Most of us dream of a getaway to an island destination, but few Americans can spare the time to go as far away as Tahiti or New Zealand. Fortunately, the geography of the state of Florida means that islands are a lot closer than most of us realize. The city of Fort Myers Beach is one example. Located on one of the close-to-shore sand spit islands that dot the coastline of the peninsula, the city is practically surrounded by beaches. In fact, more than half of the town's official geographic area is comprised of sea rather than land. This is because the town straddles two barrier islands: Estero and San Carlos.
Visitors staying in vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach typically come here for the beaches and water activities available. Some spend so much time in their bathing suits that they find the clothes they brought along to be largely superfluous.
A somewhat unusual activity here is offshore fishing without a boat; fishermen simply wade out into the surf, rod and reel in hand, and enjoy the tide up close and personal as they cast about for one of the many fish species that inhabit these warm tropical waters. Fort Myers Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico side of the vast peninsula forming the state of Florida, which means that excellent sport fishing is also available. To reel in the big one, however, anglers are advised to charter a boat from one of the many companies here that cater for tourists.