Affectionately referred to as "our winter residence" by some 30,000 people, Fort Myers Beach embodies the intriguing spirit of the Old South, Florida style. Hugged close by Estero Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, this island community charms all comers. Fort Myers Beach's low-key individuality invites exploration. Modest cottages decorate the north and south ends. Fanciful shops occupy seamless afternoons mid-island. Good food and lively night spots tuck into historic inns, beach hotels and bridge restaurants. Favorite native haunts signify. Ask the natives where they go! Take your time wandering amongst serene well-treed Bowditch Park, the popular pier at Times Square, sandy dance floors and al fresco dining up deck. Water activities thrive with imagination. Pickup volleyball, parasailing, boogie boarding and award-winning sand sculptures divert. Holiday fireworks seen from beach or boat are not to be missed. As are startling beach sunsets. No two are alike. Even churches, snack shops, and the library create atmosphere. Attentive town planning has citizens on the same page. We love our enchanting mosaic and it shows. Sail over or under the fishing bridges from Fort Myers or Bonita Springs. Visit for a week, a weekend or a season. We're confident you'll be hooked.

Photo by Ronald Dubick