Ultimate Guide to Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island

When Floridians take a vacation, they often head for Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island. The beaches have some of the most picturesque shorelines in the country, making them ideal beach destinations.

Beach Getaway

Fort Myers Beach (not to be confused with the city of Fort Myers) and neighboring Sanibel Island create the perfect beach getaway for anyone seeking a relaxing vacation in Florida. This includes good food, upscale nightlife, and plenty of activities during the day. Aside from the stunning beaches, both locations feature high-end hotels and numerous family-friendly resorts. Moreover, authentic shelling is a favorite activity for many vacationers.

Things to Do

Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island, features seven miles of relaxing coastline. There are a multitude of activities to enjoy in this beautiful area.

• Spend the day on the city’s beautiful beaches or kayak over to Lover’s Key, favored by those seeking private relaxation spots. The small island is a nature park, offering hiking trails, biking, and water sports.
• Explore Times Square in Fort Myers Beach, the city center and heartbeat of Estero, especially during high season when nightlife is vibrant.
• Sanibel Island is more low-key compared to Fort Myers Beach and perfect for those desiring a less scheduled vacation. Its main attraction is its exquisite white sand beaches, with shelling being a popular pastime due to the island’s unique geographical orientation.
• The J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge is a must-see on Sanibel Island. This site boasts a free information center with exhibits and a five-mile shell road winding through mangroves. The cost is $5 per vehicle, and it’s advisable to visit early in the morning or late in the day for optimal wildlife sightings.
• A day trip to neighboring Captiva Island offers a delightful change of scenery. Captiva, the low-key sister island to Sanibel, provides fun activities like hiking, water sports, and plenty of shelling.
• Downtown Fort Myers Beach features about six square blocks of tourist shops and eateries. A public parking lot is available, and you can alternatively ride the bright red trolley bus that runs frequently.
• Downtown also has a long fishing pier with free access; no Florida saltwater fishing license is required.
• After sundown, enjoy street performers in the downtown area for added entertainment.

Sanibel Island

The first thing visitors notice upon arriving in Sanibel is the absence of multi-storied hotels and condominiums, which are not permitted. Driving along the main road, you’ll find that most homes and businesses are discreetly set off the road. The experience is calming, reminiscent of roads in Charleston, South Carolina.

Shelling remains a popular activity, though finding untouched shells in remote areas can be a challenge. Early birds tend to have the best luck on Sanibel and its northern neighbor, Captiva.

If shopping is on your agenda, the Periwinkle Place Shops offers over 40 stores nestled within its natural surroundings. With covered walkways, it’s a perfect spot to explore, even on rainy afternoons. Don’t forget to take a break at the Fish House Restaurant for lunch.

Best Time to Visit

From December through April, Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island see the most visitors. Although winter months bring tourists, the time leading up to spring is ideal for travel.

This five-month period is peak season, warranting early planning. Daytime temperatures hover in the mid-high 70s Fahrenheit and can drop to the mid-50s at night. While peak season means higher foot traffic, it doesn’t necessarily detract from the unique offering of attractions. In contrast, off-season can feel too quiet, especially for those seeking nightlife.

Best Beaches

Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island boast some of the cleanest and most stunning coastlines, offering a variety of beach experiences to suit every preference.

• The public beach area at Fort Myers Beach is perfect for those looking for activity, as it’s located close to restaurants and shopping.
• Cayo Costa is an excellent lesser-known beach that requires a boat ride to access. It is strictly a nature reserve with limited services, so be sure to bring food and drinks.
• Sanibel’s Lighthouse Beach is ideal for nature enthusiasts, featuring the island’s lighthouse and nearby boardwalks.
• If heading to Captiva Island, be sure to visit the award-winning Captiva Beach.

Where to Stay

The Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island area provides various overnight accommodations, catering to families and diverse budgets.

• The Sundial Resort and Spa on Sanibel Island is ideal for families, offering all-inclusive vacation options with seasonal discounts.
• West End – Paradise, located across from the Darling Refuge, is a cozy resort surrounded by nature, just 1,000 feet from the beach.
• Castaway Cottages features one and two-bedroom beachfront cottages for added privacy.
• The charming Manatee Bay Inn on Fort Myers Beach is located right on the water, providing a delightful boutique hotel experience.
• Another option on Fort Myers Beach is the Pink Shell Beach Resort, offering various accommodations, three pools, on-beach facilities, restaurants, and rental boats.

Where to Eat

Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island provide a wide array of dining options, including steakhouses and seafood establishments.

• Flipper’s on the Bay, located on the quieter end of Fort Myers Beach, serves seafood dishes crafted by executive chef Juan Cruz.
• Tuckaway Café is a delightful all-day brunch spot offering sandwiches, waffles, and desserts.
• Don’t miss Sanibel’s award-winning Sweet Melissa’s Café, known for its fresh and seasonal produce, all prepared from scratch daily.
• The Mad Hatter is another popular restaurant on Sanibel, providing beautiful beach views and an eclectic menu.

How to Get to Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is conveniently situated on the southwest coast of Florida. The journey is straightforward, taking I-275 through St. Petersburg and over the famous Sunshine Skyway Bridge, then I-75 to Fort Myers, which is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Miami. Fort Myers Beach is located at the tip of Estero Island, approximately a 30-minute drive from Fort Myers, with Sanibel Island being about 40 minutes to the west.

Driving Directions

To reach Fort Myers Beach, take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Exit 21 provides the best access to the beaches, with signs clearly directing you to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Along the way, you’ll cross Six Mile Cypress (Highway 41), then take a left onto Highway 869 (Summerlin), leading directly to the toll booth before the bridge to Sanibel Island.

If your destination is Fort Myers Beach, turn left onto Highway 865 (San Carlos). The trip from the interstate to Fort Myers Beach spans about 15 miles, while Sanibel is approximately 17 miles away.