Fort Myers Beach is one of Southwest Florida’s premier beach and vacation destinations. Located on Estero Island, this small coastal town offers access to white sandy beaches, a diverse wildlife population, and some of the best seafood you can eat.
There are countless things to do in Fort Myers Beach, ranging from a trip to the fishing pier, a tour of the local marine science center, and a night out in Times Square. Whether you’re looking to go outside, stay inside, or explore the town at night, Fort Myers Beach offers activities for everyone.
Read on to learn more about the things you can do in Fort Myers Beach so you can start planning your perfect island vacation itinerary.
Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach Outdoors
Situated in sunny Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers Beach offers year-round warm weather and access to countless outdoor activities. Whether you’d like to enjoy your dream beach vacation, hike through a state park, or rent a boat, Fort Myers Beach has plenty to do outdoors.
1. Go to the Beach
Named after the beach it’s best known for, Fort Myers Beach gives visitors a gateway to some of the finest beaches in all of Southwest Florida. In total, there are 26 public beach access points scattered all throughout Estero Island, all of which can be accessed by way of the island’s main thoroughfare, Estero Boulevard.
You can relax on a white-sand beach, cast a line from shore, or participate in water sports – the beaches around Fort Myers Beach have something to offer to everyone. Some of the beaches, like Dog Beach, are even pet-friendly, so you can let your furry friend splash around and roam free.
Some of the best beaches in and around Fort Myers Beach include:
- Fort Myers Beach
- Bowditch Point Regional Park
- Crescent Beach Family Park
- Dog Beach Park
- Lynn Hall Memorial Park
- Lover’s Key Beach
- Matanzas Pass Preserve
- Newton Park
2. Explore Lover’s Key State Park
Lover’s Key State Park is a 712-acre park made up of barrier islands: Lovers Key, Black Island, Inner Key, and Long Key. The park extends throughout the Fort Myers Beach region just north of Estero Bay.
Park visitors can hike Black Island’s five-mile hiking trail, relax on Lover’s Key Beach, find a place to swim, or even take a boat out to go fishing. Lover’s Key State Park is home to more than 40 native animal species including West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, marsh rabbits, and dozens of species of birds and fish.
3. Book a Dolphin or Shelling Cruise
There are dozens of excursions to choose from when you visit Fort Myers Beach. You can go on a wildlife safari to see dolphins, visit an offshore shell island to hunt for a unique keepsake, or enjoy sunset cruising on the Gulf. No matter which cruise you choose, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy your time exploring Estero Island’s mangrove ecosystem and learn more about the native wildlife.
4. Visit the Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier
The Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier is one of the most iconic spots in town and is a must-visit for tourists. If you’re in the mood to do some fishing, camp out on the dock and hit up Rudy’s Treasure Chest for a cold drink and some bait.
The pier extends off the coast into the Gulf of Mexico, giving anglers access to a diverse variety of fish, including snapper, mackerel, snook, and redfish. The pier is also surrounded by Fort Myers Beach and adjacent to Times Square, providing the perfect location to soak up some rays or do some people-watching.
Things to do in Fort Myers Beach Indoors
Just because indoor activities aren’t the first thing that you plan a vacation to Fort Myers Beach doesn’t mean that there aren’t still indoor things worth doing. Whether you’re looking for a brief respite from the Florida heat or just need something to do on a rainy day, these activities should provide you with plenty of fun options to keep you occupied.
1. Visit the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center
Ostego Bay Marine Science Center is the ultimate family-friendly experience in Fort Myers Beach, offering educational experiences and fun for people of all ages. Visitors will have the chance to learn more about the local ecology through interactive exhibits, unique displays and guided tours. There’s even a chance to interact with stingrays using a touch tank and a chance to go on an excursion to the San Carlos Island shrimping fleet.
2. Check out the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery
If you’re into the finer things in life, the Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery is a must-visit. The gallery has featured art from more than 130 members, including some nationally recognized artists. There are also a variety of fine works available to purchase on-site.
3. Visit the Mound House
The Mound House in Fort Myers Beach is the perfect vacation stop for a history buff. Built in 1921, the Mound House was constructed on top of a 2000-year-old Calusa Indian shell mound and is Estero Island’s oldest standing structure. Over the years, the house has been used as an estate home, a post office, and even a WWII military rest stop. Today, it’s used as a living history museum to showcase the history of the island and the Calusa Indian Tribe.
4. Relax at the Fort Myers Beach Public Library
The Fort Myers Beach Public Library was originally built in 1955 as Lee’s County’s first public library. It’s since moved to its current home which was renovated in 2010, but still acts as the official public library of Fort Myers Beach. If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy day, the library offers internet workstations, art displays by regional artists, and of course, its entire catalog of books.
Things to do in Fort Myers Beach at Night
Just because the sun goes down, it doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop. Fort Myers Beach has plenty of nighttime activities to offer, whether you’re looking to do some wining and dining, have a night out on the town, or even try your hand at some nighttime fishing.
1. Enjoy Times Square
Times Square is another of Fort Myers Beach’s more iconic areas. Considered the heart of downtown, Times Square is the premier district for shopping, dining and entertainment on Estero Island. From exploring local surf shops, boutiques and art galleries, to enjoying open-air dining with live music and street performers, Times Square is perfect for a night out on the town. Make sure you visit during the weekend when you can find the Sunset Celebration Beach Party happening every Friday and Saturday night.
2. Go on Haunted Pub Crawl
What better way is there to check out the local bar scene than to do it while listening to ghost stories and searching for the supernatural. Fort Myers Beach’s Haunted Pub Crawl takes you on a half-mile tour of local bars, pubs and taverns, all the while being treated to illusions and stories about the island’s mysterious past. The tour is offered Tuesday through Saturday each week and must be booked in advance.
3. Explore the Restaurant Scene
Considering that Fort Myers Beach is a coastal beach town, it’s no surprise that the area offers fresh seafood and some of the best dining in Southwest Florida. Many of the town’s restaurants come with open-air seating, a waterfront view and live music to pair with some of the best food and drink you can imagine. The town even holds an annual Taste of the Beach every spring offering samples of many of the signature dishes that the local restaurants have to offer.
Some of the best restaurants to try in Fort Myers Beach include:
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
- Nervous Nellie’s
- Dixie Fish Company
- The Whale
- Matanzas on the Bay
- The Salty Crab Bar & Grill
- Smokin Oyster Brewery
- Bonita Bills Waterfront Cafe
- Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and The Playmore Tiki Bar
- The Yucatan Beach Stand
4. Book a Night Fishing Charter
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a new fisherman, night fishing is unlike any other fishing experience. It requires you to take a different approach to fishing than you would during the day and provides a chance to catch fish that you wouldn’t be able to at any other time. Fort Myers Beach has dozens of fishing charters to choose from that can offer a variety of experiences and a chance to catch diverse species of fish, including snapper, tarpon, shark, and many more.
Book the Perfect Boating Trip Port Sanibel Marina
If you’re in Fort Myers or exploring Captiva and Sanibel Island, don’t forget to take a boat out on the water or book a fishing trip. Whether you’re booking your charter to go night fishing or need a boat to explore Lover’s Key State Park, Port Sanibel Marina offers a variety of fishing charters and boat rentals to help you do all the things you want to do in Fort Myers Beach. Call us today at (239) 437-1660 and we can help you get started.
