Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Fort Myers Beach
Like Clearwater Beach and St Pete Beach, Fort Myers Beach foments a party atmosphere
year-round, and spring unfolds like one long-running street festival slash fraternity bash.
And yet, situated on the 7-mile-long Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach has sand and space
enough to accommodate all needs and ages. In the north, the so-called Times Sq area is a
walkable concentration that verily epitomizes 'sun-bleached seaside party town.' Head
south and the beachfront becomes more residential, less crowded and much quieter.
Activities
Fort Myers Beach
BEACH
Fort Myers Beach is long, long, long. The southern end is dominated by condos, with very
little public access. The low-key middle has a large number of end-of-road access points
with tiny metered lots. The northern
Times Sq
area, right where the causeway dumps vis-
itors, has large paid lots (per day from $5 to $10) and is typically packed and loud, with
beach bars pumping out the music. Parasail and water-sport concessions congregate
thickly here, and a bait house on the pier rents fishing rods.
Bowditch Point Park
PARK, BEACH
( 239-765-6794;
www.leeparks.org
; 50 Estero Blvd; 7am-sunset)
At the island's northernmost tip, Bowditch is a favorite with families and picnickers. The
small parking lot (per hour $2) fills up fast, so come early. There's a good snack bar, free
boat dockage, kayak and paddleboard rentals. You'll also find a butterfly garden, expansive
picnic areas and a replenished beach that narrows around the tip. It's a good place to view
dolphins fishing in the Matanzas Pass and there's a paddle launch onto the
Great Calusa
Blueway
paddling trail.
The beach can be reached by the local buses that run along Estero Blvd.
Lovers Key State Park
BEACH
239-463-4588;
www.floridastateparks.org/loverskey
;
8700 Estero Blvd; car/bike
$8/2;
8am-sunset)
