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Southwest Florida’s island cultures are varied and unique. What they all share in common is a relaxing and welcoming ambiance where the seafood is always fresh and the sunset views are spectacular. From vibrant islands that are rich with local life to remote barrier islands dotting the Gulf, find the island where you want to sit back and stay for a while, or see where your sense of adventure leads you.
There’s a whole other side of Fort Myers to explore across various islands. Explore scenic waterways and spend a day fishing. Hike the trails at a nature preserve and tour a local fruit farm. Or dine by the water and soak up the fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Select a marker on the map to learn more about a specific island.
Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is the centerpiece of this tranquil barrier island, and the community of Boca Grande offers an authentic Old Florida feel.
Only accessible by boat, this remote barrier island may be small – 10 miles long and a mile at its widest point – but it’s rich with outdoor activities. The seashells are spectacular, and there are acres of sea oats, forests of windblown trees and crystal-clear waters to explore.
Experience relaxed luxury on this 100-acre stretch of land in the waterways of Pine Island. Most visitors arrive by boat or air as private guests of Useppa Island Club, and the island’s archaeological heritage has landed it on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Your own piece of paradise is right here in Pine Island Sound. Watch the historic water tower come into view as you approach by boat, and then step into 100 acres of lush vegetation surrounding the inn and restaurant of the same name.
Not to be confused with neighboring Captiva Island, this remote barrier island is only accessible by boat. Enjoy a quiet, car-free retreat on a mostly undeveloped island of cabbage palms and mangroves.
Home to some of the world’s most sought-after beaches, Captiva Island is utterly captivating for families and couples alike. Connected by a bridge to Sanibel Island, this quiet, flower-filled island is idyllic for shelling, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor activities.
Considered one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world, Sanibel Island offers 15 miles of pristine shoreline and 25 miles of paved trails to explore. Enjoy shelling, spotting wildlife at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and lively dining as the sun sets over the Gulf.
Find your slice of paradise on this 7.4-acre spoil island that lies along the Great Calusa Blueway. Dock your own boat or take a guided excursion for a day of swimming, shelling, fishing and plenty more outdoor adventures.
To reach the largest island off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, drive from the mainland and neighboring Matlacha across the “World’s Fishingest Bridge.” Explore the tropical fruit farms of Bokeelia and historic St. James City. Then, learn about the island’s past on the Calusa Heritage Trail in the Pineland archaeological site.
This former fishing community has evolved into an artist enclave where creative expression runs free. It creates the bridge between Pine Island and the mainland and is a relaxed place to browse art galleries and colorful local shops and dine by the waterfront.
In the town of Fort Myers Beach, this separate island sits between the mainland and Estero Island. It’s a shrimping capital where you can see the pink-gold gems being harvested from the waters before dining on the freshest seafood in a waterfront restaurant.
Estero Island is home to Fort Myers Beach, with its many beach resorts, seafood restaurants and shops.
This quiet stretch of land is all about nature. Go paddling in the bay, make your way to the Gulf beach or float along the mangroves.
The beauty of Fort Myers is that among our diverse and vibrant beaches, islands and neighborhoods, every area is truly unique — meaning there is something for everyone.
Southwest Florida has been a traveler’s destination for centuries. The beauty of Southwest Florida is all around, all you need to do is open your eyes.
Here it is, another weekend thinking of all the places you could be – instead of sitting at home.
In Fort Myers, there are plenty of cool places at which to raise a glass and be festive whether a holiday or specific occasion warrants it. While craft cocktails used to be something of a rarity in these parts, that’s no longer the case.
Southwest Florida has been a traveler's destination for centuries. The Spanish first visited these waters in 1513. The native Calusa Indians that called this place home greeted them.
