Fort Meyers, Pine, Captive, & Sanibel Islands
Fort Myers is a come one come all sort of place, unfussy, and glad to be judged against its more dignified neighbors, Sanibel, Captiva and Naples, coming off well in the contest as a place to have a pitcher of beer and unwind. It has few pretentions. Go to Estero’s wide open beach for a space of your own; they are open and accessible. Spring sees baseball teams as well as families returning each year to beaches cleaned of seaweed, and a good shelling beach can be found at Lover’s Key State Park, a quieter 2.5 mile beach where you can rent kayaks or canoes, and watch the birds and frolicking dolphins. Hike the Black Isand Trail, a 2.5 miler but with some short cuts if you want to get back to sunning. There are clusters of restaurants in both downtown and Ft. Myers beach areas. See our guides for some local favorites.
Pine Island is fringed with mangrove instead of sandy beach, and is useful as access to nearby islands for fishing, snorkeling, and diving. As a large part of the Lee Island Coast, Pine offers an option to shelling around Captiva and Sanibel, in a natural wild vegetation setting. Check out the collection of fishing piers at the Bokeelia marina.
Still time for you to acquire the Sanibel Stoop, all bent over looking at the collection of amazing shells found on these prized shelling shores. Bike around the entire island on dedicated paths. Sanibel has two protected preserves, along with its manicured-ness, deserving of your time. The JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic 6300 acre parcel taking up two thirds of Sanibel Island, where you can spot a roseate Spoonbill as well as other residents like alligators, raccoons, bald eagles, on a 5 mile Wildlife Drive, in your car or on a bike. The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation cares for an inland hunk of wetlands and you can boardwalk its 4 miles of trails, leading to an observation tower to oversee this quiet wonderland living side by side with the wealthy bankers who help keep this going.
Captiva, less developed than Sanibel, feels like the Caribbean, and has beaches to die for. Our pick is Captiva Beach with a free parking lot. Here you will find 2.5 miles of treasure hunting in the sand, with the best sunset you’ll probably ever see. You can bike to your heart’s content here as it’s flat and easy going. Watch the hairpin curves.
Breakfast/lunch:
The Bagel Factory: Real live boiled bagels, like they’re supposed to be. A very long time local favorite.
8841 College Pkwy, Ste 108, Fort Myers, (239) 433-2245,
Talk of the Town: Good breakfasts and lunches in a very cool diner setting. It ain’t no reality show. It’s the real thing
19050 S Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908, (239) 267-0477
Bennett’s Fresh Roast: Homemade donuts! Yup! Great ones too. And good breakfasts and lunches and strong coffee.
2011 Bayside Pkwy, Fort Myers, (239) 332-0077
European-American Baking Company: This great breakfast and lunch place has been in biz for over 30 years. Enough said.
12450 Metro Pkwy, Fort Myers, (239) 225-0450
McGregor Cafe: Good breakfast, lunch, and dinner in an old home in the historic district. Real nice patio setting and you can bring your dog!
4305 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, (239) 936-1771
Amy’s Over Easy Cafe: Always known for its great breakfasts, it’s now got a good dinner menu too. Still the hot breakfast joint on the island.
630-1 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, (239) 472-2625
Sanibel Cafe: Long running real good breakfast, lunch and dinner. Healthy comfort food and great grouper.
2007 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, (239) 472-5323
Lunch/dinner:
Moe’s Southwest Grill: Good fast food burritos with great salsas, queso, and chips
13711 S Tamiami Trl, Fort Myers, (239) 415-6637
Gulfshore Grill: Good gulf shrimp and seafood. They serve breakfast. lunch, and dinner. Totally renovation after the 2004 storms.
1270 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 765-5440
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant: Been around forever and still good with a nice waterfront location.
1131 First Street, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 463-8077
Smokin’ Oyster Brewery: Patio style seafood and raw bar with good beer and live music. I want to go there right now!
340 San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 463-3474
Matanzas Inn Restaurant: Dockside seafood, good prices, and solid fare.
416 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 463-3838
Two Meatballs in the Kitchen: Good pizza, but don’t stop there. Everything is good!
Bella Vista Shops, 8890 Salrose Lane, Fort Myers, (239) 489-1111
Markets:
Cape Coral Farmer’s Market: Excellent Saturday market with breads, fresh veggies, fruit, and seafood.
SE 10th Place at SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, (239) 549-6900
Beach Seafood Market: Good seafood market with lots of shrimp choices and fish so fresh it nearly swims to you.
1100 Shrimp Boat Ln, Fort Myers Beach, (239) 463-8777
Watercolor by Peter Bailey