Area Beaches

Fort Myers Area Beaches

Fort Myers Beach, a vacation hotspot, is a seven-mile-wide island with plenty of sand, surf, and fun. Fort Myers Beach has a population of around 6,900 people and is less than one mile wide at its widest point. In comparison to the millions of visitors who visit each year, this is a drop in the bucket. The atmosphere is relaxed, but business is serious, even when done in shorts and sandals. Tourism fuels the island’s restaurant, hotel, and amenities industries. With water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico ranging from 66 degrees in Jan. to 87 degrees in August, and weather ranging from a balmy 74 degrees in Jan. to 91 degrees in July and August, Fort Myers Beach will remain a popular vacation destination.

Lover’s Key State Park

Lovers Key is a blend of recreational and educational experiences. Accessible by car, foot or boat, the park has tidal lagoons fringed with mangroves, diverse aquatic animals, bathhouses, picnic shelters, hiking, beautiful remote beaches, canoeing and kayaking. Great place for fishing, swimming, windsurfing and sailing, but no motorized boats allowed. Leashed dogs allowed.

Acres of nature trails and pristine beaches make Lover’s Key one of Florida’s best beachfront parks. Here you can canoe along mangrove lined estuaries, walk miles of secluded, white sand beaches, hike along miles of wetland trails, and enjoy hours of nature study. Many species of waterfowl call the park home, and sightings of the endangered manatee are frequent along the shore and in the nearby waterways. Located in southern Lee County just south of Fort Myers Beach, the park also offers some of the area’s best fishing.

  • 8700 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 Local Phone: 239-463-4588 Fax: 239-463-8851
  • Admission Prices: Walk-in $1, 1 person in vehicle $2, 2 – 8 persons in vehicle $4. Hours: 8 a.m. – sunset. Other: ADA Compliant, Concessions, Parking, Picnic Area, Restrooms, Showers
  • Payment Options: All Major Credit Cards, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Personal Checks, Visa. Tour Time: 4 hours map
  • Directions: 10.5 miles west of I-75, exit 116, Bonita Beach Rd. The park entrance is between New Pass and Big Carlos Pass.

Bowditch Point Regional Park

This lovely 17-acre park fronts both the beach and the bay, welcoming the visitor with an unspoiled wide sandy beach and beautiful views of nearby barrier islands. There is parking available behind the pavillion. Beach lovers can also catch the trolley (bus) from the Main Street Park and Ride parking lot, which runs every 15 minutes.

Located on the northern tip of Estero Island, this 17-acre park offers everything to make your day at the beach complete. A boardwalk leads to the picnic areas and beach. Stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the bay, the park’s amenities include: a bathhouse and changing rooms, a “village deck” for group gatherings and a covered waiting area for trolley service. The courtyard pavilion may be rented for weddings and private parties. Swimming, windsurfing and sailing can be enjoyed here. Handicapped and regular parking is available for 75 cents an hour or $3 a day. Free parking at Main Street lot – ride the trolley for 25 cents.

  • 50 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33908 Local Phone: 239-463-1116
  • Hours: Sunrise – sunset. Other: ADA Compliant, Parking, Picnic Area, Restrooms, Showers
  • Tour Time: 30 minutes or more
  • Directions: San Carlos Blvd. over Matanzas Pass Bridge; turn right at foot of bridge; follow Estero Blvd. 1 mile; road ends at park.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

A great family beach, Lynn Hall Memorial Park at Fort Myers Beach is also a favorite among teenagers and young people. The centerpiece of the park, Fort Myers Beach Pier, is awash with fishermen and local waterfowl. The pelicans especially enjoy the pier, and every post seems to have its prerequisite occupant perched on top. The proximity of the beach to shops and restaurants gives it added appeal.

A beachfront park providing recreational opportunities including a playground, picnic shelters, bathhouse and fishing pier, all in the heart of Fort Myers Beach

  • Lynn Hall Memorial Park 950 Estero Blvd. at Times Square Fort Myers
  • Beach, FL 3393 Local Phone: 239-463-1116 Admission Prices: Parking $.75/hr Hours: Mon – Sun. 8 a.m. – 1/2 hour past sunset.
  • Other: ADA Compliant, Concessions, Parking, Picnic Area, Pier, Playground, Restrooms, Showers Tour Time: 15 minutes or more map
  • Directions: Follow San Carlos Blvd. over Matanzas Pass Bridge; turn right on Estero Blvd.; proceed one block.

Matanzas Pass

Preserve of the Wilderness As you enter the 56-acre Matanzas Pass Wilderness Preserve, you will be greeted by an unspoiled sabal palm and live oak hammock. Slow down to fully appreciate this pristine barrier island forest, complete with abundant wildlife and diverse native plant species.

The boardwalk winds through the mangrove swamp after crossing two bridges on the entry trail. A pavilion overlooking the water at the end of the boardwalk offers a spectacular view of the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve.

From the overlook, you can see jumping fish, wading birds, and even a shy manatee. The wilderness preserve is filled with natural wonders. Take a close look…many creatures only leave their footprints!

Open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Parking is completely free.
Bay Road in Fort Myers Beach, Florida

Bay Oaks Recreation Center

A Facility of Lee County Parks and Recreation
2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach (239) 765-4222
Program and activities include:

Weight room, afterschool drop-in group, crafty club, pre-k klub, late night for teens, teen trips, teen contests and activities, weight lifting for teens, tennis for teens

Adult and youth classes include: yoga/meditation classes, computer labs, self-defense classes, tennis lessons, and theater groups.

Tennis tournaments, basketball tournaments, volleyball tournaments, senior games: Ping Pong and Basketball, softball tournaments, Halloween Family Fright Night, Roller Dance, Health Fair, Holiday Family Fun Night, card shows, and youth dances are all examples of special events and tournaments.

Leagues, Camps, and Clinics: Adult Softball Leagues, Men’s Basketball League, Youth Basketball League, Summer Basketball Camp, Youth Basketball Clinic, Teen Basketball League, Free Throw Competition, Flag Football Leagues, Cheerleading

All visitors are required to sign in at the office. (With a gym pass or ID, equipment is available.) A c t I v I t I e s C e n t e r Outdoor Amenities Basketball: available during open gym hours. The sun is up until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evening volleyball Courts of Tennis (1st come, 1st serve with lights) Weight Room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Grilled picnic area and playground Ping Pong: most hours of operation Baseball diamonds (fee charged for lights) All operating hours are available in the gym.

Beach Community Pool

The Beach Pool is keeping residents and visitors cool! For the months of March, June, July, and August, the pool is open seven days a week. In the months of September, November, December, January, February, April, and May, we are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some of the scheduled programs are available to you and your family. Did you know that the Kiwanis Club provides free swim lessons to residents of the Town of Fort Myers Beach?

Swim lessons are available from May 1st to August 21st, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and lasting thirty minutes. Monday and Wednesday sessions begin at 4:00 p.m. and last 30 minutes from May 3rd to August 25th. For each session date, please contact the pool. Before the lesson, children must sign up. These lessons are free for Beach residents and $40 for those who live outside of town. Private swim lessons are also available. They cost $16 for a half-hour session and $8 for each additional child.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the Beach Community Pool also offers Aquatic Aerobics. From 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. from June to August. From September to May, the program is held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The first class is free, and subsequent classes are $5 each, for a total of $40 for ten classes.

The Beach Community Pool is a popular summer destination for visiting groups and a great place to celebrate children’s birthday parties. Birthday parties cost $15 to rent a Funbrella, and food can be ordered from the snack bar. You are welcome to bring your own birthday cake.

The Beach Community Pool welcomes visitors from all over Lee County because we have one of the best facilities in the area. Please call ahead to confirm pool capacity. If you want to avoid the crowds, go during the weekday hours of 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Call (239) 463-5759 for more information.