FLORIDA'S TROPICAL ISLAND VACATION DESTINATION

Restaurant Recommendations
Nearby Golf Courses
Sports
Attractions in Ft Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach is a barrier island located off the Southern Gulf Coast of Florida. This location is central to visitor's top choices of places to go:

Ft Myers Beach: Known as one of the top five locations in the USA for the most perfect weather! Ft Myers Beach actually consists of two islands: At the north end is a very small island, known as San Carlos Island. This island is caught between the bay and the ocean. Restaurants and marinas are the main staples of the island. The larger of the two islands is Estero, approximately 8 miles long. The north end of the island is known for its many hotels, 'the pier' and 'Times Square.' The pier is exactly that; many fish from the pier, and others observe the setting sun from this strategic location.

This northern end has a small shopping district, restaurants, bars and pubs, tattoo studios, body piercing pagodas...generally not an area recommended for unaccompanied young people, especially during Spring Break times. This is "where the action is"....very satisfying for those looking to party, but too hectic for those seeking relaxation. The remaining area of the island tends to be residential, with two grocery stores, a few marinas, and of course, condo buildings.

The south end of the island, where our condo building is located, is known for peaceful tranquility. At the south end, over Big Carlos Pass, is Lover's Key. This undeveloped island has miles of sparkling white beaches...with the natural animals of tropical environment. Many boats pull up into the sandy shallows, for swimming, shelling and picnics. The shelling on Ft Myers Beach is usually awesome. Shelling is largely dependent on storms and currents, but the shell availability here rivals Sanibel.

Click here for list of attractions in Ft Myers Beach.

Naples: approx. 30 minutes drive south. Featuring Tin City, Old Naples, an exotic shopping district rivaling Rodeo Drive, and some beautiful marinas. Naples has the 2nd highest per-capita income in the United States, and is home to some of the world's wealthiest people.

City of Ft Myers: approx. 30 minutes drive north. Visit the summer home of Henry Ford & Thomas Edison, where you will find the country's largest banyon tree, with a circumference of over 400 feet! See the laboratory in which Edison worked, as well as many of his inventions. Stop by children's Imaginarium (a hands-on museum/science center) , the Ft Myers Historical Museum, and the Gatorama Exhibit. Catch a Broadway Musical at the beautiful Barbara Mann Performing Arts Hall, or visit the Cultural Park Theatre, hosting local talent in stage productions.

Cape Coral & Pine Island: approx. 20 minutes north, you will find Greenwells Family Fun Park, with go cart tracks, mini golf, batting cages, & bumper boats. For more family entertainment, visit Sun Splash Waterpark! You may enjoy Four Mile Cove Ecological Perserve, and island hopping on the Jug Creek Cruise Boat, or go fishing on a 90 ft. yacht 'Great Getaway'. For the golfers, there is Royal Tee, a 27 hole Champion Golf Course, to which the public is welcome.

Sanibel Island & Captiva Island: approx. 30 minute drive north, with yet another Golf & Tennis Club. Captiva Cruises offers a ½ day Cruise to Cabbage Key or Useppa Island, where you can enjoy an island lunch. Captiva is also known for the excellent Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. For a unique experience, visit Morgan's Forest restaurant with reproductions of a South American Forest inside the eatery. On Sanibel, be sure to see the Multi million dollar World Class yachts and cruisers docking at South Sea Resort Marina.

Everglades: 20 minute ride. View the alligators sunning along the canals of Alligator Alley, try the day long eco-tour safari, or fossil expeditions. Babcock Wilderness Adventures takes you on a 1 ½ hour ride on a swamp buggy. Several air-boat ride companies in this area as well.

Guests will have a free travel guide mailed to them for perusal. Advance reservations are recommended for recreational and cultural activities during high season.

Approximate driving mileage to major Florida cities from Ft Myers Beach:

Alice's Restaurant Recommendations:

Note: I receive no compensation to include any recommended restaurant. These are places our family and friends personally frequent and enjoy.

1. Charley Brown's Steak House, 6225 Estero Blvd., just north of the condo. Known for excellent steak, gigantic salad bar. A bit pricey, but well worth it.

2. Fernando's, 4675 Estero Blvd., north of the condo. Indoor and Outdoor dining on
the water, with delightful views of Marina docks. Savory dishes, reasonably priced.

3. Gulfshore Grill, 1270 Estero Blvd, far north on Island. NOT
RECOMMENDED DURING HIGH SEASON DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC ON
ISLAND. Gigantic salad bar, decent food. Moderately priced.

4. Vincenzo's, Bonita Beach Road, south of the condo. Totally authentic Italian
Cuisine, not typical psuedo-Italian style meal. Nice bay water front water view,
excellent service. A bit pricey, but worth the experience.

5. The Crab Shack, located in plaza at corner of Bonita Beach Rd and Route 41.
Approx. 10 miles south of condo. Very casual, fun place to go. Known for different
Crab entres: Crab legs, King crab, Blue crab, Crab claws. Eclectic atmosphere.
Sidewalk dining available. Fairly priced seafood.

6. The Pewter Mug Steak House, 12300 Tamiami Trail, North Naples. From the
corner of Bonita Beach Rd and Route 41, head south toward Naples. Located on the
left side of the street. Nice salad bar, casual ambiance. Good food, well priced.

Golfer's paradise on the gulf coast

****50 golf courses in the immediate South Gulf Coast area!****

Here are just several well worth considering:

Fort Myers Country Club (The fort), designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross, with only 35 bunkers.
(239) 936-2457

Eastwood Golf Course, designed by Robert VonHagge. Ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best public facilities in the USA.
(239) 275-4848

Gateway Golf & Country Club (239) 561-1010

Gulf Harbour Yacht & Country Club, on Caloosahatchee River.
Features 83 bunkers. (239) 433-4211

Pelican Sound, designed in conjunction with PGA player Mike Hill. Very challenging course. (239) 498-9979

Bonita Springs Golf Club, (239) 992-2800

Bonita Fairways An Executive course (239) 947-9100

Country Creek Club An Executive course (239) 947-3820

Stoneybrook Country Club , nearby on Corkscrew Road, designed by Gordon Lewis, this course has 7 sets of tees, ranging from junior players to champions. (239) 948-3933

Gateway Golf and Country Club, just minutes from the airport. Designed by Tom Fazio, and recipient of a 4-star ranking with Golf Digest. (239) 561-1010

Lochmoor Country Club, beautiful scenery, and site of two previous LPGA events. (239) 995-0501

Beachview Golf Club, Sanibel Island Championship Course
(239) 472-2626

The Dunes, Sanibel Island Championship Course
(239) 472-2535

Cypress Lake Country Club, where 81 year old Patty Berg still practices several times each week. Patty was a founding member of the LPGA Tour, and won 57 tournaments.

Sports

BASEBALL TRAINING CAMPS

The Boston Rex Sox Spring Training camp is located at the City of Palms Park at 2201 Edison Ave. in Ft Myers. For schedule and tickets, www.redsox.com. Or, call (239) 334-4700

Minnesota Twins Spring Training is located at 14400 Six Mile Cypress Parkway in Ft Myers. For schedule or tickets, call (239) 768-4210, or www.twinsbaseball.com.

BASKETBALL

Florida Sea Dragons, games played at TECO Arena. This sports facility is located just off Rt 75 at Corkscrew Road, next to the Miromar Mall. www.floridaseadragons.com For tickets, call (239) 948-7825.

HOCKEY

Florida Everblades, on NHL size hockey rinks. Played at TECO Arena. www.floridaeverblades.com Phone (239) 948-7825

SKATING

Ft Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Ft Myers. 72,000 square foot family entertainment center. Ice skating , in line skating. Also offers LASER TAG and a Video Arcade. Rentals are available. www.fortmyersskatium.com Phone (239) 461-3145.