Things to Do in Fort Myers Beach, Starting from Downtown

Spend the day on the beach

Fort Myers Beach has seven miles of soft white sand and calm, shallow Gulf water that’s easy for swimmers of every level. From The Loft, the sand is a 2 to 3 minute walk. Bring the chairs, umbrella, cooler and wagon we provide, and head back for lunch whenever you like.

Heads-up for 2026–2027: Lynn Hall Memorial Park and the beach access at Times Square are closed while the pier is rebuilt. The beach access near our home is open, and the beach itself is open. See Is Fort Myers Beach open? for the latest.

Watch the sunset

Sunset over the Gulf is the island’s nightly event. Walk down to the water about 20 minutes before sunset and look west. Our live webcam page shows today’s sunset time. Once the new Fort Myers Beach Pier opens, expected in 2027, it will be the classic spot again.

Go shelling at low tide

Shelling is best at low tide, especially after a windy day or a storm offshore. Walk the waterline early in the morning and look for the shell lines the tide leaves behind. Tide times for Matanzas Pass (opens in a new tab) help you plan. Please leave any shell with a living animal inside where you found it.

Walk the mangroves at Matanzas Pass Preserve

Matanzas Pass Preserve is 60 acres of protected mangroves and maritime forest on the bay side of the island, with boardwalk trails and a paddle-craft landing on the Great Calusa Blueway. It’s about a mile from The Loft, an easy ride on the bikes we provide. The entrance is on Bay Road, next to the Estero Island Historic Cottages.

Staying downtown? Our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals are a short walk from the beach and Times Square. Check availability

Get out on the water

Boat tours, fishing charters, kayak rentals and tiki-boat cruises run from marinas around the island. What’s Up FMB (opens in a new tab) profiles many local operators. For a full-day adventure, the Key West Express (opens in a new tab) ferry leaves from Fort Myers Beach in the morning and reaches Key West in about three and a half hours, returning the same evening; check its schedule, as times vary by season.

Eat, drink and listen to live music

Downtown is where the island eats and plays. Old San Carlos Boulevard has waterfront seafood and bars, and Fisherman’s Wharf, just over the Matanzas Pass Bridge, has Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (opens in a new tab) and its neighbors on the water. Our guide to restaurants within walking distance lists where we send guests.

Head to Lovers Key State Park

At the island’s south end, Lovers Key State Park has quieter beaches, trails and some of the best kayaking in the area. It’s a drive or a trolley ride from downtown. Pack a picnic and plan a half day.

Plan around local events

The island hosts events through the year, from powerboat racing like ROAR Offshore to festivals in the busy season. The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab) keeps the events calendar. We post guides for the big weekends on our blog.

Questions and answers