Bay Harbor Islands(United States) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In the Gulf Islands, top picks for families include The Beach Club Resort & Spa in Fort Myers Beach, offering spacious beachfront villas, a kids' club, and private pools. Its prime Gulf of Mexico location ensures easy access to swimming, sandcastle-building, and sunset cruises. Another excellent option is Island Bay Hotel, known for its tropical-inspired design and direct beach access. Both properties feature child-safe amenities and host family events like beachside BBQs and marine education talks, making them ideal for a stress-free island getaway.

Fort Myers Beach is the most recommended area for lodging in the Gulf Islands. With pristine white-sand beaches, calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and water activities, it strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and entertainment. Stay along Coastal Highway for easy access to the shore, local seafood shacks, and the historic Beachfront Dock. Accommodations like Harbor House Inn and Sandy Shores Beachfront Condos offer comfort, convenience, and stunning ocean views—ideal for travelers seeking both tranquility and accessibility.

Immerse yourself in local culture by attending the Fort Myers Beach Sea Turtle Festival, an annual event featuring educational talks, guided night releases of baby sea turtles, and artisan markets. Explore the Gulf Coast Art Center to view works by regional painters and ceramicists inspired by coastal life. For an authentic taste of island life, dine at Cocoa Beach Bar & Grill, where you can savor fresh Florida-style seafood platters and listen to live folk music under the stars, capturing the true spirit of Southwest Florida.

Nightlife in the Gulf Islands is relaxed and laid-back, perfect for unwinding after a day on the beach. Popular spots include Barefoot Beach Bar and The Sandbar at Fort Myers Beach, offering live acoustic music, craft cocktails, and panoramic ocean views. Many restaurants, such as Mama's Italian Kitchen, host themed nights like “Italian Dinner & Wine Pairing” or “Latin Jazz Evening.” For a magical experience, book a nighttime snorkeling tour to witness glowing plankton and bioluminescent waters in the Gulf of Mexico, creating a surreal, starlit adventure.

Yes, The Islander Beachfront Boutique Hotel stands out as a romantic retreat. Located in Fort Myers Beach, this intimate property offers ocean-view suites with private balconies and outdoor hot tubs. Guests enjoy personalized services like candlelit dinners, couples’ spa treatments, and sunset boat charters. The hotel’s elegant tropical-modern design and 24-hour concierge ensure privacy and luxury. Nearby Lighthouse Point Park provides a dreamy backdrop for proposals or quiet strolls under the stars—perfect for honeymooners and couples seeking intimacy.

Must-try dishes in the Gulf Islands include the Florida Lobster Roll, served fresh with citrus-dressed lobster meat, and Grilled Snapper with Mango Salsa at waterfront eateries like Fishing Village Restaurant, a local favorite since 1950. Don’t miss Sunset Grille’s Caribbean-style Seafood Tower, layered with shrimp, crab, and spicy sauces. For a refreshing treat, try the Fresh Florida Orange Smoothie, made with locally grown oranges—perfect for cooling down on warm days. These flavors reflect the region’s rich maritime heritage and farm-to-table ethos.

Absolutely. The Gulf Islands are highly accessible by car, connected via scenic causeways like the Causeway Bridge. Renting a compact car or convertible allows you to explore Coastal Highway at your own pace, stopping at hidden coves like Pine Island Sound or Sanibel Island Causeway for photos. Most hotels offer free parking, and many provide EV charging stations. Driving gives you freedom to discover secluded beaches, fishing villages, and mangrove trails—making it the best way to experience the full beauty of Southwest Florida’s coastline.

Photography enthusiasts will love Sanibel Island Lighthouse and Captiva Island Pier, especially during golden hour when sunlight reflects off the Gulf of Mexico. The Jupiter Inlet Light area offers dramatic shots of red mangroves and tidal channels. Blind Pass Beach is ideal for wide-angle landscape photos with endless horizon lines. For unique moments, join a nighttime bioluminescence tour to capture glowing plankton in the waves. Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens to fully capture the natural drama and serene beauty of the islands.

The Gulf Islands have a tropical climate: summers (June–September) are hot and humid with afternoon thunderstorms, but these often pass quickly, leaving clear skies. Winter (November–March) offers mild temperatures (20–25°C), making it the peak season for tourism, birdwatching, and sea turtle nesting. Be cautious during hurricane season (June–November); check updates from the National Hurricane Center before traveling. UV exposure is high year-round—always wear sunscreen, hats, and UV-blocking clothing.

Recommended trails include the Fort Myers Beach Bike Trail (8 km), a scenic route along the Gulf Coast perfect for cycling with stops at birdwatching points and seaside parks. The Sanibel Island Trail (12 km) winds through dunes, mangroves, and coastal forests—ideal for early morning rides. Facilities include rest areas, water stations, and bike rentals. Electric bikes are available for rent, allowing effortless exploration of Island Walk Park and Periwinkle Way. Best visited in the cooler hours of dawn or dusk to avoid midday heat and enjoy peaceful, natural surroundings.