3 Years After Hurricane Ian, Fort Myers Beach is Back in Business (Mostly)
After a devastating 2022 storm, Southwest Florida’s best beach town is bouncing back with new hotels, restored beaches, and plenty of heart.
It’s a bit ridiculous when I think about it. I’ve visited and written about hundreds of destinations across more than 175 countries over the past 15 years. Yet somehow, I’ve never taken the time to write about my own hometown.
It’s especially surprising when you consider that my home town is the popular vacation destination of Fort Myers Beach, Florida.
Growing up in Fort Myers, this stretch of white sand on Estero Island was where I first learned to love the ocean. It’s where I built sandcastles as a kid, learned to water ski, and spent summer vacations with my family.
Now that I live in nearby Punta Gorda, Fort Myers Beach is still one of my favorite places for a relaxing beach day or a sunset dinner.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle). All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Like so many who love this place, I watched with heartbreak as Hurricane Ian tore through in 2022, leaving unimaginable devastation in its wake.
But Fort Myers Beach has always had grit.
Three years later, the town continues to rebuild with determination. And with each new restaurant reopening and every boardwalk restored, the island’s spirit shines brighter.
Local officials have described this period as the “functional paradise phase.” And when I visit now, that’s a pretty good description of what it’s like.
The beaches are beautiful again, the restaurants freshly painted in island colors, and the grouper sandwiches taste just as delicious as they always have.
But while many businesses and restaurants have reopened, large construction crews and sand piles remain a prominent sight. And you can’t go far without spotting homes and businesses that have yet to rebuild.
Today, the Fort Myers Beach community is finding its rhythm again. So I decided it was finally time to write about my home town. Because finally, I think it’s time to go back.
Live music once again spills from waterfront restaurants, kids play in the surf, and locals gather at Times Square to watch the nightly sunset show. It still has that signature Southwest Florida charm — relaxed, unpretentious, and family-friendly.
So, if you’re looking for a great beach vacation, it’s time to add Fort Myers Beach back into the Florida destination lineup.
Let’s get to know it!
How to Get to Fort Myers Beach
First things first, getting to Fort Myers Beach is easy.
The closest airport is charming Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. I love this airport. It has palm trees.
From the airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive depending on traffic. Located on Estero Island in Lee County, Fort Myers Beach is connected to the mainland by the Matanzas Pass Bridge.
If you’re coming from the East Coast of Florida, Fort Myers Beach is about a 2.5-hour drive from Miami across Alligator Alley (through the Everglades!).
Parking is available throughout the island, especially near Times Square, Bowditch Point Park, and Lovers Key State Park. Spaces do fill quickly on weekends, holidays, and during the busy winter (snowbird) months.
Keep in mind that as rebuilding continues, you may still encounter construction zones or temporary detours.
Where to Stay on Fort Myers Beach
After the hurricane, many of the Fort Myers Beach resorts and hotels had to rebuild from the ground up. While not every property has reopened yet, the island is making steady progress.
More and more beautiful hotels and vacation rentals are reopening every month and pretty much everything old is new again. You’ll find a mix of resorts, classic inns, and condo rentals with waterfront views.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach – The newest addition to the island and a major milestone in its comeback story. This full-service resort sits right along the beachfront near Times Square, with tropical décor, ocean-view rooms, and live music.
Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites – Just steps from Times Square, this fun, budget-friendly option is known for its lively pool bar and convenient location.
Matanzas Inn – A charming bayside stay near the marina. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quiet, Old Florida vibe.
Pointe Estero Resort – This condominium-inspired resort features one and two-bedroom units with fully equipped kitchens, in unit laundry, and panoramic Gulf views.
Vacation Rentals & Condos
Many Airbnb and VRBO rentals have reopened on both Estero Boulevard and the quieter south end of the island. Most come with full kitchens, easy beach access, and beautiful views of the Gulf.
These are a great option for families or longer stays. Here are a few of my favorites:
Diamond Head Beach Resort – This full-service, all-suite resort sits on a prime stretch of Fort Myers Beach.
Casa Playa Beach Resort – From budget-friendly studios to spacious one-bedroom units, you can’t miss this recently renovated beachfront condo building thanks to its signature painted palms and pink color.
Best Things to Do on Fort Myers Beach
While relaxed beach days are the primary objective for most visitors, Fort Myers Beach does have a wide variety of activities.
Here are a few of my favorite things to do:
1. Explore Times Square
The heart of the island is the Times Square area near the pier (or at least what used to be the pier!).
It’s a lively hub filled with music, restaurants, and beach bars. It’s where everyone gathers for sunset, live bands, and that classic Fort Myers Beach energy.
2. Visit Lovers Key State Park
Just south of the island, Lovers Key State Park is one of Southwest Florida’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll find nature trails, kayak rentals, and quiet spots for dolphin watching.
It’s also a favorite for nature lovers and photographers looking for that perfect Gulf Coast view. For more information, visit the Lovers Key State Park website.
3. Tour the Mound House
For a glimpse into history, visit the Mound House, the oldest standing structure on the island. Built on an ancient Calusa shell mound, it offers exhibits on early Florida life, educational programs, and scenic views of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.
For more information, visit the Mound House website.
4. Enjoy Water Sports and Dolphin Tours
If you love being on the water, this is your place. Try jet ski rentals, kayak tours, parasailing, or take a dolphin cruise along the coast. The 2-hour Private Dolphin Tour from Fort Myers Beach or the 2.5-hr Sailboat Tour aboard Orion’s Child are both great options to get out on the water.
Another fun day on the water is the 3-Hour Tiki Pub Tropical Sandbar Getaway Cruise. This popular cruise includes a trip to a sandbar on a floating tiki bar with stand-up paddle boards and floats included.
The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is another must for kayakers who want to explore Southwest Florida’s mangrove-lined waterways.
5. Visit Bowditch Point Park
At the island’s north end, Bowditch Point Park is a peaceful spot with walking trails, picnic areas, and panoramic views of both the Gulf of Mexico and Caloosahatchee River.
It’s also a great place for birdwatching or just escaping the crowds for a while.
6. Catch a Baseball Game
Baseball fans visiting in spring can watch the Boston Red Sox or Minnesota Twins train nearby in Fort Myers. It’s one of the area’s most popular seasonal draws and a fun local experience if you’re visiting in March.
The Red Sox play at JetBlue Park at Fenway South, and the Twins play at the Lee Health Sports Complex.
7. Enjoy the Sunsets
Sunsets are a nightly event on Fort Myers Beach. Head to Times Square, Lynn Hall Park, or any waterfront restaurant to watch the sky turn orange and pink.
A sunset sail is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of a Fort Myers Beach sunset. This 2-hour Southwest Florida Sunset Sail is my top pick, they also offer a fun 2-hour day sail along the coast.
Now let’s move on to my favorite subject, where to eat!
Best Restaurants on Fort Myers Beach
If there’s one thing Fort Myers Beach does best, it’s seafood straight from the Gulf.
The island’s restaurants are known for their fresh grouper sandwiches, Gulf shrimp, and sweet Florida stone crab claws (in season from mid-October through mid-May).
Add a sunset view, a cold drink, and live island music, and you’ve got the full Fort Myers Beach dining experience.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
A Southwest Florida staple, Doc Ford’s serves island-inspired seafood and tropical drinks. Located across the bridge on the other side of Estero Bay (on San Carlos Island), Doc’s is a great place for live music and waterfront views.
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
This open-air restaurant located on the back bay is a local favorite. They have their own fishing boats to bring in all those local specialties so your seafood lunch or dinner here is literally “fresh off the boat.”
Nervous Nellie’s
This colorful, family-friendly spot at the Fort Myers Beach Marina is pure fun. The menu runs from seafood platters to burgers and pasta, and there’s live music almost every afternoon.
Wahoo Willie’s
Just steps from Times Square, Wahoo Willie’s has tiki bar vibes with fried seafood baskets, tropical cocktails, and live music all day long.
Yucatan Beach Stand
Lively, open-air, and always packed with energy, Yucatan Beach Stand is where you’ll find strong margaritas, friendly locals, and a menu that covers everything from tacos to blackened mahi.
So come back to Fort Myers Beach!
Whether you’re coming for the nature trails at Lovers Key State Park, the sunset scene at Times Square, or a quiet walk along the island’s soft white sands, Fort Myers Beach is one of Florida’s most welcoming and resilient beach towns.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a family vacation (or just to see how far the island has come), you’ll quickly discover that the spirit of Fort Myers Beach is very much alive — strong, hopeful, and full of heart.
Looking for more great Florida destinations? Start here:
Forget Naples or Sarasota: Old Florida Still Exists on the Charming Island of Boca Grande
The First-Timer’s Guide to Sanibel Island, Florida: The Seashell Capital of the World🐚
Get Your “Greek Fix” in Tarpon Springs, Florida (No Passport Required!)
Brilliant Pensacola Beach is the True Gem of Florida’s Emerald Coast (Here’s Why)
