Like the rest of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers Beach has a very similar history. Although originally inhabited by the Caloosa Indians, it is Ponce de Leon who is credited with the discovery of Florida. Although he first landed on Florida’s East coast, it is believed that he also sailed around the peninsula and made stops on the barrier islands of Lee County, including the not yet named area of Fort Myers Beach.

When Florida became a United States territory in 1821 and began to experience an influx of settlers, outbreaks of fighting began in what is known as the Seminole Indian Wars. The area now known as Fort Myers was named for a Colonel of the time, Abraham C. Myers. The area known today as Fort Myers Beach is actually the combination of Estero Island and San Carlos.

Uninhabited for many years by early settlers, the first family to actually live in on the Estero Island was that of Sam Ellis. The Ellis’ lived for a few years on the Shell Mound on the Bay (named appropriately as it was an enormous mound of shells left by the Caloosa Indians) before deciding to move and permanently settle on Sanibel Island.
The first to file for homestead rights on Estero Island was Robert B. Gilbert and his request was granted in 1898 – it included 172 acres.

It wasn’t until years later that more progress was evident in the Fort Myers Beach area. Since it was comprised of islands, bridges and roadways were needed to make the area accessible. Although originally part of the mainland, San Carlos Island became a true island when a trench was cut to drain an inland pond into the bay. Nature took its course and over time erosion, storms and hurricanes took their toll and eventually a bridge (locally known as the “Little Bridge”) was necessary to gain access to the island.

As Estero Island is a barrier island directly on the Gulf of Mexico, commercial fishing was a major draw for early settlers to the Fort Myers Beach area. Along with grouper and trout the waters were also full of shrimp. There were two fishing plants on Estero Island; the Columbia Fish House and the McDowell Packing House. The Columbia Fish House burnt to the ground and the McDowell Packing House was destroyed by hurricane Donna in 1960 and neither could be rebuilt due to zoning laws implemented in 1953.

Today Fort Myers Beach offers over 60 hotels and resorts and is a destination for many vacationers looking to visit Southwest Florida. Places such as the Diamond Head Beach Resort, Gull Wing Beach Resort and the Lovers Key Beach Club and Resort provide guests designer suites, right on the beach. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports, two outdoor spas, a Gulf-side pool, both fine and casual dining and amazing Florida sunsets daily.

For those looking for entertainment, the Big “M” Casino leaves from Fort Myers Beach twice daily. With Las Vegas style casino gambling, this is considered Southwest Florida’s most luxurious gaming yacht. Offering games from blackjack to roulette there’s something for everyone – including a variety of slots.

At the north end of Fort Myers Beach visitors can take a break from the sand and stroll through “Times Square”. A beautifully tree lined walkway, Times Square has a variety of restaurants, clubs, shops and hotels to explore. Guests can also rent a variety of water sports equipment. Whether you’re dressed to the nines or still in your swim suit and sandals, everyone is welcome in Times Square.

The end of the day is the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll on the Fort Myers Beach Pier. This enormous pier extends out into the Gulf and provides glorious views both to the north and the south with an endless beach extending to the horizon, perfect to catch the sun setting on another gorgeous Florida day.