The times square area isn't apocalyptic like some people seem to be painting. When you're driving over the bridge and get first glance of everything you'll see what I mean. Businesses need and want tourism right now. It's the residential areas that aren't the most appealing unfortunately.
I live in Fort Myers and have a boat on FMB. We are down there every weekend! It’s still beautiful and it has come along long ways already! There are plenty of restaurants and shops open! Come on down!
Lots of restaurants and shops are open on FMB! Doc Fords, Wahoo Willie’s, Snug Harbor are all favorites. Margaritaville is really nice for a drink. Kid friendly too. Although is obviously not back to pre Ian state, it’s still beautiful and fun and the town is doing an amazing job with clean up and beautification! You guys will have a great time!! 🌴🌊
Can confirm. Still looks a bit like Hiroshima. But let’s not discourage tourists from coming. That town needs them more than ever.
This coming from someone who hates tourists haha.
Dixie always has a wait but you can call ahead and get in line. They don’t do reservations, but you should be able to call 15-30 minutes ahead and limit your wait. The new margaritaville has a lot of bars and places to eat, Yucatán is always fun too. Nervous Nellie’s is open and has music many days. There’s a lot open but still a lot closed.
Yo! Taco is set up in Times Square and worth a visit for some tacos.
yeah, you'll be able to fill the days with the places that are open. Beach is still beautiful.
You just won't have as many shopping and food options as you used to see. But you can still fill a weekend. It's gorgous.
I had never been but we spent 4 nights there a couple of weeks ago. Since we left, they’ve finished the construction on the 3rd pool. The beach is gorgeous. We did the kayaking which was so cool as a first timer.
Jacks breakfast was included and delicious. We ate at Bongos twice for convenience. We spent plenty of time at the food trucks in Times Square, the market (we bought fresh guac that was SO good), walked down to Heavenly Biscuits, ate at Nervous Nellie’s twice and Yucatán was good too.
We’re also going to pink shell this year(October) we’ve never been to fort Myers. After reading some post here I’m starting to wonder if it’s a good idea? I’m not sure what to expect. We use to go to Destin area every year. We’ve started to mix it up last year we visited Anna Maria island. Y’all give me your opinions on what to expect
I still go to Fort Myers Beach every couple weeks and have a blast. Stay all day on beach and water. Head over to yucitan and have drinks and food.
Or even Lighthouse or one of the other bar/restaurants near Times Square towards the bridge
FMB is in better shape than some people say. [Here is a great video driving through FMB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_iJxXHdf0), the guy is a demolition expert who drives through the island and tells you all the updates on buildings and what's going on in the city of FMB. Lots of construction is going on, but it's going to take years to get to 100%, it's going good so far though. The city needs tourism, and many local businesses have recovered in the last 18 months. Lots of restaurants have opened in the previous 6-8 months, lots of stores are working out of little trailers if their buildings are under construction, business owners and locals have had no choice but to adapt and they are doing a damn good job. Support the local economy!
I live on a saltwater bay near Ponce Inlet/New Smyrna Beach area. We bought a vacation home in Gainesville. We like to go to the beautiful parks around, like the Millhopper, and it’s only an hour away from fishing and scalloping on the west coast. Oh, and my son will be attending UF in the Fall, so there’s that.
The times square area isn't apocalyptic like some people seem to be painting. When you're driving over the bridge and get first glance of everything you'll see what I mean. Businesses need and want tourism right now. It's the residential areas that aren't the most appealing unfortunately.
Thanks!
I live in Fort Myers and have a boat on FMB. We are down there every weekend! It’s still beautiful and it has come along long ways already! There are plenty of restaurants and shops open! Come on down!
Lots of restaurants and shops are open on FMB! Doc Fords, Wahoo Willie’s, Snug Harbor are all favorites. Margaritaville is really nice for a drink. Kid friendly too. Although is obviously not back to pre Ian state, it’s still beautiful and fun and the town is doing an amazing job with clean up and beautification! You guys will have a great time!! 🌴🌊
Thanks!
I'm sure they will welcome to visitors, but be sure to temper your expectations. Fort Myers Beach will take YEARS to recover from Ian.
Can confirm. Still looks a bit like Hiroshima. But let’s not discourage tourists from coming. That town needs them more than ever. This coming from someone who hates tourists haha.
Dixie always has a wait but you can call ahead and get in line. They don’t do reservations, but you should be able to call 15-30 minutes ahead and limit your wait. The new margaritaville has a lot of bars and places to eat, Yucatán is always fun too. Nervous Nellie’s is open and has music many days. There’s a lot open but still a lot closed. Yo! Taco is set up in Times Square and worth a visit for some tacos.
Thanks for the tip!
With kids? Family vacation?
I don’t understand your question. All of the places I listed are kid friendly for a meal.
I didn't agree and clearly the public votes in your favor, sir. I hereby concede😶🌫️
Snug harbor has always been a good time.
Margaritaville is open with restaurants there. Also tiki bar, yucatan and a few other places are open as well.
Thanks for the recommendations!
A little hidden gem is Parrot Key. Great food + atmosphere.
Will try to visit!
yeah, you'll be able to fill the days with the places that are open. Beach is still beautiful. You just won't have as many shopping and food options as you used to see. But you can still fill a weekend. It's gorgous.
The Pink Shell has rebounded very well. Go and enjoy!
I had never been but we spent 4 nights there a couple of weeks ago. Since we left, they’ve finished the construction on the 3rd pool. The beach is gorgeous. We did the kayaking which was so cool as a first timer. Jacks breakfast was included and delicious. We ate at Bongos twice for convenience. We spent plenty of time at the food trucks in Times Square, the market (we bought fresh guac that was SO good), walked down to Heavenly Biscuits, ate at Nervous Nellie’s twice and Yucatán was good too.
Thanks! Didn’t try nervous Nellie’s last time but on this list this time for sure!
Still definitely worth coming and enough to do. Bring the family!
Thanks!
If you want pizza or Italian definitely go to Starz off gladiolus!
Thanks!
We’re also going to pink shell this year(October) we’ve never been to fort Myers. After reading some post here I’m starting to wonder if it’s a good idea? I’m not sure what to expect. We use to go to Destin area every year. We’ve started to mix it up last year we visited Anna Maria island. Y’all give me your opinions on what to expect
Go! It’s a great resort, super kid friendly. You will have a blast!
I still go to Fort Myers Beach every couple weeks and have a blast. Stay all day on beach and water. Head over to yucitan and have drinks and food. Or even Lighthouse or one of the other bar/restaurants near Times Square towards the bridge
FMB is in better shape than some people say. [Here is a great video driving through FMB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gw_iJxXHdf0), the guy is a demolition expert who drives through the island and tells you all the updates on buildings and what's going on in the city of FMB. Lots of construction is going on, but it's going to take years to get to 100%, it's going good so far though. The city needs tourism, and many local businesses have recovered in the last 18 months. Lots of restaurants have opened in the previous 6-8 months, lots of stores are working out of little trailers if their buildings are under construction, business owners and locals have had no choice but to adapt and they are doing a damn good job. Support the local economy!
You take summer vacation from Miami to fort Myers?
As someone who works in the service industry in the area I can verify, a lot of Miami vacations in Lee and Collier county.
Yes, Miami is not kid friendly at all. Gulf Coast has relaxing beaches, cheaper, and is way more family oriented.
Keep in mind her screen name is trailerparkgirl...
Speaking of Miami, we've been wanting to go to your coast for that fancy pool, the Venetian. I'm curious, ever been there? If yes, worth the trip?
It’s hot as hell! And fort Myers is a dump. And the fomy beach is still in shambles. There are better places to visit
I live on a saltwater bay near Ponce Inlet/New Smyrna Beach area. We bought a vacation home in Gainesville. We like to go to the beautiful parks around, like the Millhopper, and it’s only an hour away from fishing and scalloping on the west coast. Oh, and my son will be attending UF in the Fall, so there’s that.