Fort Myers’ islands, beaches and neighborhoods invite family travelers to immerse themselves in the beach scene this summer. With more than 50 miles of beaches for visitors to relax on, the hardest part about visiting is deciding where to go!

© Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods
Recognized as one of the world’s safest beaches, Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island, not only features a gently sloping shoreline but also offers a variety of water activities for young travelers. Activities include windsurfing, relaxing on a catamaran, parasailing and kayaking alongside manatees at Matanzas Pass Preserve.
Fort Myers’ less-crowded beaches can be found on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The islands have no stop lights, chain restaurants or buildings higher than a palm tree, making it a great spot to spend the day under the Florida sun. Known as the Seashell Capital of the World, Sanibel’s unique geography means its coastline serves as home to more than 400 varieties of colorful seashells. Also on the island, Sanibel Sea School offers interactive lessons on the area’s aquatic ecosystems, encouraging visitors to touch, feel and interact with their natural surroundings.

© Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods
For an adventure, go island hopping between the region’s more than 100 barrier islands. Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa includes rustic cottage accommodations, a state park boasting white-sand beaches and the ocean offering countless water activities.
Head to Manatee Park to meet an entire group of manatees from atop a boardwalk. Here, visitors can also rent a kayak, canoe or paddleboard through mangrove estuaries to get even closer to these gentle giants.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDining/Entertainment
Jul 14, 2025New Chicago Pizza Pass Promises Unbeatable Deals at Local Pizzerias
Family travelers can now have their fill of true Chicago deep-dish pizza and save big with the newly launched Pizza Pass. For just $15, visitors and locals can sign up at chipizzapass.com and get access to deals at more than 25 local Chicago pizza restaurants through the end of 2025.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Azores & Madeira: Portugal’s Island Paradises Await
Embrace the Portugal’s Magical Islands of the Azores and Madeira
Hotels
Jul 10, 2025The Nike and LEGO Play Arena Returns to LEGOLAND California Resort This Summer
Family travelers will want to make for LEGOLAND California Resort this summer, as the resort recently announced its Nike and LEGO Play Arena is back! Until Aug. 10, LEGOLAND California Resort invites kids and families to “just do it” and head back into the game for a summer of active and creative fun.
Hotels
Jul 10, 2025Marram Montauk Offers Family Week
As Marram Montauk’s first Family Week of summer wraps up today, it’s not too late for family travelers to plan for the next one, which will be held Aug. 18–28. These weeks offer mindful, nature-inspired activities that help families foster calm, creativity and connection.
Hotels
Jul 9, 2025Teach Kids About Sustainability Through Art at Banyan Tree Krabi
Banyan Tree Krabi in Thailand invites family travelers to experience its sustainability efforts in action. The property partners with local artisans and vendors through its Banyan Tree Gallery Krabi program.
Cruises
Jul 9, 2025Longest Dry Slide at Sea to Debut on This Cruise
The largest and longest dry slide on a cruise ship will soon emerge on MSC World Asia, MSC Cruises’ highly anticipated new flagship set to sail the Mediterranean Dec. 11, 2026. Kids and adults alike will flock to the new Tree of Life @The Spiral, an eye-catching architectural feature of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships.
ShareThis