Fort Myers Beach Vacation Information

If you’re looking for fun in the sun, you’ve come to the right place! Fort Myers Beach is your one stop destination for catching some rays, walking down secluded beaches, water sports, recreation, night life, dining and more! The possibilities for vacationers along this scenic stretch of coastline in Southwest Florida are literally endless, whether you enjoy fishing, golf, shopping, entertainment or just plain kicking back and relaxing.

If you like special events, you won’t be disappointed with a wide variety of events and festivals coming to town to satisfy every possible taste. Life moves pretty slowly in this tropical paradise, but rest assured, there’s plenty to do in the Main Street entertainment district along Estero Boulevard from touring the six hundred-foot pier and lively beaches to visiting shops, restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Amid the swaying coconut palms and relaxing salt air, you’ll be transported to a world of carefree beachfront living whether you’re vacationing with family, taking some time off with friends or enjoying a romantic getaway.

With average temperatures hovering in the mid-seventies and eighties and lows in the fifties and sixties for much of the year, it’s easy to see why Fort Myers Beach is such a popular destination. Everywhere you go there’s beautiful white sand fronting the clear emerald-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico so be sure to bring your bathing suit, flip flops and plenty of sunscreen!

Boating, swimming, fishing, shelling and sailing are all popular pastimes at nearby Lovers Key State Park, which boasts one of the finest coastal nature preserves anywhere in the world. There are hiking and biking trails galore and ample opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing on this pristine barrier island. Guided boat tours will also take you deep into the Everglades National Park so you can explore an untouched wilderness or you can visit Mound Key State Park at the southern tip of the island which offers a unique look into the life of the Calusa Indians who lived in this area over 1,000 years ago! There’s also the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center which features exhibits such as touch tanks and aquariums and helps to educate visitors about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems.

Just a short drive away, you’ll find the idyllic picturesque islands of Sanibel and Captiva in one direction, and the charming town of Naples in the other. Whether you’re looking for deserted beaches, tree-shaded villages or sophisticated shops, boutiques and galleries, Fort Myers Beach has it all! When it comes to easy-to-plan beach vacations, it’s hard to beat this fun-loving centrally located spot on the sunny coast of Southwest Florida!

Plan Your Trip to Fort Myers Beach

Restaurants

Even picky eaters will find a palate-pleasing spot to dine in and around Fort Myers Beach, which boasts a thriving restaurant scene. Choices range from Southern regional cuisine served in an elegant old home to fresh seafood and organic veggies at a tiny beachfront eatery with a view almost as spectacular as the food. There are plenty of ethnic choices, too – German, French, Italian, Thai, and Indian, to name a few, plus some great spots serving burgers, pizza, and barbecue. For more about Fort Myers Beach dining, check out our list of restaurants below.

More about Fort Myers Beach Restaurants

Golf

With more than 50 courses in the Fort Meyers area, the most pressing problem for visiting golfers is deciding which to play first. The best, designed by such golfing greats as Arnold Palmer, Arthur Hills, and Tom Fazio, offer challenges for players at all skill levels. And Fort Meyers’ warm, sunny climate means that players can enjoy championship golf all year long.

More about Fort Myers Beach Golf

Fishing

You’ll enjoy saltwater fishing at its finest in the waters around Fort Meyers, where inshore catches may include redfish, sea trout, ladyfish, and sheepshead. Offshore anglers could also land some grouper, barracuda, triggerfish, snapper, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, amberjack, and cobia. There are plenty of captains running regular charters out of Fort Myers, and something is biting pretty much year-round.

A great spot for anglers who prefer to keep their feet dry is the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier. A hub of activity, the pier is also a great spot to watch what’s happening on the beach below. It has a small shop selling bait, snacks, and gifts, and on weekends, there’s a sunset celebration at its foot featuring live entertainment.

More about Fort Myers Beach Fishing

Shopping

Upscale and sophisticated, shopping in Fort Myers is more like a big-city experience – but in a tropical paradise under sunny skies. Many national retailers, including Williams Sonoma, Chico’s, Talbot’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue, can be found here, along with a nice selection of unique local boutiques and art galleries.

There’s also a huge Bass Pro Shop that’s worth a visit even if you don’t need sporting goods. Check out its 12,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, 19,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, 22-acre lake, restaurant, and archery shooting range.

More about Fort Myers Beach Shopping

Things to do in Fort Myers Beach Florida

Other Things To Do

Some of the best shelling beaches in the world can be found near Fort Myers Beach on neighboring Sanibel and Captiva islands. An impressive collection of shells, not just from Sanibel but from around the world, is housed at the island’s Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Also on Sanibel is the famous lighthouse. Standing 90 feet tall, it dates to 1884 and is still in use. It’s not open for tours, but visitors are welcome to stroll the grounds and beach.

Also nearby is the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – 6,000 acres of protected wetlands, beaches, and mangrove forests. The refuge has a massive migratory bird population, 250 native bird species, and plenty of other wildlife, including alligators, river otters, manatees, sea turtles, and snakes. Visits are welcome to hike or bike its more than seven miles of trails, take a guided canoe trip, or sign up for a narrated tram tour.

Another treat, especially for adults and older children, is attending a play at the Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. Performances take place in the historic Arcade Theatre, built in 1908 and originally a vaudeville house. The Florida Repertory Theatre Company is one of the top repertory companies in the nation.

More popular activities include dolphin-watching and sightseeing cruises, kayaking, canoeing, diving, snorkeling, paddle-boarding, and other water sports. More than 20 miles of bike paths wind across Sanibel Island, and the beach at Fort Myers has hard-packed sand that’s perfect for biking or a sunset stroll. For an unforgettable day trip, drive down to Everglades National Park and take an airboat ride through its acres of unspoiled wilderness.

Warm, sunny, and full of fun, Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is the perfect choice for your next beach vacation, whether it’s a romantic weekend escape for two or a weeklong trip with family.

More about Things to do in Fort Myers Beach