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Fort Myers

Things to Do

Fort Myers Beaches

No trip to Lee County would be complete without exploring our fantastic waterfront! Visit The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel website for details on each location.

Fort Myers Area Waterfront & Beaches

No trip to Lee County would be complete without exploring our fantastic waterfront! Visit The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel website for details on each location.

Within Lee County, some beaches are owned and managed by municipalities and the state. We encourage visitors to visit the following websites for other beach updates:

Florida Healthy Beaches Program (Florida Department of Health)– Map with beach samples & advisory status

Current Beach Conditions (MOTE Marine Laboratory)– Map with beach conditions from select beaches in Southwest Florida

Red Tide Current Sampling Map– Updated bi-weekly by The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commissions (FWC)

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF)– A local foundation dedicated to the conservation of coastal habitats and aquatic resources on Sanibel and Captiva islands and in the surrounding watershed.

Algal Bloom Sampling Status– Interactive dashboard allows public to see where algal blooms were occurring in Florida. It features real-time updates, photos and information. Users can search by specific address, ZIP code, city or place. The tool includes quick links to other resources such as public health information.

Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)– This is an experimental forecast of potential respiratory irritation that may occur because of airborne toxins produced by the red tide organism Karenia brevis. It indicates a greater or lesser likelihood of negative conditions based on predicted wind and ocean currents. Please NOTE: This experimental forecast is currently being tested for efficacy and is not yet an official forecast. Daily availability of the product cannot be assured.

 Lee County’s Water Quality Information


Barrier Islands: North Captiva, Cayo Costa, Gasparilla Island

Popular with residents and tourists alike, Lee County’s northern barrier islands are only accessible by boat. A great getaway or day trip.


Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Beautiful barrier islands that have balanced growth with concern for nature and wildlife. World famous for shelling, fishing, and the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Preserve.


Cape Coral

Tucked behind Sanibel near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, Cape Coral’s riverfront sandy beach and public fishing pier are open to residents and visitors year round. Amenities include BBQ grills, picnic shelters, restaurant, and a children’s play area. Miles of canals weave through Cape Coral, providing waterfront vistas in many places.


Fort Myers Beach

The perfect “Florida Beach Town”, Fort Myers Beach combines family vacations with fun and nightlife. The Town Square near the pier is a great people-watching spot, while further down the island residential properties and condominiums make for a quieter beach experience. Along Estero Boulevard there are many beach access points, allowing the public to enjoy this coast’s pristine white sands. A great vacation destination!


Lover’s Key

South of Fort Myers Beach and North of Bonita is a wonderful family recreation area called Lover’s Key. Carl E. Johnson Park, operated by Lee County Parks, boasts wide sandy beaches, clean clear water, and the feeling of being “away from it all – yet close to amenities and luxury hotels. The park entrance is between New Pass and Big Carlos Pass.


Bonita Beach

The southernmost beach in Lee County, Bonita Beach is lined with Australian Pine trees. Public parking, restaurants and play equipment are available, and it’s a great beach for strolling and enjoying the scenery.


Caloosahatchee River

Majestic and peaceful, the Caloosahatchee River Waterfront is part of the downtown business community, and a popular recreation destination for fishing, waterskiing, sight seeing, and eco-tours. For the perfect finish to a Fort Myers day, watch the sun set over the Caloosahatchee!