Located only a few miles offshore from Fort Myers, this small island is filled with beautiful beaches, a variety of nature and a lively downtown area.
Fort Myers Beach is famed for its pristine sugar sand, bright white and welcoming to sunbathers. The island is home to ten unique beaches. Visit a few. Lovers Key is a secluded park known for its romantic atmosphere. Lighthouse Parking Beach, at Sanibel Island’s southeasternmost tip, is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers looking for local and migrating birds.
Times Square is the downtown area of Fort Myers Beach. Have a beachside lunch during the day and browse through its shops. At night, follow dinner with drinks and dancing at a local bar. Head to Fort Myers Beach Pier, adjacent to Times Square, for some of the best sunset views on the island.
Paddle down the Great Calusa Blueway, a 190-mile (306-kilometer) kayak and canoe trail. Explore Lee County's coastal waters and inland tributaries along this well-marked trail. You may see a manatee leisurely swimming alongside your boats.
Experience Florida’s rich history at Mound House, an ancient Calusa Indian Mound. Besides being the oldest structure on Estero Island, it serves as a museum offering tours and educational programs. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds.
You can easily reach Sanibel Island by boat or by car. Known for its trademark lighthouse, sunsets and luxurious resorts, this is one of Florida’s top destinations. By far, the most popular activity here is shelling; you can barely walk one step on the beach without indulging in the so-called "Sanibel Stoop" to search for shells. But there is so much more: fine accommodations, luscious dining (seafood, of course!), fishing, boating, and just plain relaxation, a chance to get away from the hurly-burly, a chance to draw closer to nature.
Fort Myers Beach is an idyllic town just 15 miles (24 kilometers) outside the city of Fort Myers. It sits on the small barrier island of Estero, located along the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island is a 30-minute drive west.