Spotlight on Fort Myers Beach
Expect high-energy adventures and beachfront bliss all in one location on Fort Myers Beach. This Estero Island gem is the star attraction for visitors and snowbirds from all over the world, where there’s always something to do and fresh surprises around every corner.
All along Estero Boulevard, well-marked beach access points take you to the breathtaking coastline. At the center of the action is Lynn Hall Memorial Park — adjacent to Times Square and near the foot of Matanzas Pass Bridge. Seek out seclusion at the more southerly Lovers Key State Park, offering a peaceful 2-mile stretch of undeveloped beach.
Since you’re never far from the water, it’s only natural to want to hop aboard a boat like the locals do. Salty Sam’s Marina sits in the heart of Matanzas Harbor just east of the Fort Myers Beach Bridge, offering a perfect entrance to Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a leisurely day on a kayak or kick it up a notch on a jet-powered catamaran with Key West Express. The whole family will let out a mighty “arrrgh” as you sail aboard a pirate ship full of swashbuckling fun. Set out with Adventures in Paradise on a 45-foot powered catamaran that whisks you from Snug Harbor Marina to dolphin-filled waters.
Environmental treasures meet cultural enrichment at the Mound House, home to a 2,000-year-old shell mound built by the indigenous tribe, the Calusa. This unique historic and archaeological site remains an integral part of its natural surroundings, which is open for exploration. Go kayaking on Estero Bay, following in the same waterways as Southwest Florida’s native people once did.
No matter what’s on the agenda for the day — lazing on the beach or conquering the waters — there are endless places to get a taste of the tropics. On Fort Myers Beach, just steps from Times Square, check out the swinging bar seats at Yucatan Beach Stand Bar & Grill — a great place to “hang out” and enjoy ice-cold beers and fried grouper sandwiches. You’ll always feel like you’re on vacation at Junkanoo Below Deck in its new location at Snook Bight Marina, where the only thing that rivals its famous pizza is the view from the waterfront. If you’re in the mood for a cocktail and a perfectly grilled steak, head upstairs to Fresh Catch Bistro for an elegant evening out.
For as long as you enjoy your stay on Fort Myers Beach, you can count on fun times at Times Square. Wander around the pedestrian-only zone, grab ice cream any time you crave it and listen to live music while everyone gathers to watch the sunset together.
