6 WELCOME MAPS
8 FORT MYERS/SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS
9 FORT MYERS BEACH/ESTERO ISLAND
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BEACHES: Fun Starts Here!
The beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands provide a perfect backdrop for a great Southwest Florida vacation.
Southwest Florida has more than 600 miles of shoreline, so as you can imagine, recreational water activities abound. 14
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ACTIVITIES: Thrillin’ and Chillin’
ATTRACTIONS: Places We Love
Visit Sanibel and Captiva Islands and you’ll experience North America’s best shelling and birding destinations.
FAMILY FUN: Make Laughter-Filled Memories
Families will enjoy spending time together exploring and learning about the area’s one-of-a-kind wildlife, rich history, and numerous educational and entertaining activities.
TOURS: Find Your Perfect Adventure
You’ll want to take advantage of the multitude of tour options and make arrangements to explore the Fort Myers, Sanibel-Captiva area.
GOLF: Swing Into Action
Fort Myers-area courses offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
TRIPS:
You may have planned your visit to the area because of the warm sunshine and beautiful beaches, but day trips can make worthwhile detours.
DINING: Time to Eat
Southwest Florida’s shores skirt the Gulf of Mexico, and its dining tables reap the benefits with fabulous fresh seafood as the main staple at many local Fort Myers area restaurants.
NIGHTLIFE: Sunset and Beyond
After a day of sun and activity, relax and cool down with a refreshing tropical drink while watching the sun sink into the Gulf horizon.
SHOPPING: Souvenirs and so Much More
You came for the sun and sand, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do a little shopping while you’re here. Shopaholics will have no trouble finding treasures.
MUST DO COUPON SAVINGS
Get your great deals on local businesses and Restuarants.
Welcome to Fort Myers! As an avid traveler, I know the great effort that goes into planning a fulfilling holiday. There are endless experiences to be had, but narrowing down the worthwhile activities can be a challenge. Let Must Do Visitor Guides help you create a fun-filled agenda!
At Must Do Visitor Guides we believe the best experiences in life are better when shared, and so we do. Inside this Fort Myers Winter/Spring 2018 issue, you will find over one hundred well-researched and carefully curated standout things to do so you can make the most of your visit. Everything from major attractions to aweinspiring tours or family activities conveniently arranged in our Top 10 directories. Our dining and nightlife recommendations take the guesswork out of where to find a great meal or drink. You can make your experience here even more spectacular with our valuable deals and savings.
Our website MustDo.com is loaded with interesting photos and videos, discount offers from area businesses, and expanded local information including feature blog articles. There is always something going on, and our Events Calendar provides information about recurring and special community events, exhibits, festivals, and more. Be sure to follow us or share your experiences through our social media outlets. I am convinced you will find this Fort Myers area Must Do visitor guide and our website invaluable and inspirational resources to fill your days with fun in the sun.
I hope you have a memorable visit!
Editor in Chief
We give you the lowdown on the area’s best beaches. Our beaches are consistently on national, state, and local ‘best of” lists.
The Fort Myers area offers a fantastic shopping experience for those who need take a time out from the gorgeous beaches.
The Fort Myers, Sanibel-Captiva area is full of wildlife refuges, secluded bays, and nature preserves that are teaming with wildlife for you and the kids to discover.
Kayak through lush mangrove forests, catch dolphins frolicing in the surf, learn about the areas diverse ecology on one of the many tours on offer.
Shrimp to sangria. Tofu to prime rib. The Fort Myers area has some of the best dining around. Our restuarant listing provides a great start for your culinary tour. Bon appetite!
PUBLISHER
Dave Ettinger 941.400.5377
dave@mustdo.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Nita Ettinger 941.266.0054
nita@mustdo.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Lauren Ettinger lauren@mustdo.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Gillian Birch gillianbirch.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Elizabeth Barnett blackpineappledesigns.com
Jennifer Brinkman
jenniferbrinkman.smugmug.com
Nita Ettinger
Justin Fennell
justinfennellphotography.com
Mary Carol Fitzgerald
marycarolfitzgerald.com
Gary Jung
Debi Pittman Wilkey
COVER PHOTO
Captured on Sanibel Island
by Mary Carol Fitzgerlad
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Robin McDowall 813.679.8867
mcdowalldesign.com
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Fort Myers/Fort Myers Beach
Barry Black 239.980.3744
barry@mustdo.com
Sanibel/Captiva Islands
Veruska Koerner 239.233.4462
veruska@mustdo.com
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Kathryn Kelley 571.239.5526
kat@mustdo.com
CIRCULATION INFORMATION
circulation@mustdo.com
Beach Trivia
Did you know that sandy beaches are mostly made of silica (SiO2) in the form of the mineral quartz.
The beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands provide a perfect backdrop for a great Southwest Florida vacation. Area beaches are consistently on national, state, and local “best of” and “top” lists. With more than 400 varieties of shells, the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva have earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. The seven-mile stretch of family-friendly Fort Myers Beach’s gentle undertow, white powdery sand, and licensed fishing pier create a fun beach environment everyone will enjoy. Grab some sunscreen, a towel, bucket, bag, or scoop, and head to the beach. For additional photos and information on area beaches visit MustDo.com.
Challenge your kids to find starfish, egg casings, sea glass, sand dollars, coral, and more while exploring Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva’s white sandy beaches. They will enjoy exploring the coastal environment and delight in having found a natural treasure to take home. And, who doesn’t love beach combing? One important caution: Make sure the shells your kids collect are not live (inhabited). Aside from the surprise you’ll get back home, it’s illegal to remove living shells from the beaches. This includes sand dollars, starfish, and sea urchins.
14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island
Also known as Captiva Beach, this romantic, wide, and sandy north Captiva public beach access offers wonderful sunset views. Recognized as one of the most romantic beaches in Florida and one of the top beaches in the United States. Very limited parking is available at a rate of $4 per hour. Located adjacent to South Seas Island Resort.
Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Restrooms
Beachfront preserve and restorative area offering panoramic views with shoreline on the Gulf of Mexico and Matanzas Pass. Features benches for taking in the beauty and serenity of the area, walking trails, a butterfly garden, BBQ grills, and shaded picnic areas. Free guided-walks are offered Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., seasonally. Parking is available at a rate of $2 per hour.
Bowman’s Beach Park
1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd., Sanibel Island
This popular award-winning beach offers miles of white sandy beach to play, relax, or gather shells. It’s a ten-minute hike from the parking lot to the beach so bring a beach cart or wagon if you have a lot of gear or little ones. No concessions available other than a vending machine with water and soda. Follow the marked trail through the wooded area over the footbridge and dunes. Parking is available at a rate of $4 per hour.
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
The park is one of Florida’s most underdeveloped islands where visitors are rewarded with acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps, nature trails, and shady picnic areas. The island and its nine-miles of beautiful beaches are ideal for swimming, shelling, and snorkeling. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch and something to drink, as there are no concessions available. Accessible by private boat or ferry only.
8800 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Give your dog an off-the-leash run on the only county-owned beach where pets are allowed. Doggie shower and disposal stations are available. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. Maximum of two dogs per person is allowed. A coastal tideland, therefore the size of the beach varies on the water level and tide. Parking is free.
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier
112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island
Located on the eastern tip of Sanibel and wrapping around to the bay side offering both Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay views. Historic working lighthouse, boardwalk, nature trails, t-dock fishing pier, and an abundance of small shells makes it a favorite among visitors and residents alike. Parking is available at a rate of $4 per hour.
8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Four barrier islands offering biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and shelling in a pristine setting. Manatees, dolphins, coastal birds, and even bald eagles are often seen. The two-mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram. Kayak, canoe, pedal boat, stand-up paddleboards, beach chairs, and umbrella rentals available. Park entrance admission fee varies between $2 and $8 depending on the mode of transport and number of occupants.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park
950 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Beachfront park located on Fort Myers Beach, just north of the footof the Matanzas Pass Bridge, next toTimes Square. This 17acre parkfeatures picnic shelters with grills, alarge playground, vending, and changing and restroom facilities. Adjacent pier is great for fishing complete with bait shop and rod & reel rentals. Parking is available at a rate of $2 per hour.
Sanibel Causeway Beaches
19931 Sanibel Causeway Rd., Sanibel Island
Located just after the tollbooth on the spoil islands that links Sanibel Island to the mainland. The first of the two islands is referred to as Causeway A; the second Causeway B. Causeway bisects San Carlos Bay near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River allowing Bay and Gulf access. Grills, drinking fountains, and picnic tables are available. Pull your vehicle right up to the edge of the water. Parking is free.
Turner Beach
17200 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island
Located on the southern tip of Captiva right at the “Welcome to Captiva” sign at Blind Pass Bridge. A popular spot for shelling and fishing from the beach or the rock jetty. Use caution when swimming near the bridge due to swift currents. Limited parking is available at a rate of $4 per hour. Blind Pass Beach is on the Sanibel side of the Blind Pass Channel.
Florida beaches are home to 80 percent of the Loggerhead turtles in the U.S. From May through October, there are an estimated 50,000 sea turtles in Florida making it the most important nesting area in the United States!
Visitors to Sanibel Island are constantly surprised by the exceptional quantity and variety of seashells that wash up daily on Sanibel’s sandy coastline. This is due to the island jutting out into the Gulf of Mexico on a shallow underwater plateau. Lying in an east-west orientation, the island traps a large number of shells that are stirred up by tides and waves and deposited in abundance on Sanibel’s white sand beaches.
Sanibel’s seashells attract thousands of shell collectors who can be seen performing the “Sanibel stoop” as they comb the waterline in search of that special seashell. Altogether more than 400 different varieties of shells can be found along with sand dollars, tiny pieces of coral, and starfish.
You need to invest in a shell identification chart or book to identify your treasures. Look for periwinkles, whelks, baby’s ears, slipper shells, spiny jewel boxes, spiky murex, conchs, coquinas, cockles, clams, and the very collectible alphabet cones where the patterns form certain letters.
Shell Trivia
Look at the moon phase. A full moon or new moon have the most extreme tides so this is a great time to shell.
Generally the outer islands have the best shells as fewer people visit them. On Sanibel Island the lighthouse (eastern) end has mainly smaller shells while Captiva Island generally attracts larger ones. Low tide is the best time to wade out and search for new shells, or search the tideline after stormy weather.
It’s a good idea to wear sandals to avoid treading on sharp shells or stingrays buried in the sand. Take a bucket to collect your finds and check each shell is empty before adding it to your collection.
Seashells can smell if not properly cleaned. Soak all your shells in a bucket of 50-50 bleach and water. Once the flaky covering (periostracum) has gone, remove the shells, rinse and let them dry. File any rough edges if you wish and give the shells a shine by wiping them with baby oil.
These Beach Tips are great to know – they may even save a family member or your life.
DON’T SWIM AGAINST A RIP CURRENT
If a rip current is pulling you out to sea, swimming against it will only make you tired. Instead, swim out of the current parallel to shore. Once out, swim back to shore.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF DROWNING
Drowning can be a quiet process. No breathing means no calling for help. Because humans instinctively push their arms into the water, a drowning victim may not be able to wave for help. So, whether someone is flailing frantically for help or quietly bobbing at the surface with their mouth submerged and arms extended horizontally, ask them if they’re alright, if they cannot answer, help them or get help quickly.
NEVER TURN YOUR BACK TO THE WAVES
Don’t let a carefree attitude get you swept up by a sneaky wave. Even on a calm day, always keep an eye on the surf to avoid injuries.
PROTECT YOUR NECK
To avoid serious neck injuries never dive into unknown waters. Remember “first time, feet first”.
900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island
239.395.0900 • BigArts.org
BIG Arts (Barrier Island Group For The Arts) is Sanibel’s hub for cultural and educational programs. Presents more than 400 events each season, including classical and contemporary concerts, dance, lectures, art exhibits, films, and workshops, plus innovative dramas, comedies, and musicals in Sanibel’s only professional theater. Visit website for a complete schedule of events.
Crazy Woman Kayaks
19001 San Carlos Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 239.220.0525
CrazyWomanKayaks.com
Enjoy an opportunity to encounter dolphins, manatees, stingrays, birds, and other wildlife on the tranquil waters of Hurricane Bay. Introductory lesson, chart, and dry bags for phones, keys, and cameras are provided. Beginners, children, and dogs welcome. Offers hourly and weekly rentals. Guided tours by reservation. Limited delivery is available. Located at the Nauti Parrot Dock Bar.
Southwest Florida has more than 600 miles of shoreline, so as you can imagine, recreational water activities abound. The warm Gulf waters, gorgeous bays, and estuaries all create an environment that’s just screaming adventure! Soar high above the beautiful Gulf Coast on a parasailing adventure for a birds-eye-view of the beach or head out on a fishing, dolphin, or shell-seeking excursion. A kayak trip along the Great Calusa Blueway offers paddlers
190 miles of marked trails that meander through beautiful coastal waters, mangrove estuaries, and sheltered bays –with the added bonus of stopping and starting anywhere you want. Reward yourself at the end of the day with a relaxing sunset cruise. The action isn’t all on the water though. Sanibel Island offers endless birding opportunities and miles of bike paths. Regardless of how you choose to experience the Fort Myers area, whether it is through quiet exploration or fast paced action, there is something for everyone.
Estero Island Cottage Museum & Matanzas Pass Preserve
161 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach
239.463.0435 • EsteroIslandHistoricSociety.org
The Cottage Museum houses a great collection of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts of life on Fort Myers Beach. Matanzas Pass Preserve features 1.25 miles of trails and extended boardwalks, and a paddle-craft landing that’s part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Museum hours vary, see website for details. Preserve open daily 7 a.m. to dusk.
Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals
2353 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island
239.472.5577 • Finnimores.com
A variety of bikes and accessories for all ages including kid’s trail-a-bike, jogger strollers, surreys, and tandem bicycles. Rent by the hour, day, or month. Rental includes free helmet, lock, child seat, bottle of water, and island trail map. Also offers beach gear including paddle boards, kayaks, boogie and skim boards, beach chairs, umbrellas, and carts.
3 Fort Myers Beach & 1 Sanibel Island Location
HolidayWaterSportsFMB.com
Spectacular WaveRunner guided dolphin adventure tours. Also offers hourly and half-hour rentals on WaveRunners, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles, and Hobie Cat sailboats. WaveRunners accommodate single, double, and triple riders. Instructions and life vests included in all rentals. Parasailing, beach chair, and umbrella service available. See ad on page 19 for locations and phone.
2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach 239.312.3137
LagerheadCycleboats.com
Pedal at your own pace while your captain navigates the boat on this fun 90-minute pedal power cruise that includes a stop at a bar/restaurant. Families and children are welcome. Bring your own snacks and beverages for the onboard cooler. Features a canopy cover for sun protection and back-up engine power. Custom private parties are also available. Departs from Salty Sam’s Marina.
Mangrove trees are critical to coastal ecosystems, helping both plants and animals to survive.
2360 W. 1st Street, Fort Myers
239.919.2965 • PureFL.com
Explore the area with a pontoon boat rental. Boats are easy to operate and equipped with everything needed for a great day on Fort Myers’ inland waterways including GPS for easy navigation. Boats are available with sun protective awning. Hourly and daily rentals are available. Reservations are recommended. Located at The Marina at Edison Ford.
2500 Main Street, Fort Myers Beach • 239.463.7333
SaltySamsMarina.com
Rent your own pontoon boat, center console powerboat, deckboat, or kayak and experience the area by water. Go sightseeing, fishing, or exploring. Boats can accommodate 7 to 14 passengers and are equipped with everything you need to enjoy a great day on the water. Half day, full day, or weekly boat rentals available. Single and double kayaks available by the hour. Call for availability and reservations.
11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island • 239.472.5300
CaptivaCruises.com
Explore and collect shells on a half-day beach and shelling cruise to pristine Cayo Costa State Park. Enjoy a serene sailing Catamaran cruise or watch a spectacular Gulf of Mexico sunset aboard a relaxing sunset cruise to view dolphins and other Florida wildlife. Full-bar and live music on select cruises. Additional cruise options available. See website for departure times and reservations.
11534 Andy Rosse Lane
Captiva Island • 239.472.9656
YOLOWatersports.com
Offers exhilarating WaveRunner excursions, flyboarding, and parasailing above Gulf waters, or banana boat rides. Rentals include everything you need for a day of fun in the sun: bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas, golf carts, SUP’s, motor scooters, sailboats, and WaveRunners. The retail store carries GoPro cameras, sandals, skateboards, hats, sunglasses, watches, and more.
If you are renting a bicycle on Sanibel Island your supplier should be able to provide you with a useful map of cycle paths. If not, the Sanibel-Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center at the Sanibel end of the causeway is a great place to pick up free trail maps.
Altogether there are over 22 miles of bike trails crisscrossing Sanibel and as the island is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide at its maximum point, that’s pretty good coverage!
The main cycle path runs parallel to Periwinkle Way, the main road, making it easy to reach small shopping plazas, restaurants, museums and the J. N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge as well as connecting with beaches and the lighthouse in the far easterly point of the island.
At the other end of Sanibel, a small bridge connects Sanibel to Captiva Island which is even smaller and quieter than Sanibel. The bike path ends just before the bridge at Blind Pass. Captiva Island has bike lanes but no off-road trails and is perfect for gentle rides for all ages. Beaches can be found at either end of the island for a refreshing dip before returning home.
Not all the cycle trails provide shade, so wear a hat and sunglasses and carry water with you to avoid heatstroke or dehydration. Ride in single file and obey the rules of the road. Bikes are not allowed on the beach at Sanibel and riders under 16 must wear a helmet.
An adult West Indian manatee can consume over 100 pounds of vegetation per day!
Sanibel Island has several excellent bike rental shops and there are miles of shared-user bicycle trails for families to cycle safely around the island on these relatively flat traffic-free trails.
The term “bicycle” was not introduced until the 1860s, when it was coined in France to describe a new kind of two-wheeler with a mechanical drive.
It is easy to reach the beach access on Tarpon Bay Road by bicycle. From the causeway, turn right (west) on Periwinkle Way. When the trail ends, turn left (south) and cycle about 0.7 miles to reach beautiful Tarpon Bay beach.
Another cycle route from Periwinkle Way is south down Casa Ybel Road. Turn left into Middle Gulf Drive and head east to see the historical cemetery on Sanibel. If you continue on the road it eventually rejoins Periwinkle Way.
From Periwinkle Way turn down Dixie Beach Road near the Heart of the Islands shops. After 1.5 miles you arrive at San Carlos Bay. Turn right and cycle
along admiring the beautiful waterfront homes.
Just off Sanibel-Captiva Road is the entrance to the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Cyclists can follow the Wildlife Drive through this extensive wildlife refuge which is home to many ducks, waterbirds, turtles, and fish in the freshwater pools and saltwater bayous. Fees are $1 per biker (under 15 years are free) with your own bicycle. The trails are shared with walkers and vehicles so care should be taken and the one-way system must be strictly observed.
From the entrance, the ride along Wildlife Drive is an 8-mile loop, returning along the main bike path on the Sanibel-Captiva Road, skirting the refuge. A shorter 3.7-mile ride is possible by riding out along Wildlife Drive and returning on the hard-packed Indigo Trail. Expect to see night herons, alligators, egrets, ospreys, eagles, ibis, and alligators as you cycle at a leisurely pace through the park.
If you fancy a longer ride, cycle over the causeway and head south to Fort Myers Beach. The sand is so flat and firm that it is easy to ride along at low tide for miles. Happy trails!