Fort Myers Beach, located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is the heart of the area’s beach scene, stretching along seven miles of the coast on Estero Island. The beach is known for its soft, white sand that’s perfect for talking a long walk. The shallow waters and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for families with young children, and the warm Gulf waters are perfect for swimming.
Bowditch Point Park
At the northern tip of Fort Myers Beach, Bowditch Point Park offers a more serene experience from the main pier beach. This park is a favorite for nature lovers, with its peaceful environment, scenic walking trails, and abundant wildlife. The beach here is less crowded, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk. The park also provides stunning views of the Gulf and Estero Bay, and it’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching, with a variety of coastal birds making their home in the area.
The Pier & Lynn Hall Beach Park
The main hub of Fort Myers Beach, near Times Square at Lynn Hall Beach Park, is where you’ll find the most action. This area is bustling with restaurants, bars, shops, and street performers, giving it a lively, festive atmosphere. The Fort Myers Beach Pier extends into the Gulf, offering stunning views of the sunset and great opportunities for fishing. Note, the pier was destroyed during hurricane Ian in 2023 and is being rebuilt with an estimated 2026 completion. And much of this area is also still being re-built from some of Ian’s destructive path.
Fort Myers Beach Access Points
All along the path south of the pier are small access points for the beach. Each spot leads to the gorgeous wide beachfronts and soft white sands of this coastal community.
My favorite walk was parking at access point 12 and walking south to the ancient pier pillars that still remain and are perfect perches for the birds!
Bunche Beach
Bunche Beach Preserve, located just a short drive from downtown Fort Myers, is a lesser-known spot that offers a peaceful retreat with its natural shoreline, tidal flats, and mangroves. Bunche Beach is a favorite among kayakers and birdwatchers, as the shallow waters and surrounding habitats attract a wide range of wildlife. The beach is less developed than others in the area, providing a quiet, rustic environment where you can truly connect with nature. It’s also a great spot to catch the sunset over San Carlos Bay, with the view often framed by the silhouettes of distant boats and birds.
