Do We Beach House

Fort Myers Beach has always been a place where families come to slow down and reconnect. And since the island’s post-Ian rebuild, it’s gotten even better — with new spaces, fresh energy, and the same laid-back Gulf charm that’s drawn visitors here for generations.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teenagers, or grandparents who can still keep up, here’s how to spend a day (or a week) making the most of this slice of paradise — starting from your home base at the “Do We” Beach House.

Morning: Hit the Beach Early

The Gulf side is calmest in the morning, with gentle waves and cooler sand. Head down Estero Boulevard to Lynn Hall Beach Park (public access, lifeguards in season, restrooms). Bring a pop-up tent, a cooler, and let the kids do what kids do best — dig, splash, and chase sandpipers. The water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it ideal for young swimmers.

If you’re a shelling family, the early low tide around Bowditch Point Park at the north end of the island produces the best finds. Whelks, scallops, and the occasional junonia if you’re very lucky.

Late Morning: Bowditch Point Park & Nature Trail

After breakfast at the house, walk or drive to Bowditch Point Park — it’s the island’s western tip and offers some of the best free family entertainment on the island. The nature trail winds through mangroves and sea grapes, with interpretive signs that keep curious kids engaged. Climb the observation tower for a 360-degree view of Estero Bay and the Gulf. On a clear day, you can see Sanibel and Captiva in the distance.

The park has picnic tables, a sheltered beach, and the kind of gentle bay-side water that’s perfect for toddlers with floaties.

Lunch: Casual & Kid-Friendly

Fort Myers Beach has plenty of laid-back spots where kids are welcome and nobody minds a little sand on the floor. Matanzas Inn on Estero Boulevard is a local standby — good grouper sandwiches, cold drinks, and a screened deck. Beach bar and grill options along the boulevard are plentiful; look for places with outdoor seating where the kids can wiggle without stress.

For a picnic, stop at Bailey’s General Store (a Fort Myers Beach institution since 1899) and grab sandwiches, snacks, and a bucket of fried chicken to take to the beach.

Afternoon: Mini-Golf, Bikes & Ice Cream

When the sun gets high (and it will — July and August afternoons are hot), retreat to air-conditioned fun or shade-dappled activities:

• Mini-golf at Snook’s Bayside Grill — A classic family tradition. The course has a pirate-ship theme that kids love, and Snook’s does great frozen drinks for the grown-ups.
• Bike rentals — Rent bikes from a shop on Estero and cruise the island. The bike path runs along the boulevard and connects to the park, the pier, and the shops. Kids’ bikes, trailers, and tandems are available.
• Times Square — The pedestrian-friendly hub at the south end of the island. Ice cream shops (Kilwin’s does a fantastic waffle cone), souvenir stores, and live music on weekend afternoons. Don’t miss the giant Adirondack chair — it’s the official family photo spot.

Late Afternoon: Pool Time at the House

After a day of sun and sand, the private heated pool and hot tub at the “Do We” Beach House are exactly what everyone needs. The screened lanai keeps the bugs at bay while the kids burn off the last of their energy and the adults settle into a book or a cold drink. It’s also a great time to rinse the sand out of everything before heading to dinner.

Evening: Sunset & Dinner

Sunset is a nightly event on Fort Myers Beach, and there’s no wrong place to watch it. The Fort Myers Beach Pier is the classic spot — walk to the end, watch the fishing boats come in, and catch the green flash if conditions are right. Bowditch Point Park is quieter and more spacious.

For dinner, The Salty Crab Bar & Grill is a family favorite with a menu that runs from kids’ fish bites to grilled grouper. Nervous Nellie’s is a Fort Myers Beach landmark — funky, colorful, and surprisingly good food in a setting that entertains kids while parents relax.

One Day Trip Worth the Drive: Everglades

If your family has an adventurous streak, the Everglades are about 45 minutes east of Fort Myers Beach. Everglades Day Safari runs guided tours that are excellent for families — airboat rides, wildlife spotting (alligators, manatees, tons of birds), and a naturalist who makes it fun for all ages. Kids remember this trip for years.

A Few Pro Tips for Family Travelers

• Book early for winter and spring break — Those seasons fill up months in advance. Summer has more availability and better rates.
• Pack rash guards and reef-safe sunscreen — The Florida sun is no joke, and the Gulf’s ecosystem thanks you for skipping the oxybenzone stuff.
• Bring waterproof phone pouches — For beach photos without the panic of a wet pocket.
• The “Do We” Beach House has 4 bedrooms plus a den, sleeps 11, and is pet-friendly — which means the whole family (four-legged members included) can stay under one roof with room to spread out.

Fort Myers Beach is the kind of place families come back to year after year. The island’s recovery has been remarkable, and the welcome mat is out. Come see what all the excitement is about.

— The “Do We” Beach House team

#fortmyers #comingbackstronger #FMBSTRONG #beachstyler #fortmyersstrong #fortmyersbeach #fortmyersflorida #familytravel #beachvacation