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Hello- I am looking to visit fort myers beach next week - Weds to saturday. What is the area like now? what is the beach like? I was either thinking of staying down by lovers key beach. Please provide any helpful advise about the area/whats open/ Not open

Answer

Great question. Fort Myers Beach and the nearby area around Lovers Key are much more accessible and visitor-friendly now than in past years, but there are a few caveats and helpful details to know before you go. Here’s an up-to-date breakdown (as of late 2025) of what the area is like, what’s open, and what to expect.

Current Condition & What’s Open

The Fort Myers Beach public beaches are mostly open. According to the Visit Fort Myers site, many beach parks have open facilities, though some restrooms and walkovers are still in “repair / limited” status.
Lovers Key State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day.
Important to note: tram services at Lovers Key are currently unavailable. Instead, beach access is by foot or bike via two pedestrian bridges: one from mid-beach (about a 1,000 ft walk) and another from the south bridge (about ½ mile).
Many of the rentals and concessions at Lovers Key are still limited: as of recently, paddling rentals (kayaks, canoes, SUP), beach chair/umbrella rentals, and food/beverage concessions are not currently available.
The Lovers Key Discovery Center (welcome center) is open, though on limited days/hours. Restroom facilities at the park are also limited — some are still “temporary” restrooms.
There’s a boat ramp open for small craft, but trailer parking is limited.
Visitors on foot or bike should be prepared for more of a “natural” beach experience: parts of Lovers Key are more rugged/natural, boardwalks are in place, but there's limited infrastructure.

The Beach Experience

Lovers Key has about 2.5 miles of natural, sugar-sand beach, with areas that are relatively undeveloped. Wildlife viewing is a big draw — the park has trails through mangrove hammocks where you might see dolphins, manatees, or birds.

However, because of past damage (such as from Hurricane Ian) and ongoing restoration, some amenities are still limited: rentals, tram service, and full beach services are not all back yet. The park explicitly warns that certain services are “temporarily unavailable.”

Also, because infrastructure is somewhat reduced, swimming should be done cautiously — there may be debris or uneven sand under water, so water shoes are recommended.

Tips & Advice for Your Stay (Wed–Sat)

Go early in the morning to beat crowds — especially at Lovers Key, since tram is out, walking in with gear may take more effort.
Bring your own beach gear (chairs, umbrellas) because rentals are limited right now.
Plan to bring water and snacks — since concession services may not be fully operating.
Wear water shoes when swimming or wading off the beach to protect your feet.
Use the pedestrian access points to reach the beach safely. The mid-beach wooden bridge and the south bridge are your best bets.
If you’re planning to hike or walk the trails, check in with the Discovery Center (if open) for trail status and any guided walk info.
Be respectful of wildlife areas — Lovers Key is still very much a nature preserve, and some nesting or sensitive areas may be restricted.

Local Restaurants & Vibe

Fort Myers Beach is not fully “back to normal” in some areas, according to recent visitor reports. But many favorite spots are open, and there’s still a beachy, relaxed feel. For food, locals often recommend:

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille: Known for good seafood and a laid-back atmosphere.
Dixie Fish Company: Another popular local choice.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Area: According to recent visitors, Margaritaville is “fully operational” for beach access and restaurants.

So — Should You Stay by Lovers Key?

Yes — staying near or at Lovers Key can still be a great idea. The park offers a more natural, laid-back beach experience, which may be exactly what you’re looking for. Just go in with realistic expectations: not all services are fully restored, and you'll need to plan a little more carefully for gear, water, and walking. But if your priority is scenic beach time and nature, Lovers Key remains a beautiful destination.

If you prefer more infrastructure (restaurants, lounges, more full-service amenities), staying directly on Fort Myers Beach itself might make more sense, but even there, visitor reports suggest things are improving but not 100% “before everything.”

All in all, you’re likely to have a very enjoyable trip. The natural beauty is very much there, the beaches are accessible, and the local community is still reviving — which often brings a more authentic, less touristy feel.

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