Fort Myers Beach

The Fort Myers Beach area (especially Sanibel and Captiva) is well known for world class shelling, so if you are not into just lying on the beach and basking in the sun it is still an attractive area to visit.

There are many nature preserves in the area which offer a wide variety of activities for the active and not so active vacationer. You can go kayaking, canoeing and walking to see birds, fish, alligators and if you are lucky manatees and otters as well as all types of flowers and trees (such as the Corkscrew Cyprus). Check out the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Tarpon Bay and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. You can go to these places on your own or utilize organized tours, if you prefer.

There are some special architectural/historical tours, such as the Ford & Edison homes, and plenty of outlet shopping malls nearby. We found this particular time of the year provided few cultural activities such as plays or concerts.

There are lots of good restaurants for eating and dining and casual attire is acceptable everywhere.

Quick Tips:

If you stay on Fort Myers Beach try to stay at a resort/hotel with an even numbered address on Estero Blvd. This will put you on the beach side of the street. However, don't worry, as all resorts have beach access close by. The lower the street address on Estero Blvd, the closer you are to restaurants and shopping should you prefer walking rather than driving to all of your destinations.

Generally, except for January 15 through April 15, a discount program (The Entertainment Book) is available for use at many local restaurants and activities. This book was available for purchase at the resort where we stayed.

Best Way To Get Around:

A car is pretty essential to enjoy the area's attractions (and to go grocery shopping).

Best Things Nearby:
Lovers' Key State Park, movie theater, Publix grocery store, and the public library (with free internet access).

Best Things About the Resort:
On the beach location, beach view balcony in the unit.

Resort Experience:
We stayed in a one bedroom unit for four with privacy for four (which means there are two bathrooms: a master bath and another accessible from the general living area where the sleep sofa is located). The master bath has a hair dryer, two sinks, a toilet, and a tub with shower. The other bath has one sink, a toilet, and shower. All linens, towels, toilet paper, tissues, and bath soap are provided. Free beach towels are not provided.

We found the unit to be spacious enough for the two of us but would have felt cramped in the living room and dining area if there had been two other adults with us. The unit is air conditioned and all rooms have ceiling fans.

All units at the resort have beach view screened balconies. The one bedroom units have the widest beach view from the balconies. The balcony is accessed via sliding glass doors from the master bedroom and the living room. The balcony has a chaise lounge, a table with four chairs, and a ceiling fan with light. A great place to watch the spectacular sunsets.

The unit has a large TV and VCR player with remotes in the living room and a small TV with remote in the bedroom. Cable TV is provided but no premium channels are available.

The unit has its own washer/dryer (detergent not provided). The full kitchen has a dishwasher (detergent provided), sink with garbage disposal, stove, microwave, coffeemaker, toaster, popcorn-maker, and refrigerator. All dishes, glasses, pots, pans, linens, paper towels, and plastic garbage bags are provided. There is a separate dining area with a table and six chairs.

The resort has a heated outdoor pool and an outdoor hot tub (which my husband used and enjoyed). Barbeque stoves are available for guest use. There is direct beach access.

There is a small lobby with seating area and a small game room with a pool table, VCR tape rental machine (limited selection of tapes), activity brochures, and a mini lending library.

As is usual at a timeshare, there was an orientation session (with coffee and donuts) to share information about the resort facilities and area attractions. The sales staff was friendly and available, if sought out by you.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Good
• Family Friendliness: Good
• Service: Good

Our luncheon experience was a very pleasant one. The staff was courteous, friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is upscale but relaxed with large glass walls looking out into a lush, green garden with many different flowers. There is also an interior dining area and a large bar. The food was excellent with a wide selection of choices. We had the Chicken Pot Pie (very good) and the Caesar Salad with grilled salmon (excellent).

During 2002-2003 the Entertainment Card (discount program) is accepted here excluding January 15 through April 15. The price range indicated above is for lunch. Dinner would be $10 to $15 more. Although this restaurant is about a half hour drive from Fort Myers Beach it is worth the effort.

This restaurant offers an unusual stone cooking concept at each table. Beef, poultry and seafood are cooked on a hot stone at your table. Other entrees not utilizing the stone cooking concept are available. We had a seafood combination (shrimp, scallop and tuna) and the evening's special meat (antelope) cooked on the stone. The food quality was excellent and if you like your seafood rare this may be the best way to get it. The portion size was fine for me but somewhat scant for my husband. For an appetizer we had a pecan crusted brie served warm which was delicious. The staff was very gracious and helpful. The atmosphere was pleasant.

During 2002-2003 the Entertainment Card (discount program) is available excluding holidays and Friday and Saturday during January 15 through April 15. The above price range is for dinner.

This restaurant could be called casually elegant. However, one can be comfortable in casual attire. The service was attentive. The food quality was varied. I had a stuffed salmon entree which was overcooked. My husband had a chicken and shrimp marsala entree which was excellent. The portions were generous.

During the 2002-2003 season, the Entertainment Card (discount program) is accepted any evening. The above Price Range is for dinner.

The atmosphere is casual and comfortable; a family oriented restaurant. Both booths and tables are available. The wait staff was friendly. The seafood was excellently prepared.

During the 2002-2003 season the Entertainment Card (discount program) is accepted, excluding January 15 through April 15. The above price range is for dinner.