A guide to visiting Ft. Myers - Post Ian
Ft. Myers has been a go-to destination for years. Such a beautiful array of beaches, wildlife and sunshine all wrapped up in this little slice of heaven! That is, until hurricane Ian made a last-minute turn for the worse. With little warning, Ian walloped the area with some of the worst flooding ever. It was absolutely devastating for residents, not only did they lose their possessions, and homes, some even lost loved ones. As if that was not enough, many also lost their livelihood. Tourism is Florida’s largest industry, and as you can imagine, the aftermath of Ian has kept tourists from visiting Ft. Myers. Yes, it was wiped out, yes, they are still working to rebuild, and YES you can and should go there! We love the area, and go multiple times per year, our goal here is to share family friendly things you can do in Ft. Myers Post Ian. (All of the video and photos are from March 2024 - post Ian)
Places to stay
There are many places to stay both on and off the beach! On Ft. Myers Beach (FMB) The Pink Shell is open and operating, it is a full-service resort with an amazing pool, restaurants, and beach front access. Margaritaville is also located on FMB, more of an adult atmosphere, however, they have an amazing pool area with swim up bar and several restaurants on this beach front property! On Captiva Island, there is Tween Waters Resort! This is an all-encompassing resort boasting three restaurants as well as a full-service pool bar and is one of our favorite day trips, I will elaborate shortly. Unlike most this resort has access to both the intercoastal and the gulf. Because of this they have a variety of activities including kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding as well.
Places to eat (all with water views!)
On Ft. Myers Beach, there are several to choose from at the two hotels mentioned above! On Captiva we love the Mucky Duck and as well as the variety of restaurants located at Tween Waters Resort. Other Ft. Myers restaurants located on the intercoastal include Dixie Fish, Dock Ford’s, Snug Harbor and Parrot Key. Boathouse is another family friendly restaurant with two locations in Cape Coral and Ft. Myers. Lastly is Captain Jack’s located in Bonita Springs!
Family Friendly Activities
Just like any beach there is no shortage of activities here!
· Parasail with Ranalli Parasailing, they have the most friendly staff, and offer magnificent views of Ft. Myers Beach!
Click the picture to watch our Parasailing adventure with
Ranalli Parasailing!
· Take a sunset cruise on a pirate ship at Salty Sam’s Marina with Florida Pirate Cruise! They are amazing at entertaining the kids so you can enjoy the sunset!
· Spend a day at Tween Water Resort (day pass $100) and end with sunset dinner at Mucky Duck!
· Go deep sea fishing with Captain Tony’s Fishing Adventures and end the evening cooking up your fresh catch!
· See dolphins on one of the many tours in the area! (often you will also see them at the beach and/or any of the intercoastal restaurants).
· Play an unparalleled round of mini golf at Popstroke (be sure to get one of their delicious and over the top milk shakes)!
· Visit the Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs and see local celebrities like gators, flamingos and even get a chance to feed the tortoises! Grab dinner at Captain Jack’s and if your lucky, you might even spot a dolphin!
· IMAG is also super fun if you need a break from the sun! A variety of hands on and interactive exhibits, we loved the hurricane force winds simulator!
Come with us on a sunset pirate cruise at Salty Sam’s Marina! Click on the picture for the whole video.
This guide is not all encompassing, there is so much to do I would have to author a book to fit it all! It is simply meant to show you that Ft. Myers and the surrounding areas are up and running and they would love to host you, so come on down!
