Waterfront Restaurants

Fort Myers Beach

JoJo's at the Beach puts you in mind of a sunset sail with its seashore-themed interior, tucked under the large canopy of the Pink Shell Beach Resort. Fare here tends to the light and casual. Shrimp accompanied by feta cheese, juicy watermelon and avocado makes for a refreshing lunch. Get here early for a view of the sunset.

Matlacha/Pine Island

Bert's Bar and Grill in Matlacha is one of the last vestiges of a dying breed – the Florida seafood joint on the water. Go for the food and the view. And the friendly faces. All sorts of folk stop in for the excellent grouper sandwich and other delectable seafood delights, served in paper-lined baskets. The owners get their catch from local fishermen just in at the docks.

At the southern tip of Pine Island in St. James City sits another venerable salty dog in the form of The Waterfront Restaurant, a century-old former schoolhouse. The appeal here is the rustic, wooden interior plastered with customers' drawings (some of them quite artistic) and the fresh-from-the-gulf fare, including local grouper and mahi-mahi.

Fort Myers

OK, so it's not really waterfront – more like in the water – but the Sanibel Harbour Princess yacht offers a surf-side experience like no other in the Fort Myers-Sanibel area. Cruising from the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa, the Princess makes you feel like one as it makes its way along the mangrove coast. Brunch and dinner cruises feature an extensive buffet.

Boca Grande & Outer Islands

The most famous culinary interpretation at the Cabbage Key Inn is none other than the Cheeseburger in Paradise, named for the Jimmy Buffett tune it is rumored to have inspired. The peel 'n’ eat shrimp give the ample burger a run for its money. A star sweet attraction is the frozen Key lime pie – it tastes like a frozen limeade, and “refreshing” doesn't even come close.