Is FMB as bad as some of these messages would have me believe?
Renting a condo here for 2 weeks in Feb-March - kids and grandkids (ages 3 thru 10) will be coming and going. We chose FMB because we wanted a bit of funky-fun and not-too-pricy eateries that we could enjoy with the young'uns. We've been to Sanabel, Vero Beach and Naples in the past, but think they're a bit stuffy for kids. (I think there's one playground in all of Naples!)
I know the traffic will be dreadful, but we're on the beach and about a mile from "Times Square".
Like to know of any kid-friendly restaurants, and any other feedback.
Thanks.

ttt

NGail, some posters here are just in a different class than the rest of us. They prefer the finest things in life and miss out on a lot of fun because they don't venture outside of their $500 hotel room (which I'm sure is just faaaaabulous, as it should be for that price). Kids don't know anything BUT fun and I think FMB is probably the best place for you to be.

That said, I've never been to FMB. Which msgs. are you referring to?

We went as a family to Fort Myers Beach about 5 years ago (when our kids were 10 and 14). Had a great time - what we wanted was beach, sun, relaxing, and some tacky gift shops and activities. It was perfect for us - and we have been on vacations of all types and price ranges.

Perfect for your crew. It ain't the South Beach crowd nor would you want it to be!

Hi

I used to stay on Fort Meyers beach before we bought a bit further up the gulf coast. We always had a great time. Traffic coming on and off the beach is difficult at time but walking the beach is fun, there's a fair amount of kids around. Restaurants are generally family affair (as best I can remember) and lower priced.

I can't think of why anyone would bad mouth FMB.

Where's LilMissFoodie when you need her?

Can't help you out with restaurants since I haven't been there since the late 80's, but I wanted to tell you that FMB sounds exactly like what you're looking for. I used to hear it compared to the Jersey shore a lot. I don't know if that's good or bad since I've never been to New Jersey, but I would imagine that it's not a bad thing. FMB is (or at least was) an every-man type of beach community. You don't go there expecting the Ritz. I really don't think you'll be disappointed!!

I hope you and your kids and grandkids have a great time. If you and your husband decide you need some upscale dining, be sure and check out some of the restaurants on Sanibel.

Thank you one and all!!
Now we're REALLY looking forward to our vacation!
(those negative messages came up around the middle of a pretty long thread about SW Florida vacations. For example someone said something like: if Sanabel is 90, FMB is 15...and such. Well tough on them- we're going to have fun!)

Just got back from FMB and loved every day of our visit and so did our kids. We were close enough to walk to "Times Square" but far enough to be in a very restful area.
The beaches are wide and lovely and there are plenty of restaurants and beach-shops - even a library right across the street.
Yes, the traffic crawls from mid-afternoon on, but the free trolley is there for all and fun too. We only took our car out 4 times - twice for food-shopping, and twice to go down to Lovers Key.
Thank you all who encouraged me on this thread.

Yeah!!! glad to hear you enjoyed FMB. What was the best part? Food? Lodging? Beach?

I don't know who would argue with you given your description of what you're looking for. It's perfect. The only negatives I've seen about Ft. Myers Beach are when people post saying they love tropical paradise, really fine dining, and five star resort hotels but they want to save a little money so they're thinking of Ft. Myers Beach. They're the ones who would be disappointed. You'll have a great time.

PS, there are dozens of playgrounds in Naples.

Fort Myers Beach is just fun! I think it doesn't get mentioned that often as there are few hotels and only one full service resort. Tons of timeshares and smaller hotels and lots of fun seafood "dives". One of my favorite dinners ever in Florida was at Times Square at La Plakka, the greek restaurant. We sat outside and had our saganaki and greek salads as the sun set. Just as the sun was its largest before sinking into the horizon, a three masted sailboat sailed in front. It was such a lovely sight and everyone in Times Square stood up and clapped.

Traffic makes trips out to the beach difficult for locals but it is a great beach and has the white sand more typical of the west coast than the beaches at Sanibel.

Glad you had a great time. LMF