Welcome to the Estero Beach
& Tennis Club!

You'll see this view when you enter the property.

Our entrance is across from Fish Tale Marina with boats dry docked along the main road. There is only one road down the middle of the island, so you can't get lost!

The Gulf side

Unit 1005c faces the Gulf of Mexico directly. Unit 506b is a corner unit with views of both the Gulf and bayside.

 

A view from our #506B balcony.

It's an image we dream about during our long winters at home in Minnesota. The balcony overlooks the Gulf on the left, the inner island ahead and to the right. You can see both sunrises and sunsets from this corner unit.

Notice the natural saltwater lagoon and mangrove bushes that gives the property privacy from the beach. You can walk around the lagoon (about a city block), but it's more fun to wade across! The crossing is narrower to the left (shown in the below photo).

A view from our #1005C balcony
Looking toward the southwest

The front looks out directly over the Gulf of Mexico (Mother Nature narrowed the lagoon since this photo was taken, bringing the white sand closer to the lawn.)

The northwest view from #1005C       
From inside the living room               .

With binoculars you can see Sanibel Island.      

Spoonbills having breakfast

Our lagoon is the best aquatic bird sanctuary on the island. You can birdwatch from the balconies of either of our units. The species change throughout day, so have your camera ready!

Watch relaxing sunsets
from your balcony, or while strolling along the soft sand.

We've seen people shore fishing with good results. Tackle can be rented inexpensively from the Fish Tale Marina., where you can buy a 3 or 5 day fishing license.

You can rent WaveRunners and kayaks at Mid Island Water Sports, on the beach about a block north. They can also take you parasailing!

Baby beach strollers (and other) equipment can be rented from Happy Baby Rentals. They also rent some adult equipment, such as beach wagons, and even a beach wheel chair.

Clay tennis courts
This view is from the right of our #506B balcony.

Across the street at the Fish Tale Marina
You can rent a pontoon or hulled boat, or charter bayside and ocean fishing trips.

For tamer tastes, we recommend a sunset and sightseeing cruise with  Good Time Charters. Their large pontoon boat leaves the pier in front of the Fish House Restaurant. Call 437-8773 for departure times.

We love to browse in The Beach Book Nook. And be sure to stop at Island Girl for unique jewelry and art, located at the end of the plaza.

You don't golf? Lessons are available.

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Local Restaurants

South Beach is one of our favorite restaurants at Santini's Marina Plaza for somewhat upscale dining. It has a fabulous bar that gets busy around sundown. Their early-bird specials are a bargain.

For lunch we like grouper sandwiches at the Fish House Restaurant, located dockside behind the shopping plaza. The fries are uncommonly good. Informal and friendly. Egrets sometimes pace the deck rail, hoping for handouts.

In the middle of the plaza, try Francesco's Italian Deli and Pizzeria. You can buy hot or "heat & eat" meals and bring them back to your condo. They also deliver (call 463-5634). 

The Sandbar and Grille opened in 2006 at the south end of the shopping plaza. We found their entrees tasty and moderately priced. Their pizzas are popular. TV monitors are everywhere, including in the booths (although you can turn yours off), broadcasting cable sports.

Also at the south end of the plaza, Loggerheads is a good bet for casual dining. A couple from New Jersey took over as new owners in 2008, and have developed new menu ideas. They are keeping spaghetti on the menu, a long-time favorite of locals.

Another walking-distance restaurant to try is the outdoor Tiki Bar at Holiday Inn. We haven't eaten there yet, but we want to try a beach-side dinner or snack at sunset. (You can't beat the view from our balconies that beautiful time of day.)

Another favorite of ours is the Parrot Key Caribbean Grill. Pier-side dining, with a creative menu and drink list. Lunch, dinner, or Sunday breakfast. They don't take reservations, but you might want to call about their menu (463-3257). To get there cross back over the main bridge, turn right on Main Street (just on the other side) and go a few blocks until you see their big sign. You'll see other restaurants on the way, all featuring fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

It's worth a short drive or trolley ride (or one-mile walk) north to Charley's Boat House Grill. (You can print a $2.00 coupon from their Web site). Over 55 items on their salad bar. Great place for steaks and ribs, as well as seafood.
 

For a special evening of sumptuous dining, we enjoy the Bayfront Bistro, located on the bayfront behind Publix. (239-463-3663)

Heading south to Bonita Springs, our guests have enjoyed Coconut Jack's, voted one of the best waterfront restaurents in the area. (239-676-7777)

For great ice cream and fountain treats, walk across the street to Strawberrie Corner.  They also serve sandwiches. We like to stop there for hot fudge sundaes after dinner. Try their own "Key Lime Piesicles" (key lime pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate!).

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Unique Shopping

Under the bridge at the north end of the island, you'll find a "The Beach" Farmers Market every Friday morning 7 am until noon. Local fruit, flowers, crafts and seafood.
 

And then there's the giant Fleamaster's Fleamarket, open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 400,000 sq. feet under one roof, so wear comfortable shoes!

We like the Tanger Factory Outlet, located nearby on the way to Sanibel Island. Lots of name brand stores offering bargains.

The Miromar Outlets are on the way to Naples. Allow plenty of time if you want to visit all the shops.

This is sandal country, and about mid-island you'll find a nice assortment of comfortable, quality sandals visit Birkenstock Island Soles, just across the stree at the Santini Marina Plaza.

Every trip we check out the latest artistic offerings at Island Girl, located next to the Southbeach Restaurant accross the street at the Santini Marina Plaza. Owner, Michelle, has an eye for unique jewelry, art, and gifts.

This isn't a "unique" shopping experience, but we found the best grocery store on the island to be Publix, which is about 2 miles north of our condo on the bay side. You can also buy wine and beer there.

We like to buy our essential grocery products at Publix when we first arrive, and later drive a bit farther to Sweetbay Supermarket for more variety and better prices. It's located at 8951 Bonita Beach Road, in a shopping plaza. (239-947-0329).

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Nearby Attractions

Lets start with the Fort Myers Beach Public Library (about a mile south of the bridge). You can call ahead for a free Internet reservation (239) 765-8163) to check your email. If you want to check out books, DVDs, videos or music CDs, you can buy a 90-day library card for $5 (picture ID required).

If you need computer access to the Internet during times when the library is closed, you can purchase access at the Sole Cafe (239-463-SOLE), located across the street north of the library, next to Island Soles Sandals.

If you bring a computer or other wireless Internet device, you might be able to receive Internet access from the office router near the ground floor of Building B. We've been told by other guests that the signal is unreliable. There are plans to provide wireless access in every building, and when that happens, we'll post the good news here.

We have a few DVDs in the condo, but you can rent videos and DVDs at the laundry across the street in the shopping plaza.

After you've checked your email, drive 12 miles to Fort Myers (about 15 minutes if traffic is light) and visit the Thomas Edison Winter Home & Museum. The museum is a fascinating glimpse into Edison's family and work life. His good friend, Henry Ford built a house next to his, and it is also on display.

Lover's Key State Park (1616 acres) is on the south end of the island, and is an excellent place to learn more about local birds, plants, sea shells and life on the beach. You can hike or rent a bike for the tails, or rent a canoe (our preference) or kayak for the waterways.
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Naples is about a 40 minute drive south.

Old Town Naples is a fun place to shop and dine. We especially like Campiello's and Lurcat, both owned by an outstanding Minnesota restaurateur.

The fastest way to Key West from Fort Myers Beach is via the Key West Ferry. Enjoy 5 full hours in Key West and avoid the 12 to 14 hours it would take to drive there. It departs and returns daily from Salty Sam's Marina, located under the bridge on the north end of the island.

The Seminole Gulf Railway makes short daytime scenic excursions, and features a Murder Mystery Dinner. We haven't tried it, but if you do please send us a review.

If you want some gambling excitement, you might want to try the Big "M" Gambling Cruise. We've seen their "gaming yacht" leave the harbor early evening and return later at night.

A great day trip northeast of Naples would be a visit to the 11,000-acre Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where a 2.25-mile raised boardwalk takes visitors through several distinct habitats, including the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in North America.

Everglades City is 64 miles south, and would make another great day trip. You can see miles of pristine wilderness by taking a tour on an environment-friendly (not to mention exciting) air boat. We plan to try Ecosafari because they pick up visitors at Fort Myers Beach.

Miami is 146 miles, and we're told takes about 3 hours to drive. Key Largo (the first of the Keys) is an hour beyond that. World class scuba diving there.

Distances to other Florida cities:

	Miles	Drive Time
Orlando	196	3 hours
Tampa	126	2 hours
Daytona	251	4 hours
Jacksonville	335	5 hours

The location of the nearest ATM machine: across the street at the bank.

For island news visit the local newspaper online: Fort Myers Beach Observer

For community activities and organizations visit Our Fort Myers Beach
 

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