Fort Myers Beach Questions (Estero, Sanibel: rentals, condos, hotels)

[hiker45]

It is kind of strange to be asking questions about FMB because I was raised there. We lived on San Carlos Island for about 6 months every winter in the 50's, but then we moved into town when I started junior high.

I have only been back a couple times since 1970.

I understand the area around the pier is called Times Square. It is 'seedy' or 'earthy' or 'middle class touristy' or, God forbid, 'upscale'?

We would stay for at least a week. It would be nice to find a place that is comfortable to hang out and where we could walk around. Then we could take day trips to Sanibel, Bunch Beach, and Lovers Key.

I also want to walk around San Carlos Island. According to Google maps, the 'fort' we used to play in is still there. I think it was the entrance way to a land development in the 1920's that went bankrupt.

Would a rental condo near the pier be a good idea?

Or would you recommend staying at the south end of the island?

I am 65, my wife is 60, and we will probably come in May.

Is there any place that plays music?

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Bob

[Samiamnh]

Hiker,we're in our 60's and love hanging out at the beach.Sure,it's touristy,but still fun.The food is surprisingly good at cafe's in the square.You can also drive or take the trolley to Bostitch (sp ?) beach at the end of the island.We like it because it is more secluded,nice calm swimming and fun to watch all the boats going in and out.
We have a home in CC so I can't tell you about hotels and such....I'd go on line for that.

[hiker45]

Thanks for the comments, Sam.

I'm glad to hear you and your wife like "hanging out" at the Square because that's what we like to do. I recall going there with my girlfriend to try one of the new exotic foods - a pizza! It was delicious.

At least it was new to south Florida. I guess we were not as civilized as New York.

Bowditch Beach is where our parents would take us to swim around 1950. I recall a place that looked like that little hook of land at the very end of the beach. They must have liked it because the extremely calm water was safer for us little kids. On the map, it looks even better now that it has been made into a park. I'm glad to hear that it is still a nice place to go.

[tomno00]

[quote=hiker45;17408316]Thanks for the comments, Sam.

I'm glad to hear you and your wife like "hanging out" at the Square because that's what we like to do. I recall going there with my girlfriend to try one of the new exotic foods - a pizza! It was delicious.

At least it was new to south Florida. I guess we were not as civilized as New York.

Bowditch Beach is where our parents would take us to swim around 1950. I recall a place that looked like that little hook of land at the very end of the beach. They must have liked it because the extremely calm water was safer for us little kids. On the map, it looks even better now that it has been made into a park. I'm glad to hear that it is still a nice place to go.[/quote]

It's still very nice. Sometimes you can go there and be the only one on the beach... although people love to fish off the bridge.

[hiker45]

Where would you stay at FMB for a week?

Near the pier or in one of the condos at the south end of the beach?

[Cobalt502]

We have stayed at both the south end at "The Gull Wing" and near Times Square at the "Best Western Beach Resort", both great places! The Gull Wing rooms were much larger but the Best Western had their pool right on the beach, much closer to the room. We loved staying near Times Square as we could walk to most places we enjoyed, especially if we were drinking! Depending on the time of year, the traffic up to time Square from the south end can be a real pain!

[chadman154]

most place on the beach have a one month rental. the only one i found to do weekly was EBTC (estero beach and tennis club). south end near the marina. check vrbo.com, they have alot of weekly rentals from private owners.

[7165red]

There are many condos that rent by the week. The Edison Beach condos are close to TS. My friend stayed at Estero Beach condos close to the Pink Shell Beach Resort. The Capers is also a nice property not far from TS. I have rented mid-island at Smugglers Cove and Pointe South on a weekly rental. I suggest you check out www.homeaway.com & www.gulfcoastalrentals.com. We like TS sitting around people watching. There are many restaurants in the TS area. The beach is much wider south-island near Santini Plaza.