The retiree Mecca of Fort Myers has no shortage of fine beaches

The sleepy palm-dotted city of Fort Myers is home to thousands of retirees and 'snowbirds' - who come south to overwinter - who together set the pace for the area.

Wild partying may be absent, but there's no shortage of fine, natural beaches a short drive from town. Many beaches are in nature reserves and all appreciably less commercialized than elsewhere in the state.

Being able to poke around the extravagant former homes of light bulb-inventor Thomas Edison and automotive-magnate Henry Ford is an additional attraction as is watching baseball: the Minnesota Twins play exhibition games and the Boston Red Sox's train here.

The Everglades National Park is 90 minutes' drive from Fort Myers and there are many other good canoeing and wildlife areas even closer.