Enjoy the best of Fort Myers! There’s a change of pace when you go to Fort Myers & Sanibel Beaches. For a lot of people, it’s just slowing down and relaxing. For others, it’s enjoying the soft, white sandy beaches and just sinking your toes in. Then for some, it’s the outdoor activities, playing in the water, and the family activities where every minute it taken full advantage of.
If you’re looking for fun in the fun in the sun, you will find it all on the beaches surrounding Fort Myers. From the quiet and secluded Cayo Costa to the boundless activity found at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, there is beach for you. Lynn Hall is right in the heart of Fort Myers Beach. You will find more action here than at any of the other beaches with lots of restaurants, bars and lots of water sports.
First you will want to determine what part of Fort Myers you want stay in. Go here to visit the best beaches of Fort Myers
Fort Myers Weather (Best Time to Go)
The best time to visit Fort Myers is between March and May. Although the sun is up and rates are down, visitors wanting a quiet vacation should be on the lookout for spring breakers. The summer months see the most crowds, especially families, so plan to book at least three months in advance if you’ll be traveling then. Like other tropical locales, Fort Myers also sees an influx of travelers in the winter season when high temperatures are in the mid to upper 70s. During June – August “Hot” and “sweaty” don’t deter families from flocking here. Prepare for daily temperatures in the low 90s and remember to coat yourself in sunscreen. Also, don’t forget to pack an umbrella for those frequent afternoon rain showers – the area sees most of its rainfall this time of year. During September – November the rain has subsided; the families have fled; the heat has decreased; but the chance of hurricanes persists. These four factors encourage hotels to offer some great rates. Take a look at visiting during this shoulder season. Then not many people can resist mid to upper 70-degree weather and clean beaches December – February. Hotels recognize this and charge premiums, yet even these are much less than at other Floridian destinations.
Best Fort Myers Beaches
Bunche Beach
Bunche BeachBunche Beach is one of the best beaches in Fort Myers. You can enjoy swimming, suntanning, and shelling. There are also quite a few starfish and crabs here. Bunche Beach is also a sheller’s paradise. But the best thing to do at Bunche Beach is kayak.
.
.
Newton Park
Newton ParkNewton Park on Fort Myers Beach is a perfect beach for history lovers and families with children! There are restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables at the Cottage, and easy beach access. The property’s Seven Seas cottage is available for special events and features a covered thatched hut and bocce courts.
.
.
Lover’s Key State Park
Lover’s Key State ParkSince Lovers Key State Park is a state park, it has unique amenities here, and is one of the best beaches in Fort Myers Beach. In addition to the main beach, a separate dog-friendly beach, the Bonita Beach Dog Beach, just for dogs. Dogs can run off-leash and frolic in the water here.
.
.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers BeachFort Myers Beach is the most well-known beach in the Fort Myers area. You can enjoy seven miles of picture-perfect shoreline. Take a dip in the sparkling gulf waters, relax on the golden sand, test your sandcastle building prowess, and pick up loads of gorgeous shells. There are also plenty of water sports including kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, or parasailing.
.
Crescent Beach Family Park
Crescent Beach Family ParkCrescent Beach Family Park is a section of shoreline is distinguished from the remaining seven miles of Fort Myers beach where families hang out. It’s one of the public beaches Fort Myers has that are super family-friendly.
.
.
Best Fort Myers Tours & Activities
Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour-Mangrove Estuary
Spend a day in the great outdoors and explore Lovers Key on a guided eco-tour. Join a guide and a small group to paddle through the mangrove forests, keeping your eyes peeled for wildlife like dolphins and manatees. Learn about the area’s history of Native Americans and Conquistadors as well as the local ecology from your tour guide. Book Your Lovers Key Guided Eco Tour Here.
Sunset Sail
SWFL sunsets are the best, and there is no better place to watch them than from the deck of our 36ft. Sailing Catamaran, “Copacetic”. The sunset hours are a magical time to be out on the water. With the winds calm, the sun turns golden and paints the sky in a palette of hues and colors that seem almost unreal. Book Your Sunset Sail Here.
Everglades Adventure Day Trip
Discover Florida’s wild Everglades on an exciting full-day tour from the Greater Fort Myers area. Travel by airboat deep into the secluded Western Everglades, explore Big Cypress National Preserve by van and foot, and take a leisurely cruise through a mangrove forest. Enjoy commentary from your naturalist guide as you spot manatees, dolphins, and native birds and lunch . Book Your Everglades Adventure Here.
Guided Kayak Eco Tour – Bunche Beach
Florida is home to some of the world’s most bio diverse landscapes and you can discover a fraction of it during this guided kayak tour. Join a small group and guide to paddle through mangrove forests, shallow bays, and beautiful beaches. While you paddle, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, spoonbills, turtles, and rays, and listen to commentary from your guide about your surroundings. Book Your Guided Kayak Eco Tour Here.
Parasailing Adventure on Fort Myers Beach
There is no better way to get a birds eye view of this tropical paradise, with a family owned and operated staff with your safety and enjoyment as their highest priority! Take off and land from a custom para sail boat, and enjoy the cruise while the other parties take their turn! Book Your Parasailing Adventure Here.
Best Fort Myers Restaurants
Sunset Beach Tropical Grille & The Playmore Tiki Bar $11 – 30
A fun gathering place with a phenomenal view. You can sit back and relax, watching the fishermen on the pier or the dolphins playing in the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Let’s not forget, the white sandy beach and the world renowned sunsets. They have added great food and of course your favorite libations with live entertainment for a complete Ft. Myers Beach experience. Telephone: 239-463-1028 Web: Sunset Beach Tropical Grille & The Playmore Tiki Bar.
Key Lime Conch Shack Under $10
They are excited to bring affordable, island style seafood to Fort Myers Beach. The menu is inspired by our travels and features cuisines from the Caribbean, Bahamas, Hawaii, and Florida Keys. Telephone: 239-848-1010 Web: Key Lime Conch Shack
Fresh Catch Bistro $31 – 60
Sit back, relax and enjoy. Indulge in a great bottle of wine, a fine bourbon or scotch and the best food and service on Fort Myers Beach. At Fresh Catch Bistro they work tirelessly to ensure your dining experience is simply the the best! Telephone: 239-463-2600 Web: Fresh Catch Bistro.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille $11 – 30
Doc Ford’s Fort Myers Beach sits on the back of beautiful Estero Bay on San Carlos Island and offers the best waterfront dining on Ft. Myers Beach. Feel free to go by car or boat and experience live music and watch the largest shrimp boat fleet in the U.S. head in and out of the gulf thru Matanzas Pass. With seating inside and out, it’s a view you will never forget! Telephone: 239-765-9660 Web: Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery $11 – 30
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery, known by locals as S.O.B., was established in 1997. Since the first oysters on the half shell where served many have enjoyed the Island atmosphere and the live entertainment on the outside porch of the renovated Florida home. When you go to S.O.B. you will notice a small boat behind the bar. It was originally thought it could be used in case of a hurricane to escape with some of the delicious crabs, island bread, or hamburgers prepared fresh daily. However, now it is much more useful displaying the many bottled beers, wines and liquors used to make fabulous tropical drinks. Telephone: 239-463-3474 Web: Smokin’ Oyster Brewery.
Best Fort Myers Beach Bars
Cottage Beach Bar & Gulfshore Grill
The Cottage Beach Bar & Gulfshore Grill is a popular Fort Myers Beach restaurant destination. The restaurant and bar offers fantastic views of the Gulf of Mexico from every table! A local’s favorite for 40 years, they offer the best in Ft Myers night life and are one of the top Ft Myers Beach bars in the area. Telephone: 239-765-5440 Web: Cottage Beach Bar & Gulfshore Grill.
Junkanoo On The Beach
Join them at Junkanoo for a taste of the tropics. Guests will enjoy their open air or covered seating on the beach over looking the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks to their fans, they’ve been voted the Best Restaurant, Bar and Drinks on Fort Myers Beach. Watch your favorite sporting event, play pool, dance or just relax on one of the many cabanas on the beach! The party never really ends there. Telephone: 239-463-6139 Web: Junkanoo on the Beach.
The Beached Whale
The Look Out Lounge serves the full Beached Whale menu including BBQ, Seafood Baskets and full plated entrees. Happy Hour features our popular Whale Wings, mussels, and famous Flat Breads. Guests can dine with a great view of the Gulf from atop The Beached Whale. Telephone: 239-463-5505 Web: The Beached Whale.
Famous Blowfish Bar (Part of Pierside Grille)
The Famous Blowfish Bar at PierSide Grill is the perfect location for fun, cold drinks, and the best people watching spot on the beach! The Famous Blowfish Bar has live music twice every day and you can enjoy their delicious food while you soak in the best view of the Gulf waters! Telephone: 239-765-7800 Web: Famous Blowfish Bar.
Salty Crab Bar & Grill
Located directly on the beach, it’s the perfect place to grab some great food, a cold beer, all while digging your toes in the sand. With a fresh new look, and a killer menu, they’re sure that the Salty Crab Bar & Grill will be your new home away from home. Go on in and see for yourself. Telephone: 239-233-8224 Web: Salty Crab Bar & Grill.
The Most Amazing Fort Myers Hotels
Wow! This is wonderful information for Fort Myers. We are planning a trip to the area, and found this gem of information. I love it. It is a great help for our planning!
I am glad it is helpful in planning your vacation to Fort Myers. Now is a great time to visit! Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I can help with your planning. Thanks for visiting!
Visting between march and may. I like that. Thats the best time to come to boring Utah lol. But no this is excellent. Me and my wife have thought about traveling somewhere soon, and this really sounds like a winner for me :).
Hey, I lived in St. George for 10 years, and absolutely loved it there 🙂 Not boring at all! This would be a big change from Utah though, but you would love it. Thanks for visiting my Fort Myers Travel Guide.
WOW! Such am informative Site I Love how you pretty much Guide Tourists on A Budget where to Dine. Wonderful Job!
Thanks Lluvia! Really, many places in Florida can be done on a pretty tight budget. Just need to plan ahead 🙂 Thanks for visiting my Fort Myers Travel Guide.
Hi Leahrae,
You made me hungry 🙂
Love the “Best Places to Eat”, I think I will try them all!
This is the second page that I’m visiting on your site and just wanted to tell you what an amazing job you have done here, I know that when I will go to the places you wrote about them, I have all the information that I need here.
I’m planning to go to Fort Myers beach this weekend, I will surely come back and tell you how it was.
Keep up with your great work.
Thank you so much Efi! I am glad that I could help you for your upcoming trip. Have fun and let me know if there is anything I need to add to the Fort Myers Travel Guide.
Mattysmom,
I really love your site! I have to say, I am from the great state of Florida, and I love travelling back there as much as I can. My wife and I just returned from Clearwater Beach. What a trip.
I read way on into your site, and I have to say that you have pretty much covered everything from the water as to where to stay.
I will definitely return to your site, it was very helpful.
I am glad you enjoyed Jim. I just actually came back from Clearwater myself. Well, stayed on St Pete Beach and enjoyed both beaches. Thank you for visiting!
Wow, I love your site. Its very well laid out and I have admit, that I like it so much, I saved it in my computer favorites file. I can see my family using your site in the future. Today may be Labor Day, but now I’m ready to travel again.
Great Jason! I am glad you love it and if you need any help putting an itinerary together, just let me know. Thank you for visiting the Fort Myers Travel Guide.
Its amazing to see beautiful places, beaches and things to do in Fort Myers!
There are so beautiful beaches that is kind hard to choose one to go.
This is definitely a vacations destination to consider bookmark in my trip list! There are so beautiful places in the USA that are worth to visit, beyond the obvious NY city places!
Yes, Tiago I probably prefer this type of vacation hands down over going to NYC, plus it is a ton cheaper all around. I am glad you enjoyed! Thank you for visit Fort Myers Travel Guide!
Hi,
Enjoyed your article. I’ve been to the Florida Beach several years back and it’s beautiful, loved the clean sandy beaches. I spent a good while in your site, you gave so much information of all the activites one can have in Fort Myers and in the surounding areas. I don’t fish or kayak but just to be at the beach, take in a view at the birding wildlife trail and other sightseeing would be awesome! Great pictures and videos!
I would love to go back to Florida and visit again. Noticed you also provided info on flights for the lowest airfare. This is great! Nicely done!
Thank you so much Rosa for taking the time to read through my site and comment! Yes, I agree that Florida beaches are pretty great. For a budget friendly location in the states, they cannot be beat for sure.
Mattysmom, well first off, your site is very well built and easy to guide through. It looks like you’ve done this before. One really good marketing strategy I like is all the photos you have displayed in your website. The detail about each beach is really awesome and is attractive to the visitor. All the pages you offer @ the top of your website are excellent choices as well. I really like the Airfare Page, Tips on finding the best fare prices! Under the Package Deals page however I was expecting to see actual “Travel Package Deals†maybe that might be a thought of making the page for that specific deal and then maybe a separate page for “Tips before Travelingâ€. Overall your site is amazing and I have no doubt it will do well. I also will be following in case I decide to visit a beach trip someday.
Thank you Miles for your thoughtful comments. Yes, I have been trying to come up with some good packages to put on the Travel packages page, and I see that I should probably do that 🙂 Thank you so much for reading!
Ft Myers, Florida is indeed a very beautiful destination, and as the pictures show it is quite the beautiful location for relaxation. But I honestly can say that Ft Myers is also a more affordable vacation destination, as opposed to the many international destinations, and Miami Beach even.
If you fancy a cheap Florida getaway destination, Ft Myers just might an excellent choice. I would recommend to definitely check it out.
I agree Christian! Actually there are a lot of phenomenal beaches and places to see in Florida. It’s a great budget friendly beach destination! Thanks for visiting!
The layout of your page is fa-nominal! I found it very easy to navigate over to other destinations and your site will be on my saved sites for my next vacation! I would love to see some images of the inside of some hotel rooms you are promoting. but maybe i just missed that page on my first run through 🙂
Thank you Brooke and I debated on hotel room pictures, but looks like some might want that 🙂 Thank you for visiting the Fort Myers Travel Guide and Beach Travel Destinations!
I could spend all day on your website! I love to travel and you give such good recommendations for so many places it is difficult for me to know where to start! Thank you for this great article as I have heard so many great things about Fort Myers and am planning on going there later this year. I know I could probably Google it myself but as you seem to know so much what is the best time of year to go climate wise? (I like the heat but would be amazing to see it when it is at it’s greenest as well with flowers etc). Thank you 🙂
You know I have been in October and it was still NICE, I still could stay at the beach all day and get a nice tan. The rain always come later in the day, even in the summer. So you will see green and flowers pretty much all the time 🙂 Thanks for visiting beach travel destinations!
This sounds like a really interesting place for a holiday.
I’m not a huge fan of sailing or fishing, so just going to the beach would do for me lol. But I would really love to see the San Carlos Bay, especially if it’s a preserved area.
When it comes to hotels, I can see that your recommendation is Hilton. Now I’m not american, but I heard a lot of things about that hotel brand, so I thought it was rather a luxurious one than budget friendly. So is it affordable to people who have regular budgets too?
Yes, Hilton has a variety of hotels, from luxurious to very budget friendly. I personally like the middle-of-the-road hotels by them which are going to be the Double Tree, Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden Inn. All very nice and affordable. thanks for visin the Fort Myers Travel Guide.
Love this article as I love the beach! Have never been to the U.S before but I will definitely try my best to visit before I die 🙂 Lots of awesome things to do and judging by your pictures, it looks like paradise! Where is Fort Myers? Florida? Also, are the waters shark-infested? Is it safe for surfing and water activities?
Hi there and thank you for visiting my Fort Myers Travel Guide! It is south of the Tampa area on the Gulf of Mexico. You will not find any surfing on the Gulf side of Florida and the waters are not shark infested. More so on the Atlantic side where the water is colder. Lots of water activities available, just no waves for surfing.