Road Trip to Fort Myers Beach, FL

Sun begins to set in Fort Myers

VIBE: Active, Busy, Family Friendly
1100 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931​

Updated July 22, 2023. Fort Myers is in the process of rebuilding but they are open to visitors. Read this post to find out which restaurants and hotels have reopened this summer.​

Going to the beach shouldn't be boring. If you have an active lifestyle, some Florida beaches may be too quiet. Not Fort Myers Beach. This beach is busy, and it's easy to see why: it's gorgeous. When we visited Fort Myers Beach in 2021 it was crowded, and it continues to be that way in 2023. Even after Hurricane Ian, people still want to visit Fort Myers Beach.

Fort Myers Beach Sand

Sugary Fort Myers Beach sand

The sand on Fort Myers Beach is sugary, although not as white as Siesta Key. It's a flat beach so it's easy to line up the chairs and enjoy the view, or wade into the water without worrying about a big drop-off. You can also walk for miles in the shallow surf. People set up their chairs and umbrellas fairly close to the Gulf water, so it gets a bit crowded for activities like riding a bike. Overall, the sand in Fort Myers met our expectations for a Florida Gulf coast beach.

Fort Myers Beach Water

Fort Myers Beach 2023

In 2023, the water here was fairly clear but not that crystal, beautiful blue you get with other Gulf beaches. Maybe it's the after effects of Hurricane Ian as there still can be debris buried under the water. Naples Beach is doing better. The best Gulf water, in our opinion, is in the Florida Panhandle at beaches like Destin and Panama City Beach. It is recommended that visitors to Fort Myers Beach wear water shoes as hurricane debris continues to wash ashore.

Fort Myers Beach Parking and Amenities

Parking at Fort Myers Beach was not a good experience for us and it was expensive in 2021. A parking lot close to the beach cost us $20 for the day, but that is pretty typical for Florida beaches in 2023. There were long line-ups to get on and off the causeway, which is something we have experienced before on the Bradenton beaches. This time we found parking for $10 but there is no real parking or facilities yet. So be aware of the traffic and parking situation before you go. Go early in the day.

Destroyed Pier Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach Activities

Onewheels on Fort Myers Beach 2021

Fort Myers is not a quiet beach and continues to be very busy. We hope that some of the tours and boating activities return soon. People-watching is never boring. This is not just a beach for retired folks: we saw all ages and people from many different countries.

If boating and fishing is your true love, then Fort Myers Beach is where you want to be! What's even better, you can walk right out through the water to reach your boat. Redfish, Tarpon, Snook...heck, you might even see a shark or manatee. Then when you come back from your fishing trip, just drop anchor and enjoy the sunshine. The Gulf of Mexico is not very deep close to shore, so it's perfect for small boats and jet skis. No boat? No problem. There were lots of fishing charters open in 2023.

Fort Myers before Hurricane Ian

Look Out! This Could Happen...

Right now there aren't many amenities or restaurants available right on Fort Myers Beach. In fact, many are just getting power restored in 2023. Times Square, one of the most famous areas of Fort Myers Beach, was completed destroyed. There are food trucks available. See Restaurants below for a complete list.

Afternoon fog on Fort Myers Beach

The other downside in 2023 is there are only portable bathrooms on Fort Myers Beach, at time of publication. The county’s plan is to hook up a portable restroom trailer at Lynn Hall Park, however, there is no date for that to happen just yet. The county is working with FEMA to rebuild its parks and restroom facilities.

What We Really Think About Fort Myers Beach

Sunset at Fort Myers Beach

​The one thing you can't take away from this devastated area is the Gulf beach sunset. The sunset in Fort Myers Beach was incredible. We are glad we visited Fort Myers Beach, but we won't be back for a while again due to Hurricane Ian. Also the traffic situation was difficult. If you are going to stay for a week or a few days then we say go for it. You will never be bored and the beach is large. Hotels are being built again, including the new Margaritaville Resort. The fishing is excellent so if you are an angler, Fort Myers is for you. Take a fishing charter. You can fish using the vessel license for recreational saltwater fishing in Florida.

Fort Myers Beach Hotels

We stayed off beach at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway. It was reasonable, well-kept and a short drive to the beachfront. The Pink Shell Resort is currently being restored but they are accepting reservations. The Edison Beach House has re-opened with limited amenities. The Diamond Head Resort is open.

Fort Myers Beach Restaurants

The new Fort Myers Beach Liki Tiki BBQ, has re-opened from 11. a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, has a menu with most items ranging from $12 to $30. Other open eateries include:

Opened in May:
FRESH CATCH BISTRO
CABANAS BEACH BAR & GRILLE
WAHOO WILLIE’S
DIXIE FISH CO.
PARROT KEY CARIBBEAN GRILL
SNUG HARBOR RESTAURANT
THE BEACH BAR
TUCKAWAY CAFE - food truck
YUCATAN BEACH STAND BAR & GRILL
Most recent:
La Ola Surfside Restaurant
Bella Mozzarella
​2000 Flavors Ice Cream
Jack's At The Pink Shell Beach Resort (lunch only)
Junkanoo Below Deck (near Publix)
Matanzas on The Bay
Bonita Bills (bayside)
Pinchers Seafood (before bridge)
The Rude Shrimp Company
Lani Kai Bar (resort closed, beach bar open)

Disclaimer: Our blog website is for general information only and not to be used for any official information. Reference official news for your travel making decisions. Though we aim to provide you with up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind (expressed or implied) about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of any information, products, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Full Disclaimer here.

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Disclaimer:
Our blog website is for general information only and not to be used for any official information. Reference official news for your travel making decisions. Though we aim to provide you with up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind (expressed or implied) about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability of any information, products, services or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Full Disclaimer here.