Travel
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FORT MYERS BEACH (Pink Shell Resort)
in Travel
Hi everyone,
We are thinking of taking the kids to Fort Myers Beach in April. I found the Pink Shell Resort, which seems pretty nice, but we have never been to this area of Florida.
Can anyone recommend things to do/see? Has anyone stayed at the Pink Shell?
P.S. Our kids are 5 & 4 (Girl & Boy)
Thank you!
JL from NJ
Re: FORT MYERS BEACH (Pink Shell Resort)
FMB holds a special place in my heart because we have been going there for years, however, it's definitely in need of some "sprucing up." With that said there is still plenty to do. Since we have not gone with DS yet I'm not too sure on all the family-friendly options but the Pink Shell is definitely one of the more family-friendly options, we've never stayed there but have heard good things.
What to do: Sanibel Island is a good day-trip for shelling, beach, eating. On the way to the FMB there is a small amusement park that has been closed for years, however, when we were there in Dec we saw a sign that it will be reopening - I just don't know when. Mini Golf, Naples Zoo (too small and depressing for me), Lovers Key State Park, Ding Darling(Sanibel), dolphin and manatee tours, if you venture up to Fort Myers and it's been on the cooler side you will see a ton of manatees at the Manatee Park(power plant), the Everglades is an hour and half away or so and the airboats are always fun.
Where to eat: FMB has some great little restaurants. The Beached Whale has great beach bread and one of the better fried grouper sandwiches we've had. Surf Pizza is good and delivers. Tuckaway Bagel has fantastic waffels and bagel sandwiches. Kilwins for ice cream and candy. Baywalk Cafe has the BEST key lime cookies, their bfast was a bit on the small side but still good.
What to bring:sunscreen, toys for the sand, beach chairs(most hotels provide them or you can rent them), beach towels(if you have the room) and comfy shoes.
Be prepared for traffic on the island - we typically go in Dec(low season) but imagine that traffic will be a nightmare in April. The Beach Shell is within walking distance of most of the restaurants that I recommended.
Have fun!
*We skipped FMB and headed to Naples this winter so there may be some new options for you to try.
That was awesome! Thank you so much!
We are planning to fly out April 11th, hopefully skipping all the spring breakers, but I hear you on the crowds and traffic for sure!
Thank you for all the recommendations! I'll have to start a trip planning document
No problem, these boards have been so helpful to me it's always nice to pass some info on.
Just a couple more things,
The Bubble Room on Captiva (you'll have to go through Sanibel to get to it) is always talked about as a great family restaurant.
Make sure you pick up all the tourist magazines, maps, etc (they're everywhere)they have a ton of coupons and good ideas in them.
If you've ever read any of Randy Wayne White's books(very good mystery author) he owns a couple restaurants on FMB & Captiva - Doc Fords(his main character) and is partner in Beached Whale.
Have fun!
We stayed at the Pink Shell Resort several years ago. The room we had was pretty big and had an efficiency kitchen, which was nice. It's a big hotel with all the main stuff in one building and the rest in numerous other buildings. We weren't in the main building, which was probably nice to keep noise down, but it meant we had to walk a bit to get to the main building. The walk was along the beach, though, so not too bad!
I remember having a complaint about the room that was superficial. Along the lines of why don't they have flat screen tvs or digital cable. I don't remember what it was specifically, though.
FMB is definitely a little cheesy (lots of tacky t-shirt shops) and definitely not upscale, however, we had a great vacation with our girls there when they were 3. We also stayed at Pink Shell. Our condo was very spacious and had a great view. The girls loved the zero entry pool and the splash pool. The beach is also really nice - great for young kids. We used the kids club while we were there and the girls had a really good time. They did some art projects, played games, and did a science experiment. If you get some time to yourself, there is an adults only pool and a decent spa.
I don't remember specifics of restaurants, but there were tons of options for families (pizza, sandwich places, etc.) I bet you'll have a really good time, as long as you aren't expecting glitz or luxury.
FMB is a great family place. My parents found it on a road trip when I was little. The water is calm and warm and the sand is nice. Great place for little ones. It's also fairly casual and unpretentious.
I recently went back with my mom for a girls weekend and we stayed at the Best Western. It's fairly new and very clean.
BTW - there is a excellent outlet mall in Estero (about a 30 min drive) if you are looking to shop too!