisurely breakfast, hunt for shells, read a book by the surf, and dine on fresh seafood in the evening. A weekend here will leave you refreshed and charmed by the “quiet wealth” and natural beauty of Gasparilla Islandvisitfortmyers.com. (Insider tip: make a lunch stop at Cabbage Key Inn, a boat-access-only restaurant on a nearby islet, famous for its “Cheeseburger in Paradise” lore – a fun add-on to your Boca Grande trip!)

Sarasota & Siesta Key

For those willing to drive a bit north, Sarasota offers a vibrant arts and culture scene paired with some of Florida’s most spectacular beaches. This city (often considered the cultural capital of Southwest Florida) is home to museums, theaters, and galleries, yet also boasts Siesta Key Beach, renowned for its powdery quartz sand. Sarasota makes a well-rounded weekend getaway: you can soak up art and history one day, then relax on the beach or go kayaking in turquoise waters the next.

• Travel Time & Getting There: Approximately 1.5 hours drive (75–80 miles) north of Fort Myers via I-75matanzas.com. It’s an easy highway drive. Once there, the city of Sarasota is on the mainland, and barrier islands like Siesta Key and Lido Key are connected by bridges.

• Highlights: Culture vultures will love Sarasota’s offerings. Don’t miss The Ringling Museum of Art, a world-class museum and estate featuring a grand Venetian-style mansion (Ca’ d’Zan) and beautiful bayfront gardensmcmurrayandmembers.com. The Ringling complex also includes a fascinating Circus Museum, nodding to Sarasota’s history as winter home of the Ringling Bros. Circus. For performing arts, check what’s on at the Sarasota Opera House or Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. After getting your art fix, enjoy the outdoors: Siesta Key Beach is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the U.S., famous for its pure white sand that stays cool underfoot. It’s perfect for families (play in the soft sand or shallow waters) and couples (walk the beach at sunset – truly breathtaking). Lido Beach and Longboat Key are other nearby island beaches with a quieter atmosphere. Nature lovers can kayak through the mangrove tunnels at Lido Key’s Ted Sperling Park, or visit Myakka River State Park (about 30 minutes east of downtown) for airboat tours and wildlife viewing. For shopping and dining, head to St. Armands Circle, an open-air upscale shopping district on Lido Key with dozens of boutiques and restaurants encircling a palm-lined parkmatanzas.com. Sarasota’s foodie scene is excellent – you’ll find everything from fresh Gulf seafood to Amish comfort food (try Yoder’s Restaurant for famous pies) thanks to the city’s diverse community.

• Where to Stay: Lido Beach Resort is a popular beachfront resort on Lido Key, great for families and couples, featuring gulf-view pools and a tiki bar. In downtown Sarasota, The Art Ovation Hotel is an artsy boutique option close to galleries and theaters. For pure luxury, the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota offers impeccable service and even provides access to a private beach club on Lido Key for guests. There are also countless vacation rentals on Siesta Key if you prefer having a condo or house by the beach.

• Suggested Duration: Weekend (2–3 days). One day for arts and culture in the city, one day for relaxation on the beach makes an ideal combo. Sarasota is about “art meets beach” – you can tailor your itinerary to be high-brow, low-key, or a bit of both. In short, this getaway has something for everyone: museums, theaters, world-class museums and historic landmarks for the culture enthusiast, and powdery beaches for sunseekersmcmurrayandmembers.commcmurrayandmembers.com. It’s definitely worth the slightly longer drive for a rich and relaxing weekend experience.

No matter which getaway you choose, each of these destinations offers a refreshing change of pace within a short drive or ferry ride from Fort Myers. Southwest Florida is blessed with an abundance of easily accessible escapes – be it the serene island sunsets, the thrill of outdoor adventures, cultural explorations, or pampered resort living. Pack your weekend bag and set out to explore; you’ll return home with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse experiences our region has to offer. Your next weekend adventure is just around the corner – happy travels!

Sources

• Matanzas Inn Blog – “Weekend Getaways from Fort Myers: Top Nearby Destinations” (Nov. 27, 2024)matanzas.commatanzas.commatanzas.commatanzas.com

• Visit Florida – Boca Grande Travel Guidevisitflorida.comvisitflorida.com; Everglades City Guidevisitflorida.comvisitflorida.com; Marco Island Guidevisitflorida.comvisitflorida.com

• Visit Fort Myers – “Boca Grande & Outer Islands” (Things to Do)visitfortmyers.comvisitfortmyers.com

• FWT Magazine – “Gasparilla Island: A Captivating Getaway”fwtmagazine.com (Travel time to Boca Grande)

• Travelmath – Driving times (Fort Myers to Marco Island)travelmath.com and distances.