Travel to the Vibrant and Beautiful Fort Myer's Beach, Florida

by Jessica Howell

It’s a different world here – a kitschy blend of vibrantly painted buildings, local-infested hole-in-the-wall hideouts and blindingly white beaches – situated on the 7.5 mile long stretch of Estero Island, which separates its namesake bay from the cerulean-hued depths of the Gulf of Mexico.

A different world perhaps, but one not so far away. A quick drive over the bridge on Florida’s San Carlos Boulevard and the mainland disappears behind you as you’re deposited into the island’s funky hub, dubbed Times Square – an accurate title for the pedestrian friendly city’s center and an ideal first glimpse into island life.

Bright yellow and red stucco shops splatter the scenery, neon signs in cluttered windows advertising piercings, henna tattoos and cheap bikinis. A tourist zone? Most certainly. But if you turned around here, you’d be missing out on the best of what the island has to offer. Instead, make a left and head north along the island’s main drag, Estero Avenue. Scenery changes quickly as the gaps between hotels and resorts offer stunning glimpses of the Gulf.

Halfway along your trail you’ll find DiamondHead Resort, the island’s only full-service, all-suite hotel ocean side. Twelve stories high, the hotel seems to be a hit among Fort Myers Beach frequenters who are likely addicted to the unbelievably vast views that accompany every suite.

Stay for a night or stay for a week. I dropped my bags in a beachfront suite -- one of the 124 one-bedroom suites offered at DiamondHead. A quick stroll through the accommodations and I let loose a long sigh of relief. This would be the perfect sanction for my most necessary vacation need: relaxation.

Each suite is comprised of a sitting room (which includes an efficiency kitchenette and pull-out queen sofa), a bedroom with king size bed, bathroom, and walk-out, screened-in patio. Classic, comfortable furnishings beckon weary bodies at day’s end and lure tired beach-goers into peaceful sleep. I couldn’t resist falling asleep with my bedroom door wall cracked open – the gentle crashing of Gulf waves lulling me to sleep.

The sun rises early on Fort Myer's, as joggers make their way down the well-trodden beach toward Bowditch Point Park at the north end of the island. If you can handle the wee morning hours, take a beachward hike and keep an open eye for turtle nesting. Loggerhead sea turtles return year after year to nest at Fort Myers, waddling clumsily up the sandy dunes to deposit 80-120 thick, rubbery eggs in deep, cool dugouts. Should you come upon a hatching nest, it's best to admire from afar. The newly hatched turtles will find their way into the ocean, providing that there’s no confusing light sources near by. (And yes, that means no flashlights on the beach in the dark, early hours.)

If turtles aren’t your thing, stick around DiamondHead for the occasional NasCrab races that are held poolside. Conveniently timed to coincide with Cabana’s Beach Bar and Grill happy hour, the spectacle draws adults and tots alike, all cheering for their dollar-a-bet, personally named crab.

Tiny hermit crabs, painted with numbers for easy identification, are released onto a large table are cheered (and jeered) until the “winner” makes his way over a painted white line. Loud, ram-bunctious and completely ridiculous, the crab races are the peak of zany island entertainment and a definite “must see” for the kids.

Wander from the pool to the expansive beach, where jet skis and lounge chaises are available for rent most days. Volleyball nets are available as well, for those who writhe at the idea of “laying out.” Adventures are only a drive away – dolphin gazing tours are solicited all over, and ours even beached at Estero Bay’s recently formed Lover’s Key State Park for some stellar sea-shelling.

The park is just as you’d imagine – a gorgeous expanse of sandy shore perfect for strolling and gathering shells. Our tour guides supplied us with buckets and shell description sheets for pointing out and naming our finds. It was here that we caught wind of the Fort Meyer’s Dog Beach… an off-leash beach for dogs and their owners to chase the wind, and apparently, a hip spot for meeting fellow pet lovers.

Days in the sun are relaxing, but the perfect evening cap includes delicious dining. For an intimate atmosphere, seek out Chloe’s Fresh Seafood and Steaks Restaurant on the first floor of the resort, an upscale dining room that features a bounty of island-inspired seafood entrees for either breakfast or dinner.

I relished in the tastes of the Pasta Paella ($24) that was laced with a tomato-saffron sauce and offered chicken, gulf shrimp, mussels and jumbo scallops, perfectly paired with a house Riesling.

Request window seating, where you’re guaranteed romance-inducing views of sunset over the ocean. Impeccable service, mouth-watering cuisine and spectacular scenery seem to be a tried-and-true recipe at Chloe’s.

Satisfied and sleepy – as most are after late, lingering sunset meals – you can head toward your room, but it’s likely that the tide will draw you to the beach once more before night’s end. Its rhythmic waves act as lullabies to adults, a softer, gentler side of the island that works to balance life on hip Fort Myer's.