What’s Open on Fort Myers Beach — A Visitor Guide from Local
July 1, 2026 - Work in Progress
Page is operational but undergoing maintenance. Please excuse our mess.
Welcome to our What's Open Page
Fort Myers Beach continues to evolve in the best possible ways.
Since Hurricane Ian, the island has experienced remarkable renewal. Many longtime favorites have reopened, new restaurants and bars have emerged, and the overall energy on the island feels vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking. You'll discover a variety of options for Fort Myers Beach dining that cater to every taste.
As local homeowners and frequent visitors, we created this guide to help our guests — and future guests — plan their stay with confidence.
Whether you’re returning to rediscover favorite beach spots or visiting for the first time, you’ll find that Fort Myers Beach is very much alive, active, and ready to be enjoyed. Don't forget to explore local shopping Fort Myers Beach for unique finds and souvenirs.
We do our best to keep this list updated as businesses open, expand, and improve. Because the island continues to grow and change, we always recommend confirming hours and availability directly with each business before visiting.
Dining within walking distance of Southern Serenity
World Famous Tiki Bar Island Bar & Grill
Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
Margaritaville Beach Resort Dining Venues
- JWB Grill
- Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill
- License to Chill & Grill
- 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill
- Coconut Telegraph Coffee Shop
See live webcam views:
Lani Kai
- Beachside Eats
Heavenly Biscuit
Coming Soon
Located in the strip center just .3 mi/6-minute walk from Southern Serenity
- Jersey Mike's Subs (opening July 1st)
- Sol Tequilla (formerly Mr. Tequilla)
Santini Plaza
- South Beach Grille (Santini Plaza) - scheduled to open July 15th
With new openings continuing to enhance the local shopping Fort Myers Beach experience, the island's dining scene remains vibrant and full of fresh energy.
Dining on Fort Myers Beach (On-Island)
Enjoy an expanding mix of waterfront options, including casual beach bars, coffee shops, and family-friendly restaurants. Many of these establishments are within walking distance or a short drive from Southern Serenity.
Some guest favorites include:
Bad Ass Coffee
Off-Island Dining & Nearby Favorites
Just minutes away across the bridge, guests will find even more options for Fort Myers Beach dining, including:
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
- Dixie Fish Company
- Bonita Fish Company
- Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
- Marina Cantina Waterfront Tin Tiki
Off Island, a bit farther away
- Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille
- Iguana Mia Mexican of Bonita Springs - Website isn't working, Facebook page doesn't point to this particular location, Google Reviews only give this location 4.4 stars, and it's a 30-minute drive from Southern Serenity. All that said, Shelley, the family, and I have been going there for over 20 years. It's our favorite Mexican restaurant near Southern Serenity. Apparently that locals agree - go early or be prepared for a wait. Reasonably priced, great service, great food, great atmosphere. Insider tip: go on Wednesdays, pay in cash, and receive 30 percent off your meal and drinks.
Additionally, Sanibel and Captiva Island offer memorable day-trip dining experiences such as The Bubble Room and The Mucky Duck,
Shopping, Tours, and Experiences
Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities at Fort Myers Beach, including dolphin and shelling cruises, fishing charters, parasailing, and various watersports. For those looking to explore the area, golf cart and bike rentals are available, making it easy to check out local shopping Fort Myers Beach. Don’t forget to experience the vibrant atmosphere with boutique shopping, live entertainment, and eco tours that highlight nature experiences.
Popular attractions in the area include The Mound House, the Key West Express ferry, the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Lakes Park, and Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf. After a day of fun, enjoy Fort Myers Beach dining at one of the many restaurants and bars that offer delicious local cuisine.
Ice Cream Shops on the Island
After a day at the beach, few things are more enjoyable than a cold treat while watching the sunset or strolling through Times Square. Fort Myers Beach offers a variety of ice cream shops, frozen desserts, and sweet treats that have become favorites among both visitors and locals. Whether you're craving a classic cone, handcrafted ice cream, frozen custard, or a specialty dessert, you'll find plenty of delicious options to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Love Boat Ice Cream at The Goodz is a short 6 minute walk (.3 miles) - a guest favorite.
Sunset Beach Hershey's Ice Cream Real Fruit Smoothies
Looking for a More Upscale Dining Experience?
Guests seeking quieter or more refined Fort Myers Beach dining often enjoy Costa Italian Cuisine (five minute walk from Southern Serenity, and great place to watch the sunset from), Fresh Catch Bistro, Matanzas on the Bay, and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. These restaurants and bars offer a mix of waterfront ambiance, attentive service, and menu variety. For more detailed suggestions, see our article on Fine Dining & Special Occasion Restaurants Near Southern Serenity, along with tips for local shopping Fort Myers Beach.
Legno Italian Kitchen is the first (and currently only) restaurant open on the South end of the island (Santini Plaza). We've heard mixed reviews and would welcome your comments at Contact Southern Serenity Beach Vacation Rental. South Beach Grille is scheduled to open July 15th, also at Santani Plaza.
A Personal Note from Your Hosts
One of the most common things our guests tell us is how surprised they are by how much there is to do at Fort Myers Beach — and also how easy it is to simply relax and enjoy island time. Many families arrive with full itineraries and discover they prefer spending most of their time enjoying the beach, the pool, and quality moments together. As Fort Myers Beach continues to rebuild with resilience and creativity, we’re proud to share that progress with every guest who stays at Southern Serenity. For those looking to explore local shopping Fort Myers Beach, or to find the best restaurants and bars, if you have questions about what’s open or what might be a good fit for your group, we’re always happy to help.
Planning Your Stay
If you’re considering a visit, we invite you to check availability and reserve your dates. The island is welcoming guests, businesses continue to reopen and expand, and each season brings new reasons to return, including exciting Fort Myers Beach dining options and vibrant local shopping Fort Myers Beach. Don’t forget to explore the many restaurants and bars that enhance your experience!