What’s Open on Fort Myers Beach — A Visitor Guide from Local

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 experiences have emerged, and the overall energy on the island feels vibrant, welcoming, and forward-looking.

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.

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.

 Fort Myers Beach offers an expanding mix of waterfront dining, casual beach bars, coffee shops, and family-friendly restaurants. Many are within walking distance or a short drive from Southern Serenity.

Some guest favorites include:

• Fresh Catch Bistro
   
• Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant & Tiki Bar
   
• Matanzas on the Bay
   
• Snug Harbor Waterfront Restaurant
   
• La Ola Surfside Restaurant
   
• Junkanoo Below Deck
   
• Nervous Nellie’s
   
• Margaritaville Beach Resort dining venues
   
• Heavenly Biscuit
   
• Bad Ass Coffee
   
• Smokin’ Oyster Brewery
   

New openings continue to bring fresh energy to the island’s dining scene.

Just minutes away across the bridge, guests will find even more options including:

• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
   
• Dixie Fish Company
   
• Bonita Fish Company
   
• Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
   
• Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille
   
• Love Boat Ice Cream
   

Sanibel and Captiva Island also offer memorable day-trip dining experiences such as:

• The Bubble Room
   
• The Mucky Duck

Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities including:

• Dolphin and shelling cruises
   
• Fishing charters
   
• Parasailing and watersports
   
• Golf cart and bike rentals
   
• Boutique shopping
   
• Live entertainment
   
• Eco tours and nature experiences
   

Popular attractions include:

• The Mound House
   
• Key West Express ferry
   
• Edison & Ford Winter Estates
   
• Lakes Park
   
• Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf

Guests seeking quieter or more refined dining often enjoy Costa Cucina, Fresh Catch Bistro, Matanzas on the Bay, and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. These restaurants 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.

One of the most common things our guests tell us is how surprised they are by how much there is to do — 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 time together.

Fort Myers Beach continues to rebuild with resilience and creativity, and we’re proud to share that progress with every guest who stays at Southern Serenity.

If you have questions about what’s open or what might be a good fit for your group, we’re always happy to help.

 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.