Relaxing on the sandy beaches and kayaking in Estero Bay are just a few things you can do at Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Enjoy these activities within steps of your Fort Myers Beach vacation rental. Accordingly Fort Myers Beach offers some of the best dining establishments in South Florida. If you’re traveling with kids, make a stop at one of these family-friendly restaurants to refuel after a few hours playing in the waves.

1. Heavenly Biscuit

Situated in a cute, colorful cottage right on Estero Boulevard, Heavenly Biscuit bakes up some of the freshest cinnamon roles in Fort Myers Beach. Walk from your vacation home to enjoy a hearty breakfast, choosing from house favorites such as the fried chicken biscuit or a plate of biscuits and gravy. Once you find a table on the front porch, grab a mug of java from the coffee station while the kids devour a plate of banana bread pudding for a sweet start to your day.

2. Sunset Beach Tropical Grill

Outdoor seating overlooking the beach makes this laid-back grill a popular spot for a sunset dinner with the family. This grill specializes in seafood favorites such as blackened white fish and sun-burnt salmon, but you find plenty of kid-friendly favorites such as chicken fingers on the children’s menu.

3. The Doghouse

Picky eaters are sure to appreciate the selection of hot dogs, burgers, and fresh-cut fries at this casual establishment. Hot dog toppings range from pulled pork to sauerkraut, and you can’t go wrong with the fresh-squeezed lemonade. If you’re really looking to splurge, order a plate of chili cheese fries loaded to the top with melted cheese.

4. Edelweiss Burger

Take a walk from your vacation rental to enjoy a casual lunch on the deck of this trendy burger joint known for its build-to-order American classics. The Angus beef cheeseburgers are sure to please vacationers of all ages, but Edelweiss also whips up a mean veggie burger. Be sure to order a side of crispy onion rings for a satisfying touch.

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5. Fresh Catch Bistro

This relaxing seafood restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a family dinner while savoring the ocean views. Signature dishes include the grouper with crab stuffing and lobster sauce as well as oyster sashimi. While there is no dedicated kids’ menu, there are plenty of kid-friendly options such as pasta and chicken fingers for the little ones.

6. Matanzas on the Bay

Stop by this island eatery for an open-air dining experience on the upper deck with views of calm Matanzas Harbor, and order up seafood staples such as crunchy grouper and coconut shrimp. The shrimp burger and seafood chimichangas are a few must-tries. After your meal, sit out on the deck chairs while the kids keep an eye out for Petey, the great egret that fishes for shrimp near the docks.

7. Dixie Fish Co.

A nautical-themed restaurant right on the water, Dixie Fish Co. offers plenty of please-all favorites for the whole family. Order up a plate of popcorn shrimp, some fish and chips, or some grouper tacos. Grab a slice of key lime pie before going back to your beach-side vacation rental for the evening.

8. The Charros Brothers

If hearty Mexican cuisine is what you’re after, head to the Charros Brothers for some chicken enchiladas or steak quesadillas for the adults and a kids’ quesadilla for the little ones. Looking to splurge? Order the signature molcajetes, meats cooked in a savory cheese sauce.

9. Tuckaway Bagel and Waffle Cafe

Wake up to a satisfying Fort Myers Beach breakfast at this quaint waffle house serving up traditional European waffles with your choice of kid-favorite toppings from mango jam to Nutella. If you’re not feeling your sweet tooth, go for a hearty bagel breakfast sandwich and an iced latte. Sit outside the colorful cottage cafe in the patio area, and be sure to grab a smoothie to go.

10. Mom’s

This hole-in-the-wall breakfast and brunch spot may not look like much, but local families know Mom’s is a go-to cafe to order hot cinnamon rolls or biscuits and gravy. The fresh-squeezed tropical juices made with Florida oranges are a must. On the other hand, if you stop by for lunch, you can try the classic Cuban with a side of black beans.

11. Jack’s Farm to Fork

For a peaceful dinner where you can watch the sun set over the water from an upper deck, head over to this classy yet laid-back restaurant at Pink Shell Beach Resort. The menu emphasizes sustainable agriculture and locally caught seafood, serving up signature dishes such as homemade pasta with Pine Island Clams. The kids’ menu offers a fun selection of dishes such as orecchiette pasta with butter sauce and seared red grouper.

12. Cape Cod Fish

This hidden gem may not boast ocean views, but it makes up for its humble location with its unbeatable lobster rolls and a cozy New England atmosphere. Other favorite orders include the lobster corn chowder and juicy cod. Before heading back to the beach, order a few scoops of Love Boat ice cream for the whole family.


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