Fort Myers River District
Fort Myers River District
Fort Myers River District
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Restaurants
248 within 3 miles
Attractions
122 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
710 reviews
Excellent
416
Very good
232
Average
44
Poor
12
Terrible
6
MNDoodles
Stillwater, MN680 contributions
Jan 2021
Why is nobody visiting the river district on a gorgeous January afternoon? We could not believe the ease of parking in a ramp on Hendry for a couple dollars, and walking along 1st Street and other river district streets with almost no other tourists in sight. For an area so beautifully revitalized with gorgeous historic buildings, unique and fun shops and many restaurants, it was a mystery to us why so few people were there. We enjoyed walking, shopping and eating ice cream as we admired the historic Edison Theater, Arcade Theater and many other historic buildings. We strolled down to the yacht basin and watched lovely boats come and go. What a great afternoon we had. More visitors need to be aware this fantastic part of Fort Myers exists, and can be enjoyed anytime for shopping, eating and relaxing.
Written January 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SharonB231
Toledo, OH1,212 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
This appears to be the place to be. Located in downtown Fort Myers so parking is either metered or in pay lots and was free in the lot we parked at on Saturday. There are many restaurants, shops, art galleries and some historic locations here. We had a nice lunch at Ford’s Garage. Worth a visit here and a nice variety of restaurants.
Written April 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CindiO
Lima, OH95 contributions
Dec 2020
I enjoy small boutiques and numerous restaurant choices. This is definitely the place to go. I liked that there were numerous places located under one roof (I can't recall the name of the business, however). Worthwhile walking experience.
Written December 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pat B
Fort Myers, FL57 contributions
Dec 2019
We moved here from NJ where people avoid the larger downtown areas. What a sweet surprise the first time we visited the river district! The city has executed a beautiful vision for this area. I love the character of the Southern feel of the place. Once the new hotel opens, things will only get better. If you go, don’t miss Florida Rep for a wonderful theater experience.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bbqkeith48
Freeport, IL239 contributions
Jan 2020
We are not into the bar scene so that aspect did appeal to us. It was however neat to see the sights in the evening downtown. We were lucky enough to run into a gentleman who showed us a mural of Fort Myers. Then he took us up to the rooftop through a hotel there. We were able to see Fort Myers from the roof at night it was spectacular. There is a huge massive tree on a corner downtown. Not sure what kind it is except for big. Good spot to just sit and watch people. Looked like there were a number of neat places to eat, the one we were trying to get to had already closed.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin S
Saint Charles, MO385 contributions
Feb 2021
We had a great time browsing all of the stores and eating lunch in this area. There is a lot of nice art to look at and a ton of restaurants, bars, and sweets shops. We would definitely do this again. They had a Fat Tuesday celebration planned later in the evening and we'd have loved to have gone had we not been trying to avoid crowds...maybe next year.
Written February 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2013tinaa
Mankato, Minnesota56 contributions
Oct 2021
We mainly went to eat at Ford's Garage, then stroll the shops. A few of them unfortunately closed at 5pm, so that was a bummer. It may be because of a staffing shortage, I'm not sure. One shop was awesome though and we were already in there and I saw her cleaning up, asked what time they closed and she said they were actually closing now. I apologized and said I didn't realize it closed so early and we could leave. She smiled and said 'no, please continue to browse, it's ok!" I didn't feel rushed so it was very nice. I did enjoy looking a the stone shops that they had, otherwise there wasn't much there that was interesting to me. Ford's Garage was awesome though!
Written October 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K Pastore
Hinsdale, IL674 contributions
Jan 2020
There are a number of shops and restaurants to try during your visit to Fort Myers River District. It is a great place to walk and see the revitalization that seems to be at work. We were there on a Thursday and there was a small Farmers Market off of Second street. It is worth a look.
Written January 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcsystems
Ann Arbor, MI5,144 contributions
Jan 2020
Came here on a Monday afternoon. Rather quiet but a nice street of bars and restaurants. Didn't really see too many stores. There's a free trolley that runs 5 blocks? It did not seem that long. Felt like 2-3 blocks of store fronts.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Palatinedave
Elgin, IL59 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is basically a 4 block area of restaurants and shops along first street. Lots of lawyer offices and unleaded buildings. A few set shops. Needs for gift and clothing shops. The free trolley is nice but it’s not as big or varied as I had hoped. Best thing is the palm park
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What happened to the fountain statue that in the 1950s was at the 5 point intersection near where the foot of the Caloosahatchee bridge now stands?
Written August 18, 2018
I wish I could help you. We only visit Fort Myers Beach a couple of times a year and that's only been recently. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce could help you out.
Written August 18, 2018
There is a Marina on the Downtown side. Just have to walk a block or two to some great, fun restaurants. Ford's Garage is always good! And The Lodge. Quite a few places now to eat there.
There is also another area to the south of the Downtown Marina that also has docking. There is a Joe's Crab Shack there and a few other little places. They are separated by the high bridge of Hwy 41.
Written March 1, 2018
feme2014
West Bloomfield, Michigan
where is the best place to have morning coffee and watch people on first street?
Faye
Written February 28, 2018
The response above is not what you're looking for, lol.
She is referring to Fort Myers Beach and I believe you are asklng about Downtown Fort Myers.
There are several spots that have outdoor seating right on First Avenue. No spot is better than others, but keep in mind most aren't open for breakfast. The Connection was good but they closed.
United Ale House is right in the heart of Downtown on First and is open for breakfast. They are on a corner and have outdoor seating. Probably your best option. The food can be hit or miss. English food.
There is a Starbucks there which has seating outside.
There is a great little coffee shop called Java House which is on Hendry, 2 blocks off of First. Best coffee downtown.
Good Luck!
Written February 28, 2018
We are thinking of moving from Sarasota to the River District in Fort Myers - would love your honest thoughts. Good move or bad. I am concerned about safety, crime and if it is truly going to become all that the regeneration set out to be - River District Residents - what say you???
Written January 25, 2018
Hi sorry for late response. I don't live near river district. We only go up there for restaurants and shopping and chamber of commerce. Find it too congested, parking is terrible and prices of houses up there are. Outrageous!, There are so many places up for sale right now on Zillow. I would even recommend Cape Coral or Bonita Springs. Two gorgeous and upcoming areas that are blooming. 🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴
Written February 28, 2018
Hi, staying near Times Square FMB in May would love to go to the River District in the evening but don't want to drive as we both like a drink, what's the best way to get there and much would it cost approximately.
Written February 8, 2017
FMB is not close to downtown Fort Myers. If it is just bars you are looking for, FMB has a ton that you can stroll to without having to drive. If you really want to head downtown, I suggest using Uber as that would be the cheapest way to go, although still pricey. Might be worth it to just experience downtown for a night though. Hope you enjoy your stay.
Written February 9, 2017
news2notice
Stuart, Florida
We are old folks, staying at a hotel further south in Ft. Myers, and want to drive up and park, to take the trolley,
if it does a scenic route of the river district? I see where the 2 public parking garages are on the map.
Is there a trolley stop by one of them? And is there a trolley stop by the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center,
at 2301 First street, and/or near any art galleries? Thank you
Written January 31, 2017
Hi ,I'm not sure at what exact location the trolley stops are but they in many spots downtown.I'm also not sure if it still is but it used to be free and they would tell about the different locations while you rode.My best advuce to you would be to google downtown Fort Myers trolley stops and it will give you all the information you need.Also there is parking on the side streets thqt will just cost a little change and after 5 and weekends is free,we always park on the street the library is on 1 side and a church is on other it's off of 1st st and not far from Sidney byrne art center which is on almost across from Library .The Art Festival is going on this weekend so it will be busy down there but very enjoyable.Have a great visit.
Written February 1, 2017
Hi, is this an okay area to walk around it at night? Considering a stay a little north of 1st St. Thanks.
Written January 7, 2017
Hi , we were just down there at dusk and later and had no problem . We are an over 70 couple so as long as you do as your suppose to do as far as jewelry , money etc. I would recommend it though , lights , restaurant tables on the sidewalk, brick ( pavers) streets , music , great food choices , etc. Then you also have the river front area , marina and the 2 - 41 bridges. Great atmosphere .
Written April 1, 2017
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