Fort Myers Beach

Lovers Key State Park stretches 712 acres throughout the Fort Myers Beach region, extending across its namesake key and the Black Island, Long Key, and Inner Key regions.

• The park, which is accessible near Bonita Beach (parking fee), preserves significant natural habitats that were once mangrove swamp land prior to development in the 1960s.
• Park visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking and cycling opportunities and chances for swimming, boating, sunbathing, and shelling.
• More than 40 native bird species call the park home, while native marine life such as bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees can be viewed off the park's shores.
• A two-mile beach is offered for public use, along with picnic areas, a boat ramp, and children's playground.

Address: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, Phone: 239-463-4588

Bowditch Point Regional Park is a 17.5-acre public park at the northern end of Estero Island, divided into 10 acres of preserve area and seven acres of passive recreational use for visitors. The park, which is named in honor of celestial navigator Nathaniel Bowditch, was purchased by the City of Fort Myers Beach in 1987 and opened to the public in 1994. Today, the park is home to butterfly gardens, a bathhouse, and a boardwalk, along with day-use picnic tables and grills available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors can stroll through the preserve area via walking trails and watch for native bird species flying across the backdrop of gorgeous Estero Bay. An amphitheater-style viewing area also offers stunning vista overlooks of nearby San Carlos Bay, Sanibel Island, and Punta Rassa.

Address: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, Phone: 239-765-6794

Mound House preserves an ancient Calusa indigenous shell mound in Fort Myers Beach, which was formed more than 2,000 years ago from the scavenged shell remains of a tribe colloquially known as the "Shell Indians." Today, visitors can explore the rich history of Estero Island and its oldest remaining structure, constructed in 1898 and used as an estate home, post office, and World War II-era military rest stop. The home, which is constructed atop the site of the Calusa mound, was preserved in 1995 by citizen activism efforts and converted into a living history museum and archaeological site showcasing the region's natural and cultural history. Exhibits include the underground Stories Beneath Our Feet in situ site, which features video narration and LED light elements to tell the story of the Calusa village that once stood at the house's site. Museum visitors can also fish at the site's observation pier or enjoy guided kayak eco-tours exploring Estero Island's vast biodiversity.

Address: 451 Connecticut St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, Phone: 239-765-0865

Fort Myers Beach is known throughout the United States for its gorgeous seven-mile beachfront, which showcases sugar-white sands and gradually sloping waterfront terrain.

• Where to park & Fees.
• Beachgoers can enjoy prime conditions for watersports such as kayaking and parasailing or explore the region's rich marine life as part of waverunner dolphin eco-tours or fishing charters.
• Young ones can splash safely in the beach's waters, which remain shallow and calm year-round.
• A plethora of special events are held at or near the beach each year, including an annual Shrimp Festival in March.

Times Square is the heart of Estero Island's retail and dining district. The vibrant pedestrian plaza district, which was developed in the 1980s and is named in honor of the famed New York City intersection, offers some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Fort Myers Beach, providing endless opportunities for summer fun. Delicious seafood-focused restaurants such as Pete's Time Out and the Pierside Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar offer drink specials and open-air seating, showcasing live music performances throughout the week. Eclectic surf shops, art galleries, and boutiques line the district, which is frequented by street performers throughout tourist seasons. Each Friday and Saturday evening, the district comes alive with the massive Sunset Celebration beach party, which showcases family-friendly activities and live performances.

Key West Express offers a unique vantage point of the United States' southernmost point, embarking year-round from Fort Myers Beach and traveling via catamaran to beautiful Key West. The company offers daily departures from Estero Island throughout the year and additional departures from nearby Marco Island in season, providing an alternative to more expensive flight transportation options. Jet-powered catamarans offer air-conditioned interiors with reclining seats, a full-service bar and galley, and beautiful outdoor sundecks for observing the spectacular waterfront scenery. All passengers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by adult guardians. Guests should note that daily boarding and departure times are subject to change based on water and weather conditions.

Address: 100 Grinnell St, Key West, FL 33040, Phone: 239-463-5733

Matanzas Pass Preserve is a beautiful 60-acre nature preserve on Estero Island, located a mile from the Matanzas Pass Bridge near the city of Fort Myers Beach. The preserve, which protects one of the region's final remaining maritime oak hammock habitats, was established in 1979 by the Nature Conservancy and donated to Lee County for public use in 1994. A wide variety of native Florida wildlife species call the preserve home, including significant native bird populations, which have earned the preserve a designation as part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. A paddle craft launch site also provides access to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 1.25 miles of hiking trails showcase mangrove canopies and provide access to a pavilion overlooking Estero Bay.

Address: 199 Bay Rd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931, Phone: 239-229-1610