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    Centennial Park

    3.8 (18 reviews)

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    Centennial Park, Fort Myers
    Bruce K.

    This lovely and large park is located near downtown Fort Myers at the base of the Cleveland Avenue bridge. Ten acres and like a classic park with paved spaces and open grass and a pavilion with restrooms. The park is great for a walk by the Caloosahatchee River. The angle of the waterside isn't great for sunrises or sunsets, so there's that. There is also a weekly Farmer's Market. The covered pavilions can be reserved. [Review 13330 overall, 648 of 2020.]

    Ariel W.

    Centennial Park is a 10 acre park located in historic downtown Fort Meyers on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. The park was created under the south side base of the Caloosahatchee Bridge which was built in 1962 but didn't open until 1964. The park was built to commemorate the city's one hundred year anniversary. The city uses the park to stage private and community events. Usually they have a Farmer's Market on Thursday. Park amenities include benches, boat docks, fishing pier, pavilion, playground, and sand volleyball court. A sidewalk runs around the perimeter of the park providing stunning views of the Caloosahatchee River. My favorite part of the park are all of the historical art pieces. The centerpiece of Centennial Park is a sculpture titled Uncommon Friends by D.J. Wilkins. The art piece pays tribute to the friendship between Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, and Harvey Firestone who were titans of industry and part of an exclusive group titled "the Millionaires' Club". The name for the sculpture was taken from the title of a book about the men. The sculpture shows Edison, Ford and Firestone on a camping trip in the 1920's gathered around a campfire (now missing) on an island surrounded by a pool filled with alligators, manatees, otters, fish and frogs. The men called themselves "The Vagabonds" and took frequent trips into the Everglades. They attracted other people to the area which turned Fort Meyers into a vacation destination shaping the history of the area. Fire Dance by David Black is a striking piece of art located in a concrete circle where Bay Street ends at the eastern edge of Centennial Park. The piece is a 25 foot tall Dupont red aluminum sculpture. It is the first commission awarded to an artist by the City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee. Steps from Uncommon Friends is the Buckingham & Page Army Airfields Memorial which pays honor to the airmen and others who served during World War II at two Fort Myers' air bases. Buckingham Field was a flexible bomber gunnery school and Page Field was a training base for P39, P40, P47 and P51 fighter pilots. The memorial is made up of three granite markers placed in front of an airplane propeller. The memorial was erected by the City of Fort Myers in 1991. Clayton is another D.J. Wilkins' sculptures. It was named for the ton of clay it took to sculpt the life size bronze sergeant of the United States Colored Troops 2nd Regiment. The figure stands in front wall within a gate which symbolizes freedom from slavery. The soldier honors all African Americans who served during the Civil War. On either side of the figure are two plaques. The one on the left is the dedication to a Civil War battle fought on February 20, 1865 during which Union forces repelled an attack by Confederates. The plaque on the right contains a poem written by Wilkins entitled "In Freedom Cover Me" which he ascribes to the soldier. The park had the playground covered and a fishing pier blocked off but there were still people fishing. I enjoyed the view of the water and the art tour I took. The main drawback to this park is the number of homeless people gathering here. They of course were not social distancing I was very disappointed to see one of their most vulnerable populations in this situation. Seeing people suffering takes away from the beauty of this park.

    Lookout pier
    Lisa B.

    Centennial park is currently closed for construction but from the plans and surrounding area it looks like it's going to be gorgeous. We were able to see port of the Lookout pier by walking around OxBow bar and grill. I really looking forward to going back when the park reopens.

    Live weekend music
    Christian D.

    If you're heading to a festival , to a concert or to any other outdoor shenanigans in downtown Fort Myers that probably means you're heading to Centennial Park. Its spacious , decked out with things for kids to play on, and has an killer riverside sunset. Its the perfect place to stroll around after grabbing a bite to eat at any of the cute restaurants in the historic river district. Or if you're in the mood to break a sweat you couldn't ask for a better view while you jog through the park, over the bridge, and then back. Do yourself a favor, grab a bite, beer or sweet treat and take advantage of the truly beautiful Florida weather at this fantastic park.

    Sunset view from Centennial Park
    Eva M.

    If you're looking for an easily accessible place for a walk and a sunset view in Fort Myers, be sure to visit Centennial Park. The photo opportunities are immense, with views of the sunset and views of the famous Edison Bridge. Take a stroll in a carefree and usually-not-that-busy park. It's very near the downtown district and also near the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. We left our car at the winter estates and took a long loop stroll towards downtown for a coffee, back to this park for views, and photos before head back to our cars. Lots of food options in the downtown area if you want stay longer. I was super happy with the sunset view to wrap up my vacation in the area. Definitely recommend a stop here!

    One of the memorials ....
    Colleen S.

    Great park along the Caloosahatchee River. Sidewalks that meander along for you to walk. A pier that goes out to the river. Memorial statues so be sure to read about them pretty interesting history. Volleyball pit (see photo for info). Limited picnic tables and benches. Parking along road and under bridge. Feed the meters during the week. Entire Yacht Basin area is beautiful and worth the stroll. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance of this beautiful park.

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    Absolutely everything about it was amazing! Family owned too which is getting more and more rare!

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    Review Highlights - Centennial Park

    Pathways take you along the Caloosahatchee River where you can enjoy stunning sunsets and evening breezes.

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    Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

    Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

    4.7
    (189 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    This beautiful nature preserve features a raised boardwalk that winds through the slough, passing…read moreseveral scenic ponds along the way. The atmosphere here was incredibly peaceful, and the slow pace made it the perfect way to start the morning. Along the walk, we spotted plenty of wildlife -- including birds, squirrels, lizards, bunnies, and even an otter playing near the water. The boardwalk trail isn't very long and has multiple benches along the way, making it a relaxing spot to take breaks and soak in the surroundings. There's also plenty of shade, which kept it comfortable despite the Florida humidity. We had brought along bug spray, expecting mosquitos, but it turned out to be unnecessary -- we didn't see any the entire time we were there. It was a calm, refreshing start to the day and a great spot for anyone who enjoys nature, wildlife, or just a peaceful walk.

    25 February 2026…read more Someone had the idea to visit Six Mile Cypress Slough today. Uufff It was a nice walk ... but ... bring your walking shoes, Sunglasses and a hat. A bottle of water would be a nice addition. This place has a trail that you are compelled to remain on throughout the excursion. It is a wooden trail with wooden guardrails to prevent you from straying. It was a pleasant hike, got my steps in , but I thought it would never end. I thought I was trapped in the movie set of "No Way Out" Finally ! At the end of the trail I managed to find the exit and my car. Adios ... don't think I'll be coming back . Ok ok , it wasn't that bad. I'm prone to exaggerate.

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    Natural reserve
    Natural reserve
    Hawk with fish on it's talons. You will never be able to get that on your cellphone!
    Hawk with fish on it's talons. You will never be able to get that on your cellphone!
    Rees's Roots - Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve

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    Rees's Roots - Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
    All Children’s Park

    All Children’s Park

    2.8
    (5 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I really wanted to love Lakes Park Children's Garden because honestly... the park itself is…read moreBEAUTIFUL. The location is great, it's gated, and at first glance it feels like the perfect spot to take kids, especially if you're just trying to kill time like we were before a flight. But I'm going to be real, the safety concerns completely changed the experience for me. It gets VERY crowded, and there's a big mix of people coming in and out. There were tons of kids, which is expected, but a lot of them were not supervised and were honestly pretty rough/mean. It didn't feel like a calm, safe environment where you can just let your kids play without constantly hovering. Also... the slides were SO hot. Like, borderline unusable hot. That alone was frustrating. The biggest issue for me though was the bathrooms. They are far from the main play area, and as a mom, there was no way I felt comfortable letting my kids go alone. When I did go, the bathrooms were extremely dirty, and I noticed syringes in a nearby area which was honestly alarming. That completely shifted my level of comfort. It also gave off the vibe that it's a place where people hang out who aren't necessarily there for the park, if that makes sense. I will say again, the park itself is beautiful and has so much potential. But just because it's gated doesn't mean it's actually safe. If you go, just be VERY vigilant, especially if you have more than one child. This is not a "sit back and relax" kind of park in my opinion.

    All Children's Park is a brand new playground along the Caloosahatchee River in Centennial Park in…read moredowntown Fort Myers. The full name of the playground is the Lizbeth Benaquisto Inclusive Playground, in honor of the former state senator who pushed the legislation that set aside state funds for the playground."We were very particular there was going to be a playground that was successful for kids with very unique abilities," Benaquisto said at a January 2021 council meeting. "They have never had a safe place to play." The playground has swings, slides, and numerous climbing structures. I love all of the uniquely Florida touches like the puffer fish, manatee, and the Model T car in honor of Henry Ford who had a winter home in the city along with Thomas Edison. This is one of the nicest playgrounds I have ever seen and the kids playing on it we're having a ball. Best of all it is ADA accessible so children of all abilities can enjoy it. The new playground is a fantastic addition to Centennial Park.

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    All Children’s Park
    All Children’s Park
    All Children’s Park

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    Lakes Regional Park

    Lakes Regional Park

    4.4
    (116 reviews)
    8.0 mi

    This park is very close to where we ate lunch at the newly reopened Sweet Tomatoes, so after we…read moreate, we headed over to check it out. Lakes Park is a 279-acre public park located along Gladiolus Drive, just south of Fort Myers. It is operated by the Lee County Department of Parks and Recreation. The park was named after its main feature: 158 acres of man-made freshwater lakes that were created when the site was occupied by West Coast Rock Co., a rock and limestone quarry, during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1958, a railroad spur was built to serve the mine, running along what is now Six Mile Cypress Parkway. The track bed had previously been used by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad from 1926 to 1952. In 1978, Lee County purchased the abandoned quarry to preserve the land before opening it to the public as a park on April 21, 1984. My first impression was that this has to be one of the nicest parks I have ever visited. It has so much to offer that I could have easily spent the entire day there. If you visit the park, it is important to note that admission is free, but parking is not. It costs $1 per hour, up to a maximum of $5. Once you enter the park, there is so much to do. There are more than 2.5 miles of paved paths running throughout the park. There is an amphitheater, beach volleyball courts, a boat launch, a fishing area, a train-themed playground, picnic shelters, gardens, a wedding gazebo, and a train museum. You can also rent a boat, kayak, or bicycle. Admission to the train museum is $5, and the 15-minute train rides, when operating, cost $5 per adult. The park also offers story-time programs, a farmers market (October through June), and a two-hour bird patrol tour on the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 a.m. The park is a stop on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, a network of more than 500 wildlife viewing sites across the state. On the day I visited, it was blisteringly hot. I recommend visiting during the cooler months. Even so, I was able to walk the boardwalk, where I spotted a variety of birds, and I explored a few of the gardens. The park is so lovely. We have multiple parks on Florida's east coast that offer some of the same features, but here in Fort Myers, you can find it all at Lakes Regional Park.

    We love this park! On any given day, you can walk or bike around the lakes. They offer bike and…read morepaddle boat rental options and a train to ride. Today, we rented the pedal cart for four and another for two. Our teen grandsons and their friends really had fun! Plus, they saw a small gator, a fairly big green iguana and a snake (in addition to all the beautiful birds). Wednesday mornings they have a very nice farmer's market with quite a few vendors. Put it on your to-do list!

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    Lakes Regional Park
    Lakes Regional Park
    Ice cream place

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    Ice cream place
    Manatee Park

    Manatee Park

    4.3
    (169 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    Well as long as looking at manatees IS NOT a goal, I recommend this place. We spent about 45…read moreminutes here hopeful to catch a glimpse, without success. They have lined the bottom of the viewing area with black plastic and the water looks very murky as a result. We saw a few fish leap out of the water, less than a dozen lizards VC and the top few inches of one alligator. Parking was $2 an hour and easy to pay with a C QR code. The bathrooms were clean and there is a cut gift shop with a nice variety of items. The walking trails were plenty close to nature while still feeling protected from the alligators. They had a few volunteers available to talk to as well.

    quiet, nature-filled spot with walking trails, wildlife viewing, and access to the water. There's a…read moresmall entrance fee along with a nominal parking fee (about $1.50 per hour). The park's trails are short and easy to navigate, winding along shaded paths that take you along the water's edge. While we didn't spot any manatees on this visit, it was still a nice, relaxing stop. Instead, we saw plenty of rabbits, squirrels, and lizards along the way. There's also a small fishing dock where people were casting lines, and if you're looking for something a bit more adventurous, you can rent kayaks at a nearby location within the park. We stayed for about an hour, enjoying the sunshine and slow pace before heading out. It was the perfect low-key outing -- light activity, peaceful surroundings

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    Manatee Park
    Manatee Park
    Manatee Park

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    Buckingham Trails Preserve

    Buckingham Trails Preserve

    5.0
    (3 reviews)
    8.4 mi

    Pretty far east of Fort Myers, the Buckingham Trails Preserve is a 572-acre preserve and includes a…read more2.3 mile trail for hiking. I didn't go nearly that far today but I did walk some. The park is mostly pine flatwoods and open scrub with decent visibility and easy walking. There are two sets of looping trails - one is for pedestrian hikers only and the other is for hikers and horse riders. When you're on the horse trail, of course you need to be on the look out for, well, you know. The land in the preserve was formerly used as part of a World War II military training base from 1943 to 1945. It was used for training gun turret operators on Air Force (then the Army Air Force) bombing planes. There is a display at the entrance with brochures. Note that pets are not allowed in the preserve, even leashed. You must remain on the marked trails. [Review 16801 overall - 1525 in Florida - 314 of 2022.]

    Buckingham Trails Preserve is one of many tracts of land acquired through the Conservation 20/20…read moreProgram. Parking area and a trail system were developed for hiking and equestrian use. This preserve was part of Buckingham Air Field, which was an Army Airbase used to train aerial gunners that were responsible for operating the 30 and 50 caliber turrets on B-17, B24 and other Bombers during WWII. The Air Field portion, a few miles away, is still operational and currently the home of Lee County Mosquito Control. Prior to air field, this was just swamp land located approximately about 10 miles East of Downtown Fort Myers. We took a Guided History Walk in this preserve. The hiking trail is little over 2 miles and the horseback riding trail is slightly under 5 miles. No stable is nearby so you must bring your own horse(s) for equestrian use! We did not witness any wildlife gopher tortoise, Sandhill Crane and some species of hawk are reported and sighted. The trail still has remnants of trap ranges and ground moving target ranges. An ongoing effort to eliminate invasive plants has made progress significantly with controlled burning. Two historians, Ted Mikita and Jim Zbick from Southwest Florida Military Museum, representative from Conservation 20/20 and Lee County Ranger were very active and conducted an informative and helpful guide. We enjoyed this hike and Thank you to Ted and Jim, Conservation 20/20 and Lee County Parks & Recreation for making this possible!

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    Ted and Jim from Southwest Florida Military Museum start the guided walk.
    Ted and Jim from Southwest Florida Military Museum start the guided walk.
    Nice marker along the trail.
    Nice marker along the trail.
    Buckingham Trails Preserve

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    Centennial Park - parks - Updated June 2026

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