The Downtown Fort Myers River District is a cultural hub, with a variety of charming options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. One of the most delightful attractions in this epicenter is the Butterfly Estates. You can discover Florida’s native butterflies in the 3,600-square-foot glass conservatory and then browse the adjoining shops and cafe. The Butterfly Estates is also home to the Florida Native Butterfly Society, a nonprofit organization that seeks to protect and preserve the Florida native butterfly species. Butterfly Estates has a beautiful atmosphere, with gardens blooming and butterflies flying, and is also a premier educational center with programs and research projects to help butterflies flourish throughout Florida.
Hours & Pricing at the Butterfly Estates
The Butterfly Estates operates from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday and is closed on Monday. It is a great place to visit, not only to explore what the Fort Myers River District has to offer but also to learn more about the ecosystem and nature of Florida. For adults 13 and above, admission is $7, while ages 3 to 12 are $4. Children up to age 3 can get in for free! There are senior, student, and Florida resident discounts as well, each knocking $1 off the price. With a valid military ID, admission is free! There is also a Butterfly Estates groupon available at times for added discounts.
Tours & Classes at the Butterfly Estates
There are daily tours every day at the Butterfly Estates, starting at 11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm. During these tours, visitors will be guided around the Butterfly Estates and taught facts about the beautiful native butterflies fluttering throughout the glass conservatory. Along with tours, there are vendors, kid’s projects, and other activities. There are also informative classes given on the last Saturday of each month at 11am.
Presentations at the Butterfly Estates
The interactive Butterfly Estates also hosts in-house garden presentations. Guests will receive information on how to create their own butterfly garden at home! You can incorporate colorful blossoms into your own backyard to draw in a butterfly population. Another great display is a butterfly release. The Butterfly Estates actively raise and release hundreds of butterflies every single week to show the incredible life cycle of these delicate but magnificent creatures.
Shops & Dining at the Butterfly Estates
The Butterfly Estates don’t just host a marvelous butterfly conservatory. There are also shops located at the venue and free parking behind the buildings on Hough Street. ZCrepes Cafe is one of the most popular attractions, with freshly infused, handmade crepes filled with a variety of ingredients. You can start off with the signature puree of french onion soup or cheddar gougeres apertifs before indulging in crepe and quiche entrees. Choose from filler ingredients such as beef burgundy, tarragon shrimp, chicken salad, and homemade quiche. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the crepe desserts, with fillings such as key lime pie, fresh fruit, chocolate mousse, or nutella, strawberries, and banana. PB&J crepes are great for kids! The Caterpillars Ice Cream & Fudge Factory and Mother Nature’s Gift Shop are some other great options for snacking and browsing at the Butterfly Estates.
Stay With Sun Palace
After mingling with the butterflies and snacking on some delicious crepes, come back to Fort Myers Beach and your Sun Palace vacation home. Florida’s natural coastline has so much to offer, from the beautiful wildlife to the ocean views and breezes. We can’t wait to see you here! For more to do in the area, download our free vacation guide.