Flights to Fort Myers

Fort Myers Beach is a bit overwhelming. Not in a bad way, of course. It's just that this beach is overflowing with options for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, foodies, shopaholics and anyone who can appreciate the kitschy Florida beach town aesthetic. While it's bustling these days, around 100 years ago, this Gulf Coast escape was nothing more than an undeveloped strip of land.

Vacationers love this spot because there's so much to explore, not only on Estero Island, the strip of land on which Fort Myers Beach is located, but on surrounding barrier islands and in nearby parks, preserves and towns.

Adventurous and active types, rejoice: Fort Myers Beach is a prime spot for aquatic activities. The list seems to go on forever; boating, sailing, kayaking, fishing, parasailing and swimming are just a few beach pastimes.

Head to the Great Calusa Blueway to coast through its many miles of canoe and kayak trails, or check out the sandy arc that forms Sanibel and Captiva islands. Cayo Costa State Park boasts a wide, tranquil beachfront that acts as a natural habitat for area wildlife.

For awesome coastal views, walk to the end of the Fort Myers fishing pier, which offers a small bait shop and benches.

For a little more excitement, make your way to Fort Myers Beach Times Square, Estero Island's buzzing downtown area, where visitors and locals enjoy a mix of dining, shopping and entertainment options.

Parking in Fort Myers can be tough. Only early birds will have their choice of spots at county parks, and there are hourly or daily fees at most parking lots. However, you can avoid the hassle of parking and forgo the town's notoriously bad traffic by hopping on the trolley, just $.50 per ride.

Craving some time in the sun on an action-packed Gulf coast beach? In the southwest Florida city of Naples, there's a gem of a beach called Vanderbilt, which brings out wealthy retirees, young families and friends on vacation to stretch out on its plentiful shores.

Couples looking for some private time or those who prefer quieter tropical stretches should look elsewhere. Vanderbilt is an animated beach by design, and most who come here wouldn't have it any other way.

The key to making the most of your day at Vanderbilt Beach is to come early. Luckily, a 375-unit parking garage can accommodate many beachgoers, but that means you'll have more people to share the sand with. Beat the crowds and be the first to claim your spot. A beachside concession stand can supply any equipment you need, and there are restrooms here too.

Got kids in tow? Vanderbilt Beach is a great place to search for seashells and to make sand castles. Adults might be more interested in scoring a cold beach drink, and though you can get a darn good one at the swanky Ritz-Carlton nearby, it will not be cheap. Speaking of expensive, plan to head to Fifth Avenue in Naples for high-end shopping and dining.

If the crowds at Vanderbilt Beach get to be too much, wander away from the main beach access points; you'll come across some more tranquil spots. Alternatively, you can head south to Clam Pass Park, a nature-lover's dream, complete with a boardwalk through ample mangroves, a kayak launch and even a tram to get you to the coast, where a lovely, calm beach awaits.