Located further south, Fort Myers—the “City of Palms”—is a lush, tropical retreat that serves as the gateway to the world-renowned shelling beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The city’s soul is found in its historic River District, where brick-paved streets and Mediterranean-style architecture host a charming mix of galleries and riverside dining. As the former winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, the city retains a sense of early 20th-century prestige, perfectly balanced by its modern status as a spring training destination for Major League Baseball. It offers a noticeably slower, more relaxed pace of life than its neighbors to the north, making it a favorite for those who value boating, nature preserves, and a classic Florida “endless summer” vibe.