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Fort Myers Beach!

 

 

“Where Sunsets Shine Brighter and the Spirit Stays Strong.”

Anna Maria Island

Fort Myers Beach

A Town on Estero Island in Lee County, Florida

 

Fort Myers Beach is a small, picturesque coastal town located on Estero Island in southwest Florida. Known for its wide stretches of white sand beaches, vibrant beachfront community, and relaxed island lifestyle, it has long been a favorite destination for tourists, snowbirds, and beach lovers. The town features lively shops and restaurants near Times Square, as well as peaceful natural areas like Lovers Key State Park and Matanzas Pass Preserve.

In September 2022, Fort Myers Beach was devastated by Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever to strike Florida. The storm brought catastrophic storm surge close to 15 feet and destructive winds of over 150 mph.  Much of the island’s infrastructure, homes, and historic sites were destroyed or severely damaged.  The historic Fort Myers Beach Pier was severely damaged, and much of the island was left unrecognizable in the immediate aftermath.

Since the storm, the community has been in active recovery and rebuilding, with efforts focused on restoring housing, reopening businesses, and rebuilding key landmarks. While challenges remain, the town continues to show resilience, and visitors are returning to support and experience its remarkable coastal charm once again.

Fort Myers Beach pier, October 2021

Location & Size

 

Fort Myers Beach is located on Estero Island in Lee County, Florida.   Estero Island is a 7-mile-long barrier island in the Gulf of America on the southwest coast of Florida, south of Fort Myers, and roughly 12 miles north of Bonita Springs.

The town is roughly 6.2 square miles, with approximately 2.7 square miles of land and 3.5 square miles of water.

Founded

Fort Myers Beach was founded as an incorporated town in 1995.  Prior to this, Fort Myers Beach was governed by Lee County. Residents voted for incorporation to gain more local control over development and planning to preserve the island’s unique character and natural beauty while accommodating tourism and growth.

Originally inhabited by the Calusa Indians in pre colonial times, Estero Island was later left largely unsettled through the Spanish exploration in the 1500’s. 

Through the 1800’s, the island was mostly used for fishing and salt harvesting and during the early 1900’s, small communities and fishing camps began to develop.  By the 1950’s, Fort Myers Beach began to emerge as a tourist destination, with motels, beach cottages, and restaurants catering to visitors.

FORT MYERS BEACH WEATHER

Population

The population of Fort Myers Beach was estimated pre-Hurricane Ian at roughly 5,600 full time residents.

Seasonal fluctuations are significant, with tens of thousands of tourists and part-time residents in winter.

 

Known For

  • Pristine Beaches: White-sand beaches stretching along the Gulf.

  • Water Activities: Boating, parasailing, fishing, and kayaking in Estero Bay.

  • Time Square: A pedestrian-friendly hub of shops, restaurants, and nightlife. (currently being rebuilt post-Hurricane Ian as of 2025)

  • Iconic Pier: The Fort Myers Beach Pier (currently being rebuilt post-Hurricane Ian as of 2025).

Cost of living

Median Income: $90,833

Median Home Price:   $662,000 in April 2025, down 9.2% from the previous year.

Median Rent: $2,988

 

Things to do

  • Beachcombing & Shelling

  • Jet skiing, Paddleboarding, Parasailing

  • Lovers Key State Park

  • Matanzas Pass Preserve

  • Sunset Cruises & Dolphin Tours

  • Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival (historically held annually)

  • Margaritaville Beach Resort Stay the day, or stay the week!  Margaritaville is the newest anchor to the beach pot-Hurricane Ian.

Fun Facts

  • Shrimping Capital: Fort Myers Beach is one of the top shrimping ports in the U.S.

  • Home of the Shrimp Festival:  Fort Myers Beach hosts the annual Shrimp Festival, celebrating the local shrimping industry with a parade, food, and craft vendors
  • Fishing Mecca: The area is renowned for sport fishing, both inshore (snook, redfish) and offshore (grouper, snapper).
  • Estero Island is connected to the mainland via Matanzas Pass Bridge.

Nearby Cities

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