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Beyond the sugary white beach itself, there are so many fun things to do in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. From local seafood and classic ice cream to historic sites and state parks to enjoy, make the most of your visit with our array of activities and attractions you won’t want to skip.
With Estero Island as its core area, Fort Myers Beach is not to be confused with the much larger city of Fort Myers (which is about a 35-minute drive away).
Check out our list of favorite things to do in Fort Myers if you’ll be based there during your vacation.
Estero Island is 7 miles long, with a beautiful sandy shore stretching along the Gulf for the entirety of it.
In Fort Myers Beach, you can plan for an easily navigable beachfront community with access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the more protected bayside with various small islands and inlets to explore.
So plan for some time sprawled out on the sand, but then get out to enjoy these places to visit in Fort Myers Beach to enjoy the whole area.
You might also like our guides to nearby Naples or Sarasota if you’re planning to enjoy more of Southwest Florida.
Best Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach, FL
Walk the Fort Myers Fishing Pier
Right in the center of Fort Myers Beach is the Fort Myers Fishing Pier.
The pier provides not only fishing opportunities but also great views of the beach.
Because of its central location, the fishing pier is an ideal meeting place for family trips or large travel groups.
The fishing pier was completely destroyed by Hurricane Ian, but will undoubtedly be rebuilt as a focal point for the Fort Myers Beach community.
Relax at Fort Myers Beach
While there are so many fun things to do in Fort Myers Beach, FL, the most obvious attraction is the beach itself!
Right next to the fishing pier, Fort Myers Beach is the main public beach for the town and is obviously one of the main draws for visiting.
Spending a morning or evening relaxing on the beach is something that vacationers to this destination always look forward to.
The beach also has a shelter for organizing events or eating.
Spend an Evening in Times Square
Times Square is the main walking plaza for the city, not to be confused with the massive NYC Times Square, of course!
Strolling in Times Square is one of the more popular activities in Fort Myers Beach.
Lined with palm trees, there are several gift and candy shops within a block from the plaza that are especially family-friendly.
This is the ideal place to search for souvenirs from Fort Myers Beach.
Grab Ice Cream at Mr. G’s House of 2000 Flavors
A perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth is Mr. G’s House of 2000 Flavors (1000 Fifth St).
This ice cream shop has not only ice cream but sherbet and frozen yogurt as well.
Some of their interesting array of flavors include Double Fudge Brownie, Gator Trax, and Coconut.
Take a Haunted Pub Crawl
Looking for a unique thing to do in Fort Myers Beach?
Learn the area’s spooky history and marvel at some magic tricks along the way on this haunted pub crawl through the town.
You’ll learn, be entertained, and get to try out several local watering holes with a fun local guide.
Eat at the Yucatan Beach Stand
The Yucatan Beach Stand (250 Old San Carlos Blvd) is a local restaurant just up the road from Fort Myers Beach.
The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes and also has a bar.
They also host live music every night; be sure to check their schedule for your visit.
Shop for Beach Gear at Shipwreck
Located just across from the Yucatan Beach Stand is Shipwreck (237 Old San Carlos Blvd).
Shipwreck is a one-stop shop for new arrivals to load up on beach gear.
They even stock old Florida license plates from all over the state!
Bowditch Point Park
Located at the north end of Estero Island, Bowditch Point Park (50 Estero Blvd) is the main city park for Fort Myers Beach.
The park has short access trails to get between the beaches that surround the park on three sides.
Other amenities include an amphitheater, public restrooms, and picnic shelters.
Go Parasailing
For the adventurous, parasailing should definitely be on your list of things to do in Fort Myers Beach!
Go up in the sky for an awesome aerial view of Fort Myers Beach below.
Prices vary depending on the time of day, the number of people, and the length of the flight.
Book your parasailing adventure so you don’t miss out.
Cruise Around the Islands
You can’t visit Fort Myers Beach and not get out onto the water!
To enjoy the views back toward shore and to experience less accessible islands and beaches, hop aboard a boat for a cruise or sail.
This day cruise will show off Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.
Or this sailing excursion will take you from Fort Myers Beach out into the Gulf to hoist the sail and marvel at local wildlife.
Looking for something a little more romantic?
Book this private sunset cruise aboard a tiki boat to impress your significant other.
Walk over the Matanzas Pass Bridge
One of the more iconic Fort Myers Beach attractions is the Matanzas Pass Bridge.
This bridge between Estero Island and San Carlos Island provides lovely views of the port and harbor.
The bridge is sixty-five feet tall and opened in 1979.
Before the current bridge, residents used a wooden drawbridge that was constructed in 1921.
The old bridge connected Old San Carlos Boulevard with San Carlos Drive on San Carlos Island.
Book an Appointment at Armando’s Spa
For a beach destination, Estero Island is surprisingly home to only one day spa.
Armando’s Day Spa (2101 Estero Blvd) provides simple treatments such as a neck and shoulder massage all the way up to a ninety-minute couples massage.
Armando’s can help people looking to destress their minds and focus on vacation; it’s the perfect way to get onto Island Time and truly relax!
Check out their list of services and book your appointment in advance so you have some self-care to look forward to.
Fort Myers Beach Public Library
Fort Myers Beach is a city, and thus, contains a public library right on Estero Blvd!
The Fort Myers Beach Public Library (2755 Estero Blvd) houses three floors of books as well as a seasonally open cafe on the third floor.
For those looking to relax on the beach with a new book, the library is the place to hit up before going out into the sun.
Matanzas Pass Preserve
For people looking to get out into nature, Matanzas Pass Preserve (199 Bay Rd) provides those opportunities right on Estero Island.
The Preserve offers over a mile of hiking trails varying between boardwalks and dirt paths, providing convenient opportunities to view the mangroves along the coast.
Matanzas Pass Preserve is also home to an amphitheater, pavilion, historic cottage, and kayak landing.
Visit the Mound House
Going to The Mound House (451 Connecticut St) is a must-do in Fort Myers Beach.
This is the oldest standing structure on Estero Island, and the museum is dedicated to telling the stories of the people who called this land home: the Calusa.
They provide guided tours of the museum to see artifacts from the active archaeological dig on the land.
They also offer excursions out into Estero Bay, including kayaking, fishing, and walking on the beach.
The facility is also available to rent for private events.
The space outside the house is public and is a great place to watch the sunrise facing east over Estero Bay.
Find the Tiki Hut at Newton Park
For those looking to relax in a tropical setting, seek out Newton Park (4650 Estero Blvd).
The park is located further down Estero Island, away from the busy Times Square area.
The park has beach access, a tiki hut, and a cabin where yoga classes are hosted by appointment and on a schedule.
Get more information on the yoga studio and schedule your session.
Walk to the Ancient Pier
For those looking for a walk along the beach, the ancient pier remnants are about two miles one way from Newton Park, which is the closest public access point.
The old pier is located between the Gulf of Mexico and a small lagoon.
The old pier and surrounding area offer a secluded spot for people looking to get away from the crowded beaches and busy shops or restaurants.
Things to Do Around Fort Myers Beach, FL
Leave Estero Island to explore more just across the water.
Head south or north and you’ll be treated to stunning natural beauty and lots of fun activities and attractions within just a few minutes’ drive of Fort Myers Beach itself.
Explore Lovers Key State Park
Florida is home to over one hundred state parks, and Lovers Key State Park (8700 Estero Blvd) is the local one for Fort Myers Beach.
Not only does the park have hiking trails through Florida’s flatwoods, it’s also home to a playground and three long miles of beach along the Gulf of Mexico.
Lovers Key is also an excellent place for kayaking, as the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail weaves through the park’s many islands.
Take this eco-tour to learn more about the flora and fauna of the park as you paddle along the shores by kayak, paddleboard, or canoe (your choice).
Relax at Pelican Landing Beach
Even further down Estero Boulevard past Lovers Key is Pelican Landing Beach Park, a secluded, boat-in beach with limited access.
Pelican Landing is for vacationers who want a truly quiet beach away from it all.
Surrounded by islands with mangroves, this isolated spot is across from the Bonita Beach Dog Park, which is a more accessible pet-friendly beach.
Have a Cuban at Doc Ford’s
Cubans are a staple to any lunch or dinner menu in Florida, and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (708 Fishermans Wharf) has one of the best around.
Doc Ford’s also has seafood dishes, pasta, soups, salads, and other sandwiches like a lobster roll or pulled pork.
Doc Ford’s outdoor dining area also sits right on the water, so the restaurant has a parking area for both cars and boats.
They also host live music with a schedule that is determined weekly.
Bonita Bills Waterfront Cafe
Bonita Bills (702 Fishermans Wharf) is a smaller, cozier version of Doc Ford’s.
Their menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and all three have comfort food to eat on the waterfront.
Similar to Doc Ford’s, they have a parking area for boats.
Buy Seafood at Trico Market
Trico Seafood Market (19051 San Carlos Blvd #14) is the place to pick up seafood for dinner back at your vacation rental.
They sell shrimp, crab, and fish in large quantities, as well as dips to go with them; don’t skip the shrimp platters for parties.
Some people even go to the dock simply to watch the ships unload.
Kayak for Peace & Quiet
If you’re looking for things to do in Fort Myers Beach that can offer a little peace and serenity, rent a kayak and head offshore.
Quiet spots are best found via kayak – aim for the smaller islands offshore of Estero Island or San Carlos Island.
If you don’t feel confident heading out solo, join this guided kayak tour at sunset for gorgeous views and local insight en route.
Or this daytime kayak eco-tour takes you out into Pelican Bay to explore more away from the busy shore.
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf (17450 San Carlos Blvd) is perfect for travel groups with competitive members!
Smugglers Cove is an eighteen-hole miniature golf course with plenty of pirate decor.
Play around ponds, fountains, ships, and caves through all the holes.
Smugglers Cove also has concessions.
The Swap Shop
For those looking to take a piece of Florida with them, The Swap Shop (17851 Pine Ridge Rd #1) may satisfy those needs.
The Swap Shop has a little bit of everything, from miniature beach statues to antique glassware.
Check out their collection of antiques and collectibles to bring something unique home from your vacation.
Final Words
Did this guide help you plan all your fun Fort Myers Beach activities? We hope so!
Share your favorite local spots in the comments below.
Note: Since the Gulf of Mexico suffers from the issue of Red Tide, which can cause respiratory illness and eye irritation, it is always best to check the Florida forecast on the NCCOS website.