The Fort Myers River District has emerged as Southwest Florida's most exciting urban revival story—a once-sleepy downtown transformed into a vibrant destination for dining, nightlife, arts, and entertainment. Centered along the Caloosahatchee River, the district combines historic architecture with new development, craft cocktail bars with dive bars, and fine dining with food trucks. Whether you're catching live music on a Thursday night or brunching on a lazy Sunday, the River District delivers authentic Florida energy. This guide covers everything you need to experience Fort Myers' urban heart.
Quick Navigation: Dining | Nightlife | Arts & Culture | Events | Practical Info
About the River District
The River District encompasses roughly 15 blocks of downtown Fort Myers, bounded by the Caloosahatchee River to the north and stretching south to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. First Street serves as the main artery, with most action concentrated between Hendry Street and Broadway.
The Transformation
Two decades ago, downtown Fort Myers was largely empty after business hours. Today, the River District buzzes with:
- 200+ restaurants, bars, and shops
- Regular events and festivals
- Growing residential population
- Public art installations
- Live music venues
The change came through deliberate investment, streetscape improvements, and entrepreneurs willing to bet on downtown's potential.
The Vibe
Unlike Naples' polished elegance, the River District embraces a more eclectic, energetic atmosphere:
- Casual: Flip-flops welcome almost everywhere
- Diverse: College students, retirees, families, tourists mix freely
- Artsy: Street murals, galleries, and creative businesses
- Musical: Live music multiple nights weekly
- Evolving: New businesses opening regularly
Dining Guide
The River District's food scene has exploded, offering everything from upscale American to authentic ethnic cuisines.
Fine Dining & Upscale Casual
The Standard
Fort Myers' destination restaurant, featuring refined American cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building. The craft cocktail program rivals the food.
- Setting: Historic building with contemporary interior
- Reservations: Recommended, especially weekends
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Don't Miss: Chef's tasting menu, craft cocktails
Cibo
Contemporary Italian with handmade pasta and an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is sophisticated without being stuffy.
- Setting: Elegant indoor dining
- Reservations: Recommended
- Price: $$$
- Best for: Date nights, special occasions
La Trattoria Cafe Napoli
Authentic Italian cuisine in a charming setting. Family-owned and operated with recipes from the old country.
- Setting: Cozy, traditional
- Price: $$-$$$
- Best for: Italian comfort food
Twisted Vine Bistro
Eclectic American with global influences. Creative cocktails and an inviting atmosphere make this a local favorite.
- Setting: Contemporary bistro
- Price: $$-$$$
- Best for: Creative cuisine, cocktail enthusiasts
Casual Dining
Ford's Garage
Vintage gas station-themed restaurant with creative burgers and craft beer. Fun atmosphere, great for families and groups.
- Setting: Themed, nostalgic
- Price: $$
- Best for: Families, burger lovers
Downtown Social House
Gastro-pub with elevated comfort food and an extensive craft beer selection. The rooftop bar offers river views.
- Setting: Multi-level with rooftop
- Price: $$
- Best for: Groups, craft beer, rooftop drinks
Point 57
Seafood-focused with a waterfront location. The views of the Caloosahatchee complement solid coastal cuisine.
- Setting: Waterfront
- Price: $$-$$$
- Best for: Waterfront dining, sunset views
City Tavern
Classic American fare in the heart of the district. Reliable, affordable, and open late.
- Setting: Casual downtown
- Price: $-$$
- Best for: Casual lunch, late-night food
Quick Bites & Coffee
Bennett's Fresh Roast
Locally-roasted coffee in a comfortable cafe setting. The River District's coffee headquarters.
French Connection Cafe
Authentic French pastries and light fare. Perfect for a morning croissant or afternoon macaron.
Various Food Trucks
The district regularly hosts food trucks, particularly during events. Check social media for locations.
Nightlife & Bars
The River District's bar scene ranges from craft cocktail lounges to casual beer bars to late-night dance clubs.
Craft Cocktails
The Standard Bar
Connected to the restaurant, this bar operates independently with a cocktail program that rivals major cities. Reservations recommended for prime seating.
Spirits of Bacchus
Wine and cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. Extensive wine list and knowledgeable staff.
Society
Upscale lounge with bottle service available. The see-and-be-seen spot for Fort Myers' nightlife crowd.
Beer & Casual
Downtown Social House Rooftop
The rooftop bar offers casual atmosphere, river views, and a solid craft beer selection.
Firestone Sky Bar
Rooftop bar with panoramic views. Great for sunset drinks and casual atmosphere.
City Tavern
No-frills bar with pool tables and a neighborhood feel. Where locals actually drink.
The Barrel Room
Wine-focused with a relaxed atmosphere. Good happy hour deals.
Live Music Venues
The Buddha LIVE
Downtown's premier live music venue, hosting regional and national touring acts. Check schedule for shows.
Downtown House of Music
Mixed programming from live bands to DJ nights. More intimate than The Buddha.
Various Restaurants
Many restaurants feature live music on weekends:
- Ford's Garage
- Downtown Social House
- City Tavern
- Twisted Vine Bistro
Arts & Culture
The River District has embraced its role as Lee County's cultural center.
Museums & Attractions
Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (SBDAC)
The district's cultural anchor, this stunning neoclassical building hosts:
- Art exhibitions
- Live performances
- Film screenings
- Community events
- The famous Art Walk
Imaginarium Science Center
Interactive science museum perfect for families. Hands-on exhibits cover Florida ecosystems, weather, and general science.
Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
Just outside downtown, this facility offers nature trails, wildlife exhibits, and planetarium shows.
Public Art
The River District features numerous murals and public art installations:
- Building Murals: Large-scale works on downtown buildings
- Sculpture: Various pieces throughout the district
- Interactive Art: Installations designed for engagement
Galleries
Arts for ACT Gallery
Community art space supporting local artists and arts education.
Capitol Lighting & Supply Gallery
Contemporary art in an unexpected setting.
Various Pop-Up Galleries
The district hosts rotating gallery spaces and art events.
Events Calendar
The River District hosts events nearly every week, transforming downtown into a community gathering space.
Weekly Events
Music Walk (Third Friday)
Free evening event featuring live music at multiple venues throughout the district. Streets close to traffic, creating a festival atmosphere.
Art Walk (First Friday)
Gallery openings, artist demonstrations, and cultural events centered around the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.
Downtown Farmers Market (Saturdays)
Fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods at Centennial Park.
Major Annual Events
Edison Festival of Light (February)
Fort Myers' signature event celebrating Thomas Edison. Features:
- Grand Parade (largest nighttime parade in the Southeast)
- Art show
- Science fair
- Junior parade
- Craft show
Taste of the Town (April)
Culinary festival featuring River District restaurants. Sample dishes from dozens of establishments.
Zombicon (October)
Massive zombie-themed street party with costumes, live music, and undead revelry.
Art Fest Fort Myers (February)
Juried art festival bringing national artists to downtown.
Fourth of July Celebration
Fireworks over the Caloosahatchee visible from throughout the district.
Holiday Events
Holiday Stroll (December)
Tree lighting, carolers, and festive atmosphere kick off the holiday season.
New Year's Eve Downtown
Multiple venues host celebrations with midnight countdown.
Practical Information
Getting There
From I-75: Exit 136 or 138, follow signs to downtown Fort Myers
From Fort Myers Beach: Estero Boulevard to San Carlos, to Cleveland Avenue, to downtown
From Naples: US-41 north to downtown, or I-75 to Exit 136
Parking
Street Parking
- Free after 6pm and on Sundays
- Metered during business hours ($1/hour typical)
- 2-hour limits in most areas
Parking Garages
- Multiple garages throughout district
- First 2 hours often free during events
- $5-10 for extended parking
Valet
Available at some restaurants; check when making reservations
Event Parking
During major events, expect:
- Remote parking with shuttles
- Premium pricing near event areas
- Earlier arrival times for better spots
When to Visit
Best Times:
- Thursday-Saturday evenings for full district energy
- First Friday for Art Walk
- Third Friday for Music Walk
- Saturday morning for farmers market
- Special event weekends for festival atmosphere
Consider Avoiding:
- Monday-Wednesday evenings: Quieter, some closures
- Summer afternoons: Hot, less activity
- Major event parking: Plan accordingly
Transportation Within the District
The River District is highly walkable:
- Distances: Most venues within 10-minute walk
- Sidewalks: Well-maintained, generally flat
- Crosswalks: Pedestrian-friendly traffic patterns
- Benches: Seating available throughout
Trolley Service
Free trolley operates during some events, connecting parking to venues.
Nearby Attractions
The River District connects to other Fort Myers attractions:
Edison & Ford Winter Estates (1 mile)
The historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are a short drive or reasonable walk from downtown.
Caloosahatchee River
The river itself offers:
- Sunset cruises departing from downtown marina
- Kayak/paddleboard rentals
- Fishing charters
- River walk along the waterfront
Connection to Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach is approximately 15 miles from downtown. Plan for 30-45 minutes depending on traffic (longer during beach season).
Neighborhood Guide
The River District contains distinct micro-neighborhoods:
First Street Core
The heart of the district:
- Highest concentration of restaurants and bars
- Most retail shopping
- Primary event space
- Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center
Waterfront
Along the Caloosahatchee:
- Riverside dining
- Marina and boat access
- River walk
- Sunset views
Hendry Street
Emerging area with:
- New restaurants and bars
- Art galleries
- More affordable spaces for creative businesses
Dean Park/Edison
Residential area with:
- Historic homes
- Tree-lined streets
- Connection to Edison Estates
Comparison: River District vs. Naples
Visitors often ask how Fort Myers' River District compares to Naples' downtown districts:
| Aspect | River District | Naples Fifth Ave/Third St |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Eclectic, casual | Upscale, polished |
| Dress Code | Very casual | Smart casual |
| Price Point | $-$$$ | $$-$$$$ |
| Music Scene | More live music | More subdued |
| Age Range | Younger skewing | Older skewing |
| Events | More frequent | More exclusive |
| Parking | Easier, cheaper | More challenging |
Neither is better—they offer different experiences. Many visitors enjoy exploring both.
Insider Tips
Local Knowledge
- Thursday is the new Friday: Many locals prefer Thursday night's energy
- Rooftops fill early: For sunset views, arrive by 5pm
- Music Walk gets crowded: Arrive early for best parking and first choice of venues
- Happy hour extends: Many places offer 4-7pm specials
- Walk the side streets: Some best spots are off First Street
Money-Saving Strategies
- Free parking after 6pm on streets
- Happy hour specials at most bars and restaurants
- Food truck events offer affordable options
- Free events (Art Walk, Music Walk) provide entertainment without cover charges
What to Wear
The River District is casual:
- Daytime: Shorts, t-shirts, sandals acceptable
- Evening: Clean casual (jeans and nice shirt is fine)
- Clubs: Slightly more dressed up for late-night venues
- Events: Whatever's comfortable for walking and standing
Planning Your Visit
Evening Itinerary (4 hours)
5pm: Arrive, park in garage
5:15pm: Explore First Street, check out shops
6pm: Happy hour at Downtown Social rooftop
7pm: Dinner at Twisted Vine or Cibo
9pm: Live music at City Tavern or The Buddha (check schedule)
Day Trip Itinerary
10am: Edison & Ford Estates tour
12:30pm: Lunch in River District
2pm: Explore downtown, visit SBDAC
4pm: Break or additional shopping
5:30pm: Sunset drinks at waterfront
7pm: Dinner
9pm: Evening entertainment or depart
Weekend Itinerary
Friday Evening: Dinner and First Friday Art Walk
Saturday Morning: Farmers market and brunch
Saturday Evening: Dinner and live music
Sunday: Brunch and departure
Final Thoughts
The Fort Myers River District represents what happens when a community invests in its urban core. The result is a downtown that feels authentic, accessible, and alive—a place where you might run into the same bartender, artist, or shop owner visit after visit.
It's not trying to be Naples, and that's the point. The River District offers its own brand of Gulf Coast charm: more casual, more eclectic, more surprising. Come for an Art Walk, stay for the live music, return for the restaurants you didn't have time to try.
Downtown Fort Myers has arrived. Experience it for yourself.
