Ft. Myers Beach Vacation Tip: Hit the Beaches!

 The best part of any beach vacation is, of course…the beach!  

If you want a day of peaceful relaxation, just enjoying the soft Gulf breezes, and gentle lapping of the waves…

…you have found “eureka”!  Enjoy miles of tranquil beaches to just soak in the sun and let all your worries drift away.  Fort Myers Beach features seven miles of white sugar sand beaches, stretching the length of Estero Island.

Or, if you want to experience a little more nature and wildlife, take a stroll through the nature trails on the North end of the island.  There are picnic tables and restrooms available.  Hint:  The dolphins love to play at the North end of the island around sunset!

If you’re looking for entertainment and “fun in the sun”, find a nice spot near Times Square and be in the middle of the action.  Enjoy beachfront restaurants, pubs, live music, volleyball, jet skiing, and parasailing.  

Witness breathtaking sunsets every day! The southwest exposure of the beaches allow you to enjoy inspiring sunsets throughout the year.

World’s Safest Beach!

Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island), is also recognized as one of the “World’s safest beaches” due to the gently sloping shoreline. 

These are some of the area beaches close to your Ft Myers Beach vacation rental.  Simply take a short drive or hop on the Beach Trolley and check out these beautiful beaches

Lynn Hall Memorial Park (Times Square)  

Walking distance from your vacation rental property!

Features the fishing & sunset pier, parking, picnic tables, BBQ grills, swings, bath house, restrooms, rentals, volleyball, playground, shopping, dining

950 Estero Blvd

Bunche Beach

Features serene beaches and some parking.

18201 John Morris Road

Bowditch Point Regional Park

Features restrooms, showers, picnics, grills, hiking paths, pavilion

50 Estero Blvd.

Lover’s Key State Park

Whether you are “lovers” or just a lover of serene beaches and nature, this island has been a popular destination for years! In the past, it was a remote, solitary beach, only accessible by boat. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up a beautiful State Park.

In addition to the beaches, you may also want to explore the many back bays, estuaries and lush mangrove forests for great boating and spectacular views of wild life!

Where to Find the Best Shells on Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva

If you enjoy browsing the beach for unique, colorful shells, you’ve come to the right place! Southwest Florida is the Mecca of “shelling”, as the beaches are lined with an abundance of beautiful shells!

Although you may find some great little treasures on Fort Myers Beach, for the best shelling, we recommend taking a day trip to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva.

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have been referred to as the “Shell Islands” because they are actually made out of shells.

This phenomenon was created over thousands of years, due to the unique geography of the islands. Sanibel Island winds and twists along the coastline, among a string of lined islands. The east-west torque of the south end of the island sort of acts as a “shovel” for the shells that come in from the Gulf, Caribbean, and other southern seas.

As you comb the islands for these amazing little treasures of the sea, expect to find:

• Conchs
• Whelks
• Scallops
• Clam shells
• Coquinas
• …and the rare Junonias (one of the most prized shells!)

Often, these shells can be found perfectly intact!

If you’ve had your fill of searching the beaches for shells, but still want to bring home some “shelly” souvenirs, you may want to consider a visit to the “Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum” at some point during your trip. This museum features over 30 exhibits of shells from around the world! They also have activities such as a learning lab, with a hands-on display area for children, games, and a tank with indigenous mollusks.

The mission of the Shell Museum is more than just to show off the beautiful shells of Southwest Florida. It is also to educate about a further awareness of nature and promote collection-based research on shells and mollusks in Southwest FL. They focus on art and history, as well as shell habitat.

Ready to do some treasure hunting? Browse Ft Myers Beach vacation rentals online, or call us at 1-888-BEACH-IT, and we’ll find you the perfect beach condo, villa, or island house that will give you access to the most beautiful shells you’ve ever seen!