Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Covering Estero Island and a portion of the stunning Estero Bay, Fort Myers Beach is a picturesque escape located approximately 15 miles from the Fort Myers River District.

This article may predominantly reflect the circumstances in the months following Hurricane Ian. In September 2022, this Category 4-plus storm unleashed winds of 150 mph for nine consecutive hours.

The recovery process continues to evolve, with certain features regrettably permanently lost, some recovering, and others newly introduced.

While many manmade structures were impacted, the beach itself remains as appealing as ever. The same holds true for the ancient mangroves of Estero Bay, which can be explored along the enchanting 190-mile Great Calusa Bay Paddling Trail.

1. Fort Myers Beach

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No visit to Fort Myers Beach would be complete without dedicating at least one day to enjoying the exquisite sandy shoreline. When compiling this list, there were over two dozen public access points along this winding strip of soft white sand.

Most access points belong to the town, while Lee County manages locations such as Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Park.

Water sports, including swimming, kayaking, and parasailing, can be enjoyed year-round at Fort Myers Beach. Many areas of the beach are shallow, with calm waters, making them safe for young children.

Completing the day’s experience are the spectacular sunsets that captivate visitors.

2. Times Square

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Having faced the full brunt of Hurricane Ian in 2022, Times Square was due for a revitalization during my visit. Historically, this vibrant, palm-lined plaza has been synonymous with downtown Fort Myers Beach, offering a rich blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Typically, live entertainment graced numerous venues, while street performers engaged the crowds strolling along the main thoroughfare.

A weekly Sunset Celebration used to occur here on Friday and Saturday evenings. While many of those attractions have been affected, Times Square continues to be a central feature, and may even have returned to its former vibrancy by the time you read this article.

3. Mound House

Overlooking Estero Bay, Mound House serves as a multifaceted attraction that encapsulates thousands of years of natural and cultural history.

The name derives from its location on a 2,000-year-old Calusa Native American shell mound, or midden. The structure was originally constructed in 1906, achieving its current form in the 1920s.

Currently, Mound House functions as the starting point for eco paddling tours of Calusa Bay. Participants can glide through serene backwaters along mangrove tunnels, reminiscent of the journeys undertaken by the Calusa people centuries ago.

Visitors can explore various aspects of Calusa culture and learn how they utilized their coastal surroundings to create tools and weapons.

4. Lynn Hall Beach Park

Adjacent to Times Square lies Fort Myers Beach’s most beloved shoreline park. The eastern side of Lynn Hall Beach Park is bordered by the Fort Myers Fishing Pier.

Regrettably, the hurricane had reduced this 560-foot structure to its concrete supports during my visit. A reconstruction plan was underway, though timelines were not available at the time.

Nonetheless, the beach remains as delightful as ever, recognized as one of the best locations in town to witness the sunset. The shoreline is notably flat, and beautiful lagoons appear among the sandbars at low tide.

Amenities were somewhat limited during my writing, but improvements are certainly anticipated.

5. Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival

The leading annual festival in Fort Myers Beach is a seafood-centric celebration that dates back to 1959. This originated from an earlier event known as Beach Day, which featured the Blessing of the Shrimp Fleet at the beach pier.

After over 60 years, the Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival occurs on the second weekend of March and continues to be organized by the Lions Club.

Activities include a lively two-mile parade along Estero Avenue, a Queen’s Pageant, a grand shrimp boil, an art fair, a 5k run (including a children’s run), and the traditional shrimp-eating contest.

6. Bowditch Point Park

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Situated at the northern tip of Estero Island, it is challenging to encapsulate the true allure of this area. With water on three sides, Bowditch Point combines a preserved natural area with a recreational park.

One could easily spend an entire day here, relaxing on the beach, collecting shells, and staying late to enjoy a romantic sunset. Just by scanning the waters from the shore, one is likely to spot dolphins.

This location serves as the primary access point to Estero Bay, where it is gratifying to observe vessels like the Fort Myers-Key West ferry passing by.

Inland, a network of trails extends from the parking area, although amenities such as picnic shelters were still under repair during my visit.

7. Paradise Parasail

It will take more than a hurricane to affect Paradise Parasail, a local institution since 1982, becoming the first parasailing company in Southwest Florida.

The company places strong emphasis on safety, complying with the highest industry standards, and their chutes are operated solely by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains.

This commitment ensures peace of mind while soaring up to 500 feet above the water, providing unmatched views of Estero Island and its bay.

8. Bonita Beach Dog Park

As a dog owner from a cooler climate, encountering an off-leash dog park on a subtropical beach was astonishing. This Lee County facility is conveniently located just south of Lovers Key on a mangrove-fringed tidal flat.

It is important to note that access to Bonita Beach Dog Park is influenced by the tides. When the water levels rise, wading through the water is necessary to reach the park.

Nonetheless, despite its seclusion, the park offers amenities such as a rinse-off shower and free parking. Occasionally, manatees may be spotted in the bay, adding to the surreal experience.

9. Lovers Key State Park

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Across Big Carlos Pass lies a breathtaking coastal ecosystem, encompassing both beaches and untouched mangrove forests. Lovers Key was initially designated for development but was graciously donated to the people of Florida instead.

Spanning over 700 acres, it is an ideal location for nature enthusiasts and outdoor activities. Numerous bird species can be observed within the park, along with sightings of bottlenose dolphins and manatees in the bay.

Visitors can engage in a variety of water sports, such as swimming and shelling, in the park’s two-mile-long beach area.

It is advisable to rent a kayak or canoe from the concessionaire and take the necessary time to explore the diverse bayside habitats; dolphins or manatees may accompany you on this journey.

10. Take to the Water with Holiday Water Sports

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With three locations in Fort Myers Beach, Holiday Water Sports serves as the primary choice for water-related recreation. Established in 1991, the company prioritizes customer service and safety.

A wide array of water activities are available through their equipment rentals and guided tours.

Options include waverunners, sailboats, parasailing adventures, and kayaking, accompanied by safety equipment and comprehensive instruction. The company also provides nature tours highlighting the local bottlenose dolphins.

If I had to select a single activity, I would rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture into the mangroves along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

11. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille Fort Myers Beach

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Set against a picturesque bayfront backdrop on San Carlos Island, you can dine at one of the region’s favored establishments. The emphasis at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is on fresh, locally sourced seafood, complemented by Caribbean flavors.

This being the Gulf Coast, any first-time visitor should sample the grouper, offered with either a macadamia nut crust and coconut sauce or as a pan-seared option in panko, finished with a honey-papaya-rum drizzle.

Other entrées of note include mango-chipotle glazed salmon, shrimp penne, and the classic seafood paella.

12. Fort Myers Beach Market

A clear indication that the community was gradually returning to a sense of normalcy is the opening of this market during my time in Fort Myers Beach.

Taking place at Times Square, the Fort Myers Beach Market occurs weekly on Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM. The organizer of this market previously managed markets at the Beach Baptist Church and Santini Plaza, both significantly affected by the hurricane.

During my visit, over 30 vendors participated, offering seasonal fresh produce, specialty foods, clothing, handmade crafts, candles, jewelry, and much more.

13. Fort Myers Beach Art Association and Gallery

Source: Fort Myers Beach Art Association / Facebook

The origins of this local art association trace back to 1951 when art shows and fundraising events were held in a chickee hut.

The organization relocated to a specially built facility in 1968, which was regrettably lost to Hurricane Ian in 2022.

More than just a building, the Fort Myers Beach Art Association organized exhibitions at various venues across Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs while raising funds for a new facility.

In addition to these exhibitions, the FMBAA continues to host both indoor and outdoor group painting sessions along with classes and workshops covering a range of topics from tonal drawing to landscape painting.

14. Matanzas Pass Preserve

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Sixty acres of verdant greenery compose the Matanzas Pass Preserve, which faces inward toward Estero Bay.

This park safeguards one of the area’s last remaining maritime oak hammock habitats, transitioning to mangroves along the water’s edge, with boardwalks winding through these natural environments.

This location also serves as a convenient launching point for the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, in addition to having over a mile of trails for those exploring the preserve on foot. Wherever you venture, a variety of colorful fiddler crabs are sure to be sighted.

During my visit, Matanzas Pass Preserve was temporarily closed for repairs due to the hurricane’s impact.

15. Lagerhead Cycleboats

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If you seek a lively atmosphere while marveling at the breathtaking scenery of Estero Bay, Lagerhead Cycleboats may be your ideal choice. Suitable for bachelorette parties or groups of friends reconnecting, this experience resembles a BYOB cruise.

The vessel features a central bar, and all participants must pedal to operate the paddlewheel at the rear. From my experience, it is much simpler than it appears.

Regardless, you will be captivated by the company and the stunning vistas all around. While onboard, refreshing beverages and music add to the enjoyment.