PLAY
To visit Florida, especially Fort Myers, and skip the beach would be a missed opportunity. Island hopping is a popular way to explore the geography and natural beauty of the islands off the coast of Fort Myers. Several companies in the area offer private boat tours, including Captain Brian on the Water. Captain Brian Holaway has been a beloved fixture in the Fort Myers community since 1995. Tour options include trips to Cayo Costa, known for its shell-covered beaches, and Cabbage Key, where guests can stop for lunch at the iconic Cabbage Key Restaurant. Paddling is another great way to get up close to nature and wildlife. Cape Coral Kayak offers several guided and self-guided excursions, including dolphin-spotting tours. If leisure is high on your priority list, then try Fins Up! Beach Club at Margaritaville Beach Resort, where paradise awaits for visitors who yearn for long days by the pool. Fins Up! Beach Club features a 15,000-square-foot heated pool, live entertainment, and various dining options, including 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill. Access to Fins Up! Beach Club is included for Margaritaville Beach Resort guests; visitors can also enjoy the fun by purchasing a day pass. Lynn Hall Memorial Park, located in the Fort Myers Beach neighborhood, is a popular option among locals and visitors, as it’s within walking distance from local shops and restaurants. Among other stops to consider: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium, Dunbar-McCollum Hall mural wall, First Fridays at Downtown Fort Myers Art Walk.
EAT
Fort Myers offers no shortage of stunning waterfront views, the best of which are enhanced by a delicious meal. High Tide Social House serves up a bit of everything, from comforting classics such as shrimp and grits to fusion dishes like a Thai-style pizza—not to mention fresh seafood. Marker 92 Waterfront Bar and Bistro is a convenient, flavorful choice for guests at The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Marker 92 takes pride in its seafood offerings and rotating seasonal menu, which are inspired by global cuisines. Summertime offerings include jerk-spiced salmon bites, grouper piccata, and steak au poivre. Try authentic Italian dishes at Bruno’s of Brooklyn in downtown Fort Myers. Inspired by summers spent in Italy and his father’s dream of owning a restaurant, chef Cal Bruno runs the kitchen alongside his wife, Genevieve. Dishes at Bruno’s are prepared fresh daily from recipes that are more than a century old. Must-try dishes include the meatball speciale, shrimp scampi, and long-stem artichokes, as well as veal parmigiano with house-made pappardelle and cavatelli sausage and broccoli rabe. For those stopping at Cabbage Key Restaurant during a boat tour with Captain Brian, you’re in for a one-of-a-kind experience. Adorned with signed dollar bills on its ceilings and walls, Cabbage Key has been a mainstay for boaters and fishermen for more than 60 years. Today, Cabbage Key is known for its fresh catch of the day, Island salad with house-made honey citrus vinaigrette, and Gulf shrimp cocktail. Don’t miss the frozen key lime pie or homemade cookie dough ice cream sandwich. (Pro tip: Save the painstaking decision between the two by ordering both.) And there are no shortage of other options, including a Cuban sandwich pizza from Nice Guys Pizza, a nightcap at Escondido Lounge, an old-fashioned breakfast at Farmer’s Market Restaurant, and caramel cheesecake at Tarpon Lodge Restaurant.
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STAY
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is the perfect option for families who desire a home-away-from-home experience. Its condo-style accommodations include a full-size kitchen, with the largest room occupancy sleeping up to six guests. On property, The Westin offers guests wellness amenities including access to private tennis courts, pools, a fitness center, sauna and steam room, daily yoga classes, and bike rentals. Dining and shopping are also available on-site. Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina is another great option for families; it offers a variety of studio and villa accommodations for up to four guests. Amenities vary depending on the room; some include a kitchenette, washer and dryer, separate living and dining areas, and enclosed private lanais. And for the va planner who needs a few more options, there’s the Sundial Beach Resort, Margaritaville Beach Resort, Sanibel Island Beach Resort, DoubleTree by Hilton, Bell Tower, and TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Gulf Coast.
