Fort Myers Beach: the "old Florida" Destination

Located on the naturally stunning Estero Island and offering a relaxed and friendly atmosphere that is distinctly different from the glitz and glamour of the other nearby resort communities, Fort Myers Beach is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether the untamed nature of “Old Florida” has drawn you in or the miles of secluded beaches are your dream come true, Fort Myers Beach has everything you need for an enjoyable, easy-going getaway.

Always the main attraction and never fully appreciated until seen in person, the seven miles of sandy shoreline that line the town are truly a sight to behold. With towering palm trees providing ample shade and sugary white sand that seems to go on forever, you will feel as if you stepped onto a private, hidden paradise along the Gulf of Mexico. While the beach is a breathtaking beauty, the water is its own treasure since the lack of undertow and shallow depth make it the perfect place to swim or learn a new watersport. Generally considered one of the world’s safest beaches, visitors can set out for an afternoon of jet skiing, sailing, or water skiing without a care in the world.

Since the best Fort Myers Beach attractions are the ones that nature has created, a stop at the Lovers Key State Recreation Area is always a worthwhile adventure. While there are four barrier islands that make up the park, Lovers Key is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins, bald eagles, West Indians manatees, and various other kinds of wildlife. Swimming, shelling, and sunbathing are all popular along the two mile beach, and the nearby Black Island offers extensive hiking and biking trails for those who prefer more active pursuits.

For those interested in the delicate balance of Florida’s marine ecosystems, the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center offers touch tanks, aquariums, and interactive exhibits to promote awareness and understanding of marine life. Visitors can view recluse species during feeding time, learn how sea turtles hatch, touch a starfish, and much more. The nearby Lee County Manatee Park, located in Fort Myers, is another excellent attraction where visitors can view the lumbering creature in its natural habitat from observation decks.

At the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the top historical attraction in the area, visitors can walk through Edison’s Victorian home, Seminole Lodge, and view the laboratory in which he worked on his numerous inventions. Tours of Ford’s home, Mangoes, which sits right next door, are also offered by costumed guides who provide a “living history” account of the time the inventor and the automobile magnate spent in Fort Myers. The Southwest Florida Museum of History, also located in Fort Myers, and the Koreshan State Historic Site, situated in Estero, are two other favorites that cannot be missed during your time on the mainland.

In addition to the wondrous outdoor adventures and nearby attractions, Fort Myers Beach offers a multitude of restaurants and waterside shopping options for your stay on the island. The cobble-stoned Seafarer’s Village is the place to go for a souvenir or two, while the numerous seafood restaurants are the perfect cap to an entertaining, water-filled day. For a truly unique Fort Myers Beach experience, hop aboard one of the sunset dinner cruises and enjoy fine cuisine in serene, stunning surroundings.

No matter what activities and attractions you have penciled into your itinerary, Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals make it easy to enjoy everything amazing about this waterfront destination. Take advantage of amenities such as wireless internet, a fully-equipped kitchen, and numerous TVs and DVD players while surrounding yourself with some of the most spectacular, unrestrained beauty that Florida has to offer. For a getaway vacation unlike any other, book a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental located along the Gulf of Mexico today.