Best Nightlife in Fort Myers Beach

"Chef John Wolff brings to the Thistle Lodge nearly a decade of knowledge and creativity from his previous positions with upscale luxury resorts. He has a talent for improving the quality and consistency of the various lunch, dinner, and brunch selections served, as well as a special event and catered selections while remaining true to the food people have cherished for years."

"A beautiful Victorian house with an even better view of the Gulf, theThistle Lodge is a lovely setting for a special occasion or date night. The lodge’s menu is a blend of Floridian, European, and Asian flavors, with fresh seafood and dry aged steaks. They also feature a great selection of wines and cocktails, and have both indoor and outdoor dining options."

"The Sandbar is one of the most well-known restaurants on Sanibel Island, Florida. They have an extensive wine list for you to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to compliment your main meal. While they offer some of the freshest seafood available, you can always find something without seafood as well."

"Rumors swirled in late fall that this local favorite may not reopen. It was a rough summer on the island, as red tide and blue-green algae ravaged it from all sides. But I'm happy to say The Sandbar remains."

"The Fish House has both a restaurant and a casual lounge with a back entrance if you want to come in right from your boat. In addition, if you happen to have gotten lucky with a rod and reel, but don't want to cook your fresh catch these chefs will do it for you. Happy Hour from 11-6 includes more than just drink specials, look for great deals on oysters, clams, peel and eat shrimp and lots more."

"Sanibel Fish House was another one we picked up for takeout. We loved their clams too... although The Clam Shack was better."

"The Southwest Florida sun may tempt you into First Street Restaurant & Bar for a beer, but it’s the elevated pub fare that’ll convince you to stay. Robust bangers and mash, salty fish and chips, or savory shepherd’s pie should deservedly find their way to your table as you down pint after pint of the black stuff."

"Never a wait, staff always greets you and yells you thanks for visiting upon leaving... Meal is prepped fast never any issues. Not to mention portions of..."

"Measuring over 100 acres, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a fantastic way to get children interested in ecology. After watching a show at the 87-seat planetarium, go on a hiking trail, visit live animals, and check out the butterfly room. Typically, Calusa is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM."

"From Sanibel, it’s about a half hour to Fort Myers, where you can spend a leisurely few hours exploring the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Then hit the road again for the 90-minute drive to Sarasota, where you can catch an opera performance, stroll the downtown art galleries, or gawk at the gaudy architecture of circus magnate John Ringling’s mansion. For fans of serious American architecture, a trip to Sarasota would be incomplete without exploring the scores of gorgeous and innovative buildings in the area, many of which were designed by a confederacy of architects known as the Sarasota School."

"Fast forward in time will bring you to the Edison & Ford Winter Estate. This well-preserved home of the great inventor Thomas Edison and automobile builder Henry Ford is a step back into the beginning of the last century. More than a winter getaway, the estate in Fort Myers also housed a massive laboratory and extensive garden. It was here in Florida that Edison had plants from around the world brought here to search for materials for his inventions."

"After Happy Hour tick-tocks away, all hands point to the Fort Myers’ River District. The Firestone features four levels of fun overlooking the bay, and you have your choice to imbibe at their rooftop Sky Bar, or the Martini Bar."