Fort Myers is in Lee County Florida, the biggest city in the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast. Starting as Fort Harvie in the mid 1800s right after the Civil War, which was built along the river. After Fort Harvie was destroyed by a hurricane, it was rebuilt and renamed in what is now Downtown Fort Myers. The fort played a prominent role during the Seminole Wars. Old US highway 41, better known as the Tamiami Trail, is the main drag along the coast. Interstate I-75 also runs north and south, but farther inland east of Fort Myers Florida.
Historic First Street is a block away from Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers, a pedestrian paradise with shops and restaurants. The Caloosahatchee River runs between Fort Myers and Cape Coral to the north. Palm Beach Boulevard runs northwest from downtown along the river towards Lake Okeechobee and Palm Beach County. Along First Street is the public library with a welcoming outdoor patio.
Fort Myers Beach is across the causeway from Fort Myers. The beach resort barrier island that began in the late 1800s and was heavily damaged during Hurricane Ian. The Florida Gulf Coast University campus is on the south side of town on the east side of interstate 75 close to the airport. San Carlos Park is across the interstate from FGCU.
Southwest Florida International Airport is east of Interstate I-75 at exit 28, replacing the old Page Field near downtown. Page Field is now a general aviation airport where many private planes are based. MacGregor Boulevard runs southwest from Downtown Fort Myers. Along MacGregor is the Ford and Edison winter estates which are part of the Edison Historic District covering over 21 acres.
MacGregor Boulevard continues south and becomes the Sanibel Causeway to Sanibel and Captiva islands.