Cycling in Southwest Florida and Fort Myers Beach

When you’re on vacation, it can be hard to remain active. The big temptation is to lounge around on the beach and stuff your face with as much indulgent food as possible. While you should definitely make time for relaxation and dining while you’re staying in one of our Fort Myers Beach rentals, there are also plenty of ways to get active while enjoying the sights.

One of the best ways to get your exercise and see the best of Southwest Florida is by cycling! Southwest Florida is the perfect place to cycle year-round, since the temperatures are mainly warm and there is no ice or snow. Many of the paths are relatively flat, so new cyclists don’t have to worry about tackling big hills. Even if you are not a serious cyclist, you can get tons of health benefits and take the paths in Fort Myers Beach at your own pace. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a calm, paved path or an off-road adventure. Cycling is definitely one of the best ways to enjoy the beaches near Fort Myers. Here are a few of our favorite places to ride.

Summerlin Path

Summerlin Path is one of the biggest options for Lee County cyclists. This bike path runs Southwest from Fort Myers near the Midpoint Memorial Bridge to the Sanibel Causeway. There’s plenty of room for everyone along the path, and it’s easy to navigate for the smaller kids or the less-experienced cyclists in your group. You’ll be able to ride through some of the most interesting neighborhoods in the area and can stop at any point to experience more fun things to do near Fort Myers.

Caloosahatchee Regional Park

If you’re looking to experience off-road bicycling in Fort Myers Beach, head to nearby Alba to try the track in Caloosahatchee Regional Park. You’ll have access to more than 20 miles of trails, taking you through some of the most stunning nature of Southwest Florida. You’ll get up-close-and-personal with the local wildlife and can take advantage of other activities like hiking, horse riding, boating, fishing, and more. Be sure to bring your lunch with you for a picnic!

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

On nearby Sanibel Island, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most popular attractions, and for good reason. It has some of the most breathtaking wildlife in the area and is a favorite destination of hikers, nature photographers, kayakers, and more. Of course, there are tons of great bike trails here as well. Make your way through the Indigo Trail, Shell Mound Trail, and Wulfert Keys Trail and try to spot wildlife like alligators, marsh rabbits, raccoons, and bobcats.

Be sure to also stop into the free Visitor and Education Center to learn more.

Cape Coral

One of the most expansive bicycling opportunities near Fort Myers Beach is in nearby Cape Coral, about a 20-minute drive. This town has been designated as a bicycle friendly community and offers more than 90 miles of interconnected bike routes! You’ll navigate through everything from golf courses and marinas to scenic canals and nature preserves. You can truly spend the entire day (or your whole vacation!) experiencing everything along the trails, so the whole family is sure to enjoy the ride.

What to Know

Before you get started bicycling in Fort Myers Beach, there are a couple of things to be aware of. There are several bike rental services throughout Fort Myers Beach, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your bicycle with you if you’re traveling from far away. You’re also able to rent safety equipment, and helmets are always recommended and are often required. Be sure to obey all posted signs and speed limits to ensure the safety of yourself and others. Biking is just one of the fun activities in and around Fort Myers Beach, so give yourself some time to explore! At the end of the day, head back to one of our condos for rent in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Contact us today to learn more about our properties.