Fort Myers Beach Overview

Most vacationers get their first glimpse of Fort Myers Beach's beauty from the top of the Matanzas Pass Bridge. To the left, shrimp boats cluster around docks in the historic working waterfront area, designated by the state due to its 50-plus years in the commercial fishing industry.

On the right: marinas, a casino boat, Coast Guard station and rookery dot Matanzas Pass before surging into the Gulf of Mexico. The sight that transforms visitors into residents lies straight ahead.

Boomerang-shaped Estero Island cups the glittering Gulf of Mexico, which flowers with pastel hotels, palm trees and Times Square with its teal, gold and Mediterranean blue-tiled sidewalks, upscale sushi bars, neighborly watering holes, and funky souvenir shops.

In the afternoon, sun worshippers flock to Lynn Hall Memorial Park armed with beach towels, sunscreen, beach chairs and swim fins to enjoy everything from refreshing dips in the waves to stolen siestas under hot pink, yellow and orange umbrellas.

As neon lights flicker on in bars and restaurants, a quick drive or hike to the northernmost point of Estero Island — Bowditch Point Regional Preserve — offers the best spot for watching the colorful sunsets.

Nightlife at Fort Myers Beach is vibrant, with places to dance, sing karaoke, or listen to live bands seven nights (and days) a week.