A Florida sunset paradise, the thriving island community of Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island, on Florida’s southwest coast, offers fine dining, island style shopping and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure and water sports fun. Plus, Estero Island is home to two excellent waterfront RV parks, a quiet spot to kick back and relax beside the bay and a place where one of the most beautiful beaches on the Florida peninsula is literally at the bottom of your stairs.
Where to Play on Estero Island
Fort Myers Princess – Dolphin tours, dinner cruises and sunset cruises. Full service snack and cocktail bars. FMP departs from Snug Harbour Marina at 645 Old San Carlos Blvd. 239.765.8500.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park – On the north end of Fort Myers Beach. Like walking into a tropical island postcard. Fish from the 560-foot pier. Picnic at the pavilion or on the beach. Watch the kids romp on the playground. 950 Estero Blvd.
Times Square – A pedestrian area adjacent to Lynn Hall. Shopping, dining and nightlife. Paid public parking.
Mid Island Watersports — The place to rent equipment for all your water sports fun. Wave runners. Parasailing. Tours. Two locations, 5550 Estero Blvd. (Sandpiper Resort, 239.765.0965) and 6890 Estero Blvd. (Holiday Inn, 239.707.2901).
Estero Island Natural Wonders
Bowditch Point — A nice family beach at the north end of Estero. Seven acres of park and 10 acres of preserve. A beautiful, wild place…but with restrooms nearby.
Everglades Day Safari — Get out into the wild on an airboat as trained naturalists take you on a search for alligators, birds and other residents of the River of Grass. For reservations or pickup locations call 239.472.1559.
Mound Key — Once a Calusa ritual site, today it is a state park. Can only by accessed via kayak or canoe from Estero Island.
Dining on Estero Island
Bayfront Bistro — Romantic sunsets on the water and local ingredients in meal selections. 4761 Estero Blvd. FMB.
Flippers — Breakfast, lunch and dinner with island attitude. And a terrific spot to sip a sunset libation while you watch the dolphins. 8771 Estero Blvd.
Heidi’s Island Bistro — This local favorite is also a hit with the tourist trade. Unique menu with American, German, Austrian and gluten free fare. 2943 Estero Blvd. FMB.
Know Before You Go
Every day hundreds visit Estero Island just so they can leave. FMB is the home of the Key West Express, which can get you from southwest Florida to Key West in about 3.5 hours. Next day return trip tickets available.
The Beach Trolley is good option for transportation on Estero Island. The route crosses both Estero and Lovers Key, from the state park in the south to Bowditch Point Park. Bring cash for the fare. All-day trolley passes can be purchased.
RV Campers have two waterfront camping opportunities!
Red Coconut RV Park — Sites both on the beach and across the street. Sites are snug, but the view more than makes up for it. Sand or grass sites. 3001 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL. GPS: 26.445345, -81.936949. Reserve online or call 239.463.7200. Check the link for amenities.
San Carlos RV Park — A cozy, friendly park on the “back bay” side of Estero. Not directly on the beach but still on the water. Nice swimming pool and clean bathing and laundry facilities. 18701 San Carlos Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL. GPS: 26.468134, -81.949908. For reservations call 239.466.3133. Check the link for amenities.
*Some images courtesy their respective destinations and locations
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