Captiva Resorts

East Coast or West, Florida Beaches are the Best ? check out Fort Myers, Florida Beaches!

Lee County is home to Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs

and the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. It is the most populous

county in Southwest Florida. The county seat is Fort Myers and

the largest city is Cape Coral. The Gulf of Mexico has a huge

influence on the area and the three rivers: the Caloosahatchee,

the Estero and the Imperial, provide fantastic recreational

opportunities.

Fort Myers accommodations are plentiful; choose a resort, a hotel or a motel, Fort Myers and Lee County have it all.

Natural Florida beach sand and warm waters invite you to relax, read or

partake in a favorite beach activity – shelling. Each beach has a

personality all its own.  Families will find soft, white sand great for kids. Couples

can experience solitude and exceptional sunsets. And active types

can enjoy volleyball, picnicking, shelling, cycling and skim boarding.

• Lee County offers annual parking stickers for $60 per year.

• Bonita Springs residents pay $5 for an annual parking decal

which allows parking at Bonita Beach Park, Access #1 and Little

Hickory Island Beach Park for free.

• Sanibel Island beaches have metered parking. Property

owners and long term visitors may obtain A & B parking permits;

A/property owners/$12/year; B/ visitors/$90/year.

• On Sanibel, the police will arrange for delivery of a

handicapped wheelchair for 4 hours at no charge. Call 239-472-

3111.

Bonita Beach Park

Location: 27954 Hickory Blvd.,west end of Bonita Beach Blvd.,

Bonita Springs

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour

Amenities: 3 miles of beach, restrooms, picnic shelters with tables

and grills, playground, sand volleyball courts, food concession,

showers, restaurant

Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Bonita Springs is a small coastal community

with beaches that are quite beautiful and less harried than Fort

Myers Beach to the north.

Bonita Beach (Accesses)

Location: 10 accesses along Hickory Blvd. #1 is located just north

of Bonita Beach Park, Bonita Springs

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: limited, Access #1, $2/hour, Accesses #2-9, limited and

free

Amenities: 3 miles of beach, no facilities

Activities: swimming, sunbathing, shelling, fishing, walking

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: The beachfront is residential; a mix of high

and mid rise condominiums and individual homes.

Little Hickory Island Beach Park

Location: 2 miles north of Bonita Beach Park on Hickory Blvd.,

Bonita Springs

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: metered parking

Amenities: 3 miles of beach, picnic tables, restrooms, showers

Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, canoeing, kayaking,

sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

Lovers Key State Park

Location: 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. 10.5 miles west of

I75 at exit 116

Phone: 239-463-4588

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $8/vehicle

Amenities: 700 acres, 2 miles of beach, 5 miles of bike trails,

bike rentals, boat ramp, food & equiPMent rental concessions,

playgrounds, picnic shelters with grills, restrooms, nature trails,

pavilion, outdoor showers, guided ranger tours

Activities: birding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking,

biking, shelling, swimming, wildlife viewing

Pets: Yes, on 6’ leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches

or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or

concession facilities

Of Special Interest: A haven for wildlife, the islands and their

waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins,

roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile

long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and was selected as

the #4 beach in Florida by the Travel Channel.

Fort Myers Beach

Location: Accesses #11 thru #35 are on Estero Blvd. from Big

Carlos Pass to the south to Matanzas Pass Bridge to the north.

Colored banners designate their location, number and have symbols

indicating whether they have amenities, accessibility or parking

(fee required) #37 through #41 north of the Matanzas Bridge on

Estero Blvd. allow for foot-traffic only-no parking.

Phone: 239-765-0202 Town of Fort Myers

Hours: dawn to dusk

Parking: Metered parking is located on Old San Carlos Blvd., Estero

Blvd., Center St., and Fifth St. $2/hour, 2 hour limit. On Fifth St.,

the spaces are $1/hour. Long term parking is available on all beach

access streets and in the lot under the Matanzas Pass Bridge. $1/

hour, no time limit. In season, get there very early to find a spot or

park on the mainland and take the trolley over.

Amenities: Lynn Hall Memorial Park (Pier): restrooms and Times

Square with beachfront restaurants and shopping

Activities: fishing, swimming, shelling, handicapped access,

sunbathing, walking

Pets: yes, on 6’ leashes

Of Special Interest: Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island) boasts miles

of white, sandy beaches, where the ocean floor slopes gently

towards the horizon with no sudden drop-offs or big waves. All

of the beaches are “natural beaches”, meaning that they are

not raked or otherwise groomed. This allows beach visitors to

enjoy all of the coast’s amenities while preserving its native

environment. The busy intersection of San Carlos Boulevard

and Estero Boulevard is packed with bars, beach-apparel shops,

restaurants, and motels that draw singles and families. It’s a

Coney Island atmosphere that is referred to as “Times Square.”

Lynn Hall Park

Location: 1050 Main St., Fort Myers Beach, in the heart of

downtown

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 100 spaces

Amenities: licensed fishing pier with bait shop, picnic shelters

with grills, playground, outdoor showers, restrooms, shopping

Activities: swimming, shelling, fishing, sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Located just north of the foot of the

Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to “Times Square” in the heart

of downtown Fort Myers Beach, this lively gulf front park is

adjacent to shopping and restaurants.

Bowditch Point Regional Park

Location: 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: 8 AM to ½ hour past sunset

Parking: $1/hour, 75 spaces

Amenities: day docks for boats up to 28 ft, paddle craft

launch onto Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, walking trails

through preserve area, picnic tables and grills, food concession,

restrooms and changing facilities

Activities: boating, swimming, fishing, sunbathing, walking,

handicapped access

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: Located on the northern tip of Fort Myers

Beach, this park has access to the Bay and the Gulf and provides

a much quieter experience than the beaches in town.

Bunche Beach (Preserve)

Location: 18201 John Morris Road, Fort Myers

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: free lot

Amenities: none

Activities: swimming, photography, sunbathing, walking

Pets: no

Of Special Interest: This 731 acre preserve is a natural tidal

wetlands area. It is pristine and completely natural offering a

sandy beach, mangrove forests, salt flats and a wide variety of

wildlife for viewing.

Why consider buying a vacation timeshare in Florida?

Timeshare gives you the opportunity to own vacation real estate that will give you and your family the opportunity to visit great vacation destinations throughout the state of Florida for the rest of your life.

While Orlando seems to be the first vacation destination many people think of, Florida has much more to offer when considering buying a vacation timeshare.  In addition to Disney World, there are the beaches that can be found along the entire coastal area of Florida.  From Jacksonville, to Daytona Beach to Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, the beaches are endless and the fun is just beginning!  Travel to the southern most tip of the US and you’ll find the charming, historic town of Key West.  Travelling to the west coast of Florida you and your family can enjoy shelling on the beaches of Naples, Sanibel and Captiva. Then there are the turquoise clear waters and pristine white sand beaches of Destin in the panhandle of Florida fondly referred to as the “redneck Riveria”.  Or you can move inland to central Florida and explore Blue Springs State Park – the winter home to West Indian Manatees and then enjoy boating and fishing on the St. John’s River.  

An endless number of accommodation choices await the buyer of a vacation timeshare and Florida has them all.  From simple hotel type complexes to beachside bungalows, houseboats and  community type resorts to luxurious, brand name resorts such as Marriott, Hilton and Starwood.  No matter what time of year you plan your vacation in Florida you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy with the whole family.  

You can own a Florida vacation for the rest of your life when you purchase a vacation timeshare piece of real estate. Timeshare ownership will give you the option of exchanging it and vacationing at thousands of resorts worldwide by joining an exchange network, such as RCI or Interval International.

There is no way to place a dollar value on the time you spend vacationing with your family and loved ones, not to mention the fun!  

T imeshare resales are the best way to save money on your vacationing – often times saving you from 50-75% off developer prices.  Advantage Vacation specializes in resales only – whether buying or selling.  As an accredited member of the BBB with an A+ rating and a respected member of the National Association of Realtors, you can be assured you are working with a  knowledgeable and experienced professional who has your desires and interests in mind.  Ownership of a Florida timeshare ensures you will enjoy vacationing for a lifetime and not just be collecting rent receipts.  And remember, as an owner of a vacation timeshare you are an owner of real estate – you can will it to your beneficiaries or sell it.  

Why buy at full price when you can buy a timeshare resale?

Homes in South Florida Mean Travel Discoveries Every Day

Those Summer days in South Florida are approaching Residents of South Florida may be snow-birds or live in Palm Beach County areas all year. The idea of travel may not be the first thing to cross your mind but there are destinations to discover within hours of your South Florida home. Travel does not have to be far or expensive (especially discounted summer rates) because there is so much to do within just a four hour radius.

Starting close to home, in Palm Beach Gardens, PGA National Resort and Spa offers 5 championship golf courses that have hosted a Ryder Cup and the Honda Classic. 19 clay tennis courts, exercise facilities, croquet and 5 restaurants are all on site. The spa and the world renowned waters of the world make this a perfect getaway minutes away. Manalapan offers quiet and tranquility if you need a break from it all. Great shopping, dining are just minutes away at Palm Beach. Just beyond your usual environs, Fort Lauderdale has wonderful beaches, shopping, restaurants and shows. Farther south is South Beach if you are looking for something more lively.

Great beaches, shopping, restaurants and energy are all here. The Keys offer both tranquility and sleepy getaways to the famous and lively Key West. The best in snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing and sightseeing is right at your fingertips. Traveling to the west coast of Florida off of the Gulf Coast of Mexico is Naples, Marco Island and beautiful Captiva/Sanibel Island which offers some of the best beaches and shell collecting in the world.

The city of Orlando is only a few hours to the North and offers much to do, from Disney World to Universal Studios. Only a short drive east of Orlando is Cape Canaveral, home of NASA, which offers daily tours. If you enjoy history, just a few hours North of Orlando is historic Saint Augustine, the oldest city in the United States. From the old Spanish fort to the lighthouse to fun shopping, this is one place not to miss.

Don’t let living in the PGA National Homes, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens areas of South Florida stop your interest in new discoveries. There are many new experiences waiting for you all in a day’s reach.

Pick Perfect Lodging for Your Trip

Most of the Sanibel Island hotels can be described as modest, though there are plenty of luxuries available if you require them.  Depending on the size of your vacation party and the purpose of your trip, you can find accommodations that will meet your every need.  The resorts on Sanibel Island are perfect for families with children, because most of them offer activities that will keep the children busy so that you and your spouse can enjoy some free time.  

Sanibel Island consists of some amazing beaches and miles of wildlife refuge.  You can certainly expect to enjoy lush surroundings, wherever you choose to stay.  The Tortuga Beach Club is a popular choice, and offers many outdoor activities, such as shuffleboard and an barbecue pit, so that you and your family can enjoy the Florida wildlife and nature that surround you.  There are rooms available for large groups, too, which can accommodate up to six people.  Every villa at the Tortuga Beach Club offers private balconies, cable television, full kitchens, and washer and dry combinations.  If you have ever made a family beach trip, then you understand just how valuable a washer and dryer can be.

The Blue Dolphin is another popular choice for families and larger groups, because the resort offers cottages of varying sizes.  The cottages can provide a bit more privacy than traditional hotels, as well as a feeling of being at home.  Most of the units have a full kitchen, too, which means that you don’t have to spend all of your vacation money dining out.  The Blue Dolphin also provides bicycles, lounge chairs, and umbrellas as a part of your stay, so you never have to worry about rental fees for your beach time.

Of course, if you actually prefer the traditional chain hotels, there are several from which to choose.  Many of the hotels located on Periwinkle Way offer fairly affordable rates, though you may have to bike to the beach.  The great thing about a chain hotel is that you always know just what to expect.  If you use certain hotel brands frequently, then you probably have vacation points built up that can make for an even more affordable vacation experience.  Whatever your hotel of choice, there are accommodations on Sanibel Island that will fit your needs.  A quick Internet search will show you all of the hotels offered, and will even allow you to make quick online reservations.

The Nightlife Comes Alive after Sunset

The beaches of Sanibel Island, Florida may be world renowned for their sunshine, but it is when the sun goes down that the local area really comes alive with a nightlife scene that is vibrant and diverse. Whether you are visiting the area for a day, a week or more you will find ample a wide array of nightlife opportunities situated near the beaches as well as the beautiful downtown River District.

In the Sanibel area one of the best places to drop by at sunset is Charley’s Cabana Bar located at the Sanibel Harbor Marriott Resort & Spa. Here you will be able to enjoy fabulous sunset views from over San Carlos Bay as well as a stunning array of mojitos. Guests of Charley’s are even able to take advantage of complimentary valet parking. The bar is open every night from 3 p.m. until 2 a.m.

In the mood for some jazz? If so, Ellington’s Jazz Club and Restaurant located on Sanibel Island is the place to be. The club features live jazz each night of the week and a dance floor that beckons you to come on out and jive. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m. Jazz begins at 7 p.m.

In the River District visitors will also find plenty to keep them occupied long after the sun has set. One of the most popular piano bars in the Sanibel area is The Veranda. This bar is a particular favorite of locals. Once you visit the converted mansion you will easily see why it has remained a hit for more than 30 years. The bar is open six nights a week until 10 p.m.; closed on Sundays.

When it comes to friendly bartenders you will find none friendlier than at Spirits of Bacchus. If you are an art lover and happen to be in town the first weekend of the month, you will certainly want to head on over to Bacchus on Friday evening for excellent conversation and refreshing drinks before taking in the monthly downtown Art Walk. The bar is open Monday through Saturday; 4 p.m. until midnight.

No matter whether you are looking for someplace quiet and intimate where you can enjoy a relaxing drink and watch the sun go down or someplace a bit more jumping and jiving, you will find there are plenty of nightlife options in Sanibel Island, Florida and the surrounding area.

Sanibel Island Florida, a Bit of Paradise

A Sanibel Island vacation may seem different, but once you learn the facts of this intriguing island you will wonder why you haven’t been there before. This beautiful island located on the Gulf coast of Florida is just a offshore from Fort Myers. Sanibel Island is a barrier island with beautiful sandy beaches. The city takes up the entire island with the bulk of its population located on the east end.

Sanibel and Captiva became one island over 6000 years ago. It was originally inhabited by the Calusa tribe that eventually dominated the majority of southwest Florida. Soon after the European settlers arrived the tribe collapsed.

The first map indicating any type of harbor appeared in 1765. The name of the harbor, (Puerdo de S. Nivel has many different explanations including the possibility of evolution from the name “San Nibel”. The point at Santa Ybel hosts the Sanibel Island Light. The name of that too is merely a matter of conjecture. Guesses as to the naming range from the names of queens to the names of mistresses.

The first settlement of modern day Sanibel was established in 1832. It was abandoned in 1849 because of lack of interest and population. The implementation of the the “homestead act” in 1862 caused a resurgence of interest in the island. The community remained very small until a causeway was established in 1963. After the causeway came to be, the population surged. It was necessary to put restrictions in place as to development to preserve the ecological benefits of the island.

A Sanibel Island vacation will take you across the intracoastal waterway and two small captivating islets. The shrimp like shape of the island establishes Tarpon Bay on the north side. Because of the orientation of the island, east-west rather than north-south, it is a prime collecting area for an enormous variety of sea shells. It is considered the best seashell collecting area in the United States. Visitors come for a Sanibel Island vacation from around the world specifically for the shelling opportunities. Being a barrier island and having an unusual orientation provides the beaches with an abundance of shells and beautiful beaches. Sanibel is part of a plateau that reaches far into the Gulf of Mexico. The plateau is an excellent shelf for the shells that are gathered.

Wild life refuges also abound on the island. In 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was formed. It’s sole mission was to preserve all of the natural resources and wildlife habitation that surround the islands. Research into fish populations, shellfish repopulation, seagrasses and mangroves takes place at the Marine Laboratory on the island.

Your Sanibel Island vacation must include a visit to the “J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Hosting about one million visitors each year, it covers over 5200 actres and thrives to preserve, maintain and restore the haven of indigenous wildlife. It is one of the most visited wildlife refuges in the United States. With homes for more than 220 different species of birds there is sure to be much you haven’t seen before your Sanibel Island Vacation. It is possible for the visitor to bike, walk, kayak or drive throughout the area. It is a wonderful experience that should be experienced by many. The conservation efforts of the island are applauded and appreciated by those who visit.

Discover Natural History and Amazing Wildlife

Sanibel Island had humble beginnings as a sandbar.  Over hundreds of years, that sandbar grew off the coast of southwest Florida to become the beautiful, eleven-mile long island that it is today.  The island, and its sister Captiva, are home to some of Florida’s most amazing wildlife communities, as well as some lush foliage that can rarely be seen anywhere else on Earth.  Visitors will likely drive to the island from Miami, over the causeway that was completed in 1974.  The causeway was specifically designed so that it would never interfere with any of the natural resources located on the island.

The island was first inhabited by the Calusa, a tribe of Native Americans.  These inhabitants found that the land and water could easily sustain them with farming and fishing.  The natural resources of island are still protected to this day by an executive order from President Harry Truman.  Visitor and residents alike can enjoy the meandering bicycle paths that cover the island and offer amazing views of animals and plants that are normally only seen in captivity.

The J.N. Darling Wildlife refuge has been a major focal point on the island since 1967.  There are nearly three thousand acres of pristine wetlands and forest for visitors to explore, though it is important to remain on paths at all times.  Some of the animals may be dangerous of course, but not as dangerous as you are to the delicate ecosystems that can be found.  You can participate in several learning activities at the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge, including lessons on protecting our environment and histories of the animals and plants that inhabit the island.

Though the island does have very strict protection for its natural areas, there are still many modern conveniences for visitors.  There are dozens of hotels and resorts that dot the island, offering fun beach activities and water sports.  Shops and galleries are abundant in the village area, with gifts, fashions, and crafts available throughout the year.  The dining on Sanibel and Captiva are second to none, as well.  This is a wonderful place to enjoy a wholesome and fun family vacation, or the perfect spot for a destination wedding.  The nightlife is present, but the island is always generally quieter than many other beach destinations.  You can truly find anything that you seek on the island, including rest and relaxation on the sugar sand