Do We Beach House

Fort Myers Beach stretches seven miles along the Gulf, and after its post-hurricane rebuild the island has its energy back — wide renourished sand, reopened restaurants, and that signature Gulf sunset every single night. Here’s the guide we give our own guests.

The beach itself

The recent beach renourishment left the shoreline wide, soft, and perfect for shelling — mornings after a tide change are prime time. The Gulf here is calm, warm, and swimmable most of the year, and the sunsets are the best free show in Florida.

Get out on the water

This is a boater’s coast. Dolphin and sunset cruises leave daily, fishing charters run year-round, and kayaking the mangroves of Estero Bay Preserve puts you eye-level with manatees and rays. Parasailing and jet ski rentals line the beach in season.

Day trips worth taking

Lovers Key State Park is ten minutes south — two miles of unspoiled barrier-island beach. Sanibel and Captiva are an easy half-day for world-class shelling and the J.N. “Ding” Darling wildlife refuge. Closer to home, Times Square is rebuilding into something better than before, with the new 1,000-foot pier targeted for 2027.

Where to eat and drink

The island’s food scene is back in full swing. Lah De Dah at Margaritaville does beachfront seafood with a view, Doc Ford’s is the reliable rum-bar classic, The Whale anchors the mid-island scene, and beloved local spots keep reopening month after month — ask us for the current list when you book; it genuinely gets better every season.

When to go

Winter is peak — December through April books out months ahead. May and November are the locals’ picks: warm Gulf, thinner crowds, better rates. Summer brings hot days, afternoon storms, and the best value of the year — which is exactly when a house with a private heated pool and spa earns its keep.

Planning a Fort Myers Beach trip? Our house — 4 bedrooms plus a den, sleeps 11, heated pool and spa — is 600 steps from the sand. Check availability and come see for yourself.