Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Pictures from Fort Myers Beach

Estero Island, also known as Fort Myers Beach, is one of the barrier islands on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, 125 miles south of Tampa.  Unlike its sister islands directly to the north, Sanibel and Captiva, this island has been subject to heavy commercial and residential development. While it does not approach the population and building density of the lower Florida east coast island cities, building continues at a rapid pace. Unlike some areas of the east coast however, planners have set aside some land for public use and "beach access" areas seem to be every block or two. Obviously, this is great for visitors and locals alike.

Three larger "public areas" can easily be visited for daytime picnics and beach-going: Bowditch Point Regional Park on the north end of the island, Times Square at the foot of the bridge and Carl E. Johnson State Park at Lover's Key (Lover's Key is another island immediately south of Estero). These areas all have parking and restroom facilities. Bowditch Point and Lover's Key are wildlife sanctuaries and both have nature trails and picnic areas. Rent a kayak at Lover's Key or drop your own canoe in the water there to explore the many backwater lagoons.

Times Square is the "party place". The activity is almost continuous and the music, colorful buildings and beach crowd will soon have you strolling and toe-tapping. You can eat, rent or buy almost anything "beachy" in this commercialized area and "eye candy" abounds. Fish from the pier or relax in the shaded area at the pier's end. Have a beer and fish sandwich in a gulf-side setting or simply sunbathe in the sand on the beach.

At trip down Estero Island's main drag, Estero Boulevard, can be a chore during the winter months. The island's popularity is growing at a rate significantly faster than the planners envisioned and the traffic can be overwhelming. Even so, if you venture out be sure to explore some of the side roads, both north and south of the bridge that have canals and bay front houses. Much of the island still has some of the early residential structures and some great landscapes and plantings.

Visitors to Fort Myers Beach can easily tour the southwest Florida cities in the area. Driving north and crossing the causeway bridge, you'll have close access toSanibel and Captiva Islands. Further north are Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Pine island including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City. For the boater, these areas are closer by water than roadway. North Captiva, Useppa, Don Pedro and Little Gasparilla islands are all just north of Sanibel-Captiva but all must be reached by boat. A 15 minute drive south will find Bonita Beach. Naples is less than an hour's drive south on US Highway 41 or Interstate  75. The Punta Gorda / Port Charlotte area is about 60 minutes north. The Southwest Florida International Airport is 30 minutes from Ft. Myers Beach.

Times Square, Fort Myers Beach

The pier on Fort Myers Beach at Times Square has a bait/gift shop and covered seating area at the end.

White sands of Ft. Myers Beach at Times Square.

Shops and palms in Times Square.

The Times Square area is the first stop for most as it is at the foot of the bridge. Just off the beach, this colorful area has music, indoor/outdoor eating, shopping and sitting areas. Rent a Skidoo or parasail from here.

The colorful commercial area across the street from the Times Square of the beach. 

Getting on Fort Myers Beach requires crossing the incongruously placed fixed span known as  San Carlos Bridge.

Street sign says it best

Bowditch Point Regional Park

Cross the bridge, turn north and go to the end of Estero Island to find Bowditch Point Regional Park, a small piece of nature with beach, nature trails, eating and restroom facilities.

Swim in the surf, stroll the beach trails or sunbathe at Bowditch Point Regional Park. 

Lover's Key State Park

Big Carlos Pass bridge at south end of Estero Island.

Restroom facilities and tram station (upper right) at main parking area.

Take the footbridge/tramway (above left) down to the beach. This wild, natural setting of gulf shore and lagoons is quiet, scenic and special. Pictures below show (L to R): a view of the Gulf of Mexico through a tree-lined shore; lagoon and tramway; and park boat ramp on the bayside. 

Fort Myers Beach Houses, Canals and Streets

Pictures of some Fort Myers Beach canals with outlets to San Carlos Bay.

Pictures of typical building style (above) in Fort Myers Beach of "stilt houses". Living quarters are "upstairs" and garage and/or storage is underneath.

Pictures show a selection of gulf front houses. On Ft. Myers Beach, these can be anything from small, old cottages to newly constructed, multi-story stilt homes.

Photos of bayview and waterfront canal homes.

Typical "street scenes" showing lush growth of palms and native oaks.

More photos of waterfront homes and lush landscaping.

Skidoos off Ft. Myers Beach

Parasail offers nice view.

Pelicans everywhere.

South on Estero Blvd.

North Beach - nice paint job!

Bowditch Point Regional Park