Discover 10 Best Small Towns near Fort Myers Florida – Cute Towns
We found the best small towns near Fort Myers, Florida so that you can explore these cute towns for a day (or even relocate to).
The allure of small-town life—it’s like that familiar dream, yet with its oddities, quirks, and unexpected gems hiding in the palm trees. If you’re in Fort Myers, Florida, and you’ve got a hankering for towns with character, charm, and just the right mix of quiet and buzz, you’re in the right place.
We’ve unearthed a collection of small towns within an hour’s drive, each brimming with something different, from historical intrigue to natural beauty.
Our methodology? Simple but effective: we focused on towns no more than 60 minutes away, emphasizing livability, local attractions, and unique amenities that make each place stand out. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill spots; they’re where life has a bizarrely beautiful rhythm.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Selecting the Towns
The small towns on this list have been carefully selected based on a few important criteria. First and foremost, all towns must be within a maximum of a one-hour drive from Fort Myers, Florida. In addition to proximity, livability was a key factor, encompassing safety, ease of living, and overall community vibe.
The presence of charming attractions, restaurants, parks, and other points of interest were also essential. Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or a potential relocation, these small towns near Fort Myers, FL, offer a blend of Florida charm, livability, and unique character.
The 10 Best Small Towns near Fort Myers Florida
10. LaBelle
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 45 Minutes
Population: 4,900
Location: Check on Google Maps
LaBelle is a little slice of Florida that feels like it’s stuck in time—in a good way. You roll in, and the first thing you notice is the Caloosahatchee River, winding lazily like it’s got nowhere to be, much like the people living here.
Known as the “City Under the Oaks,” LaBelle boasts ancient oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, shading the town from the harsh Florida sun. For a dash of local flavor, the annual Swamp Cabbage Festival is quirky enough to remind you you’re not in a cookie-cutter town.
9. Punta Gorda
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 40 Minutes
Population: 19,500
Location: Check on Google Maps
Ever wanted to step into a quaint seaside town with a secret? Punta Gorda will hook you with its waterfront charm and keep you with its eerie, lingering sense of history.
The Harborwalk along Charlotte Harbor sets a stunning scene as sailboats bob gently and the sun dips into the horizon. With Fishermen’s Village offering up restaurants, shops, and boat tours, it’s a place where you can eat your weight in seafood and still feel like you’re part of something mysterious.
8. Alva
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 30 Minutes
Population: 2,700
Location: Check on Google Maps
Welcome to Alva, where the river flows like a slow, forgotten lullaby. This small town doesn’t scream for attention, but is exciting in its own way.
Explore the Alva Bridge, one of Florida’s oldest swing bridges, still creaking with stories. The nearby Alva Library and Museum is tiny but packed with history, like a treasure chest hidden in plain sight.
7. Estero
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 25 Minutes
Population: 36,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Estero is town that seems to have it all. One moment you’re strolling through Koreshan State Park, where eccentric settlers built a utopia (or tried to).
The next, you’re living large at Coconut Point, an upscale outdoor mall offering all the modern conveniences. It’s a town with a foot in the past and one in the future, and somehow, it all works.
6. Sanibel Island
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 30 Minutes
Population: 6,400
Location: Check on Google Maps
If you crave the idea of stumbling upon shells while strolling on untouched beaches, Sanibel Island has your number. Just a half-hour jaunt from Fort Myers, this paradise is known for its shelling beaches—literally.
People from all over come to comb the sands for rare treasures from the sea. It’s quiet, it’s serene, and it feels like you’ve just stepped out of the chaos of everyday life into a dream, making it the ideal small town near Fort Myers Florida for those who love the beach and the calm.
5. Bonita Springs
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 30 Minutes
Population: 57,350
Location: Check on Google Maps
Bonita Springs is your beachy getaway without the tourist crowds. Picture warm sands and clear waters calling your name at Bonita Beach Park.
Dip your toes in or kayak through Lovers Key State Park, an adventure waiting to unfold. It’s a small town with big vibes—friendly, inviting, and with just enough excitement to keep you on your toes.
4. Matlacha
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 20 Minutes
Population: 750
Location: Check on Google Maps
Matlacha (pronounced Matt-luh-shay) is so tiny, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s a painting instead of a town. This is where pastel-colored cottages sit next to funky art galleries, and every corner vibrates with creativity.
There’s no shortage of waterfront restaurants, but forget your standard fine dining fare—expect to munch on fresh seafood while surrounded by murals that burst with oddball imagination. Matlacha is unapologetically quirky, and that’s exactly why it’s worth the drive for those looking for fun small towns near Fort Myers Florida.
3. Bokeelia
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 45 Minutes
Population: 1,800
Location: Check on Google Maps
On the northern tip of Pine Island sits Bokeelia, a peaceful haven for anyone wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. You’ll find fishing piers that seem to stretch into infinity and sunsets that could stop time.
Visit the old Pineland Post Office or kayak to the nearby island of Cayo Costa for a day that feels like a hidden paradise.
2. Cape Coral
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 15 Minutes
Population: 200,000
Location: Check on Google Maps
Cape Coral is a network of canals, literally. With over 400 miles of waterways, it’s a haven for boaters and water lovers alike. The town’s canals aren’t just for show—they’re the essence of Cape Coral living.
From Sun Splash Family Waterpark to the vibrant nightlife, Cape Coral feels like it has everything packed into its winding streets and hidden corners.
1. Boca Grande
Minutes from Fort Myers, Florida: 60 Minutes
Population: 1,700
Location: Check on Google Maps
Perched at the very top of our list is Boca Grande, a town so picturesque it almost feels staged. This island retreat is a sanctuary for those looking to escape without completely disconnecting from civilization, making it what we think is the best small town near Fort Myers Florida.
Gasparilla Island State Park offers stunning beaches and historical lighthouses, while the town itself exudes a genteel, old-world charm. Boca Grande’s laid-back vibe doesn’t try too hard to impress; it simply exists in its own bubble of sun, sand, and Southern hospitality.
Small Towns a Bit Further from Fort Myers
If you’ve got some extra time and don’t mind pushing the one-hour limit, check out these gems just a bit farther from Fort Myers:
- Arcadia, Florida (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
- Okeechobee, Florida (1 Hour 20 Minutes)
- Clewiston, Florida (1 Hour 10 Minutes)
