Along the Gulf Coast of Florida, Fort Myers Beach is a vibrant town on the northern portion of Estero Island. This Floridian paradise, which is home to around 5,000 people, has 7 miles of coastline, pristine beaches, and endless outdoor fun.
Fort Myers Beach has plenty to offer in terms of activities, attractions, and events in and out of the water. For starters, you can explore Fort Myers Beach via kayak, go on an exciting jet ski ride, or look out for dolphins. On land, you’ll find local shops selling unique finds and annual events that should not be missed.
Ready to see what Fort Myers Beach has in store for you? Check out our guide to the best things to do in Fort Myers Beach, FL.
The best things to do in Fort Myers Beach, FL
When it comes to outdoor recreation in Fort Myers Beach, the list goes on and on. The town is surrounded by white sand beaches and calm waters, making it an outstanding destination for recreation and relaxation. Here are the best things to do in and around Fort Myers Beach:
Go on a water adventure
There’s no denying that Fort Myers Beach is the ultimate playground for water sports. From paddleboarding to jet skiing, there’s a water activity for everyone to enjoy here.
One of the most popular water activities in Fort Myers Beach are paddleboarding and kayaking. Admire the picturesque surroundings and explore the different parts of the coast on a boat or as you balance on a paddleboard. Water conditions are typically calm with minimal currents, making both activities beginner- and family-friendly. There are many outfitters where you can rent paddleboards and kayaks by the hour, for half a day, or for the whole day. If you want something a little faster, try jet skiing and windsurfing.
If you want to see Fort Myers Beach’s coastline from up above, you can sign up for a parasailing excursion. Witness breathtaking views of the powdery white sand beaches and clear waters from about 400 feet high.
Spend a day at the beach
Fort Myers Beach is home to some of the best beaches in South Florida. Soaking up the sun, sinking your toes on the sand, and watching the incredible sunsets are among the top things to do in Fort Myers Beach. Bowditch Point Park, one of the most well-known beach areas here, offers a serene location and a peaceful environment. The park covers 17 acres: 10 acres of preserved natural area and 7 acres of a developed park.
A beach area that is conveniently located near many shops and restaurants is Lynn Hall Memorial Park. Here, you have the gulf coast on one side and the town’s downtown area (Times Square) on the other.
Enjoy a boat ride along the coast
There’s no better way to explore the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico than on a boat tour. Whether it’s a dolphin cruise or a party boat tour, the experience is unlike any other.
Get ready to spot dolphins and other marine wildlife while you’re on board. The cruise companies and private charters in Fort Myers Beach typically set out in the morning or at noon to take tourists to the best dolphin-watching spots. But if you want to beat the crowd as well as a moodier atmosphere, go for a sunset boat tour.
If it’s deep sea fishing you’re after, there are several excellent fishing charters in Fort Myers Beach as well. These fishing charters offer half-day, full-day, and overnight fishing excursions. Some of the fish that you can catch are snappers, groupers, redfish, and king mackerel.
Check out the local shops
When it comes to shopping, Fort Myers Beach has everything you need. From fashion to home decor, you’ll find what you’re looking for— and then some!
Start at Times Square, which is considered as the downtown area of Estero Island. It’s one of the most popular retail destinations in Fort Myers Beach. Looking for antique finds? Head to The Swap Shop on Pine Ridge Road. You’ll discover a wide selection of unique items, such as nautical antiques, mid-century ornaments, and home decor dating back to the 50s. The Swap Shop also carries elegant glass art and beautifully-carved wood pieces.
For souvenirs, the Shipwreck Treasures Store on Old San Carlos Boulevard is a favorite among locals and visitors. The shop specializes in selling authentic shipwreck coins, along with souvenirs, beach items, and other knick-knacks.
Explore the nightlife
Once the sun sets, Fort Myers Beach becomes buzzier. Imagine tropical drinks, live music, and spectacular island views. And the best thing about Fort Myers Beach’s nightlife scene is its location. Since most bars are situated along the shore, you’ll get a firsthand view of the beautiful sunset.
Known to locals as S.O.B., Smokin’ Oyster Brewery is a popular dive bar in Fort Myers Beach due to the laid-back ambiance that it offers. The bar has a long menu of drinks that include cocktails, beers, and wine. Patrons can also catch live music performances from Mondays to Sundays. The main bar is closed for the meantime, but you can find The S.O.B Truck prowling the streets of Fort Myers Beach from time to time. Check out where you can find them here.
Another popular, laidback bar in Fort Myers Beach is Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. Named after the main character of Randy Wayne White’s mystery book series, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille offers great food, great cocktails, and the best waterfront nightlife experience. The bar is slated to reopen in the spring of 2023.
There’s nothing better than the happy hour specials offered by the Sabal Palm Bar + Grill at the Lani Kai Island Resort. From 4pm to 7pm, patrons can choose from the list of discounted domestic beers, cocktails, and appetizers. Sabal Palm Bar’s signature drink is their Frozen Rum Runner, a refreshing combination of rum, fruit juices, and fruit liqueurs.
See the local attractions
Challenge family and friends to an exciting game of mini golf at Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. Located along San Carlos Boulevard, this pirate-themed attraction features 18 holes surrounded by various obstacles like caves, pirate ships, and waterfalls. Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf even has a live exhibit where you can feed the alligators.
Curious about the oldest standing structure in Fort Myers Beach? The Mound House is an archeological and historical site that was built in 1921. It sits on a Calusa Indian Mound Site that is even older than the property, believed to be around 2,000 years old. The Mound House doubles as a museum, housing artifacts from the Calusa Indian tribe along with various exhibits. As of writing, the Mound House is currently closed to the public for repairs. In the meantime, you can help rebuilding efforts here.
If you’re thinking about exploring other attractions outside of Fort Myers Beach, you’ll find plenty of things to do. Many of these attractions are also just half an hour away. The Estero Bay Preserve State Park in the village of Estero has miles of scenic trails. Visitors are welcome to go canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking.
Learn more about the life cycles and habitats of butterflies at the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House. Located in Cape Coral, the butterfly house has many different species of butterflies, like the tiger swallowtail and the zebra long wing.
Check out the dining scene
From seafood shacks to breakfast cafes, Fort Myers Beach has a variety of restaurants that fit every taste and budget. Many of the restaurants here dot the shoreline, giving you stunning views of the Gulf Coast and plenty of fresh air.
Here are the must-try restaurants in Fort Myers Beach, most of which are expected to open their doors once again in 2023:
- Nervous Nellie’s
1131 First Street, Fort Myers BeachA staple in Fort Myers Beach’s dining scene, Nervous Nellie’s is everyone’s go-to eatery for fresh seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. Try their famous fried shrimp and island-style coconut shrimp, both of which are fried until golden brown and served with French fries. The restaurant’s enormous menu also includes soups, tacos, burgers, and pasta.
- Dixie Fish Co.
714 Fishermans Wharf, Fort Myers BeachDixie Fish Co. is rated as one of the top restaurants in Fort Myers Beach and for good reason. The restaurant has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a commercial fish market. Now, it is known for serving the best seafood dishes in the area. Aside from their steamed Yucatan shrimp tacos, grouper sandwiches, and whole fried fish, you can also customize your seafood entrees.
- Flipper’s on the Bay
8767 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers BeachLocated in Lover’s Key Resort, Flipper’s on the Bay offers exceptional meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Among their must-try dishes are the white miso Chilean sea bass, gourmet lobster mac, and Flipper’s famous oscar. The food isn’t the only reason why Flipper’s on the Bay is named as the best waterfront restaurant in the Fort Myers Beach area. Since the dining experience here is al fresco, diners are treated to incredible ocean views and a laid-back, tropical vibe.
- Pinchers
18100 San Carlos Boulevard, Fort Myers BeachPinchers is another notable seafood restaurant in Fort Myers Beach. Part of a popular seafood-shack chain in Florida, the Fort Myers Beach branch never fails to satisfy taste buds with the freshest seafood dishes. The crowd favorites include their signature hot cheese and crab dip, and the Gulf grouper sandwich.
- Mom’s Restaurant
2450 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers BeachIf you’re craving for homemade cooking, Mom’s Restaurant offers hearty fare that will fill your stomach and soul. Everything here is made from scratch, including their delicious biscuits, pies, and sandwiches. For dessert, don’t forget to try their soft and fluffy cinnamon buns.
While the main restaurant structure was totally destroyed by Hurricane Ian, Mom’s continues to operate out of their food truck in that exact same location.
Attend a community event
Aside from the food, outdoor activities, and nightlife scene, Fort Myers Beach has exciting local events that you shouldn’t miss. Below are some of the top events in Fort Myers Beach:
One of the much-awaited events in Fort Myers Beach is its annual shrimp festival. What started as a small celebration of the local shrimp industry in 1959 has now grown into a highly successful charity event. The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival starts off with a grand parade followed by a pageant show. The main attraction of the festival is the mouth-watering shrimp boil, which is made with the freshest seafood from the Gulf Coast.
The Fort Myers Beach Lions Club Shrimp Festival donates to various charities that benefit scholarships, environmental efforts, local libraries, and local disaster relief.
Discover a wide selection of independent films at the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival. Local, national, and international films are showcased here, from coming-of-age movies to cinematic documentaries. Typically held at the end of spring, the film festival is a week-long celebration on Southwest Florida’s Estero Island.
- Annual Taste of the Beach
There’s no better way to sample the excellent cuisine of Fort Myers Beach than at the town’s annual food tasting festival. Various restaurants vie for top honors by offering their best dishes, from appetizers to desserts. The Annual Taste of the Beach takes place in the first week of May and features musical performances, server contests, and local craft vendors.
Find a Fort Myers Beach real estate property today
If you love the sun, sand, and the surf, Fort Myers Beach is the perfect town for you. And the best things to do in Fort Myers Beach are only the beginning.
Find out why many turn Fort Myers Beach from their go-to holiday destination to forever home or real estate investment with The Lanners Group. With 22+ years of rental real estate experience, our team has earned the top spot as Southwest Florida’s #1 rental company.
Explore available properties for rent at Fort Myers Beach as well as vacation rentals for sale with us by calling 239.253.5446 or sending us a message here.