Coastal Communities
Lee County is surround by barrier islands that make up our beachfront communities, and each one has an island style all it’s own. Fishing, sunshine, & white sandy beaches abound.
Sanibel/Captiva Islands
Probably our most famous islands, these communities are surrounded by nature and tranquility. Separated by Blind Pass (a great place to watch sunsets & find shells!), you’ll feel like your a world away once you cross the Causeway.
Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, but you can still get around the island on bike or foot easily. For nature lovers, JN Ding Darling is the place to be. Captiva is considerable smaller, but home to quirky places like The Bubble Room and the luxurious South Seas Plantation Resort.
Fort Myers Beach & Bonita Beach
Made up of Estero Island and Little Hickory Island, these two beach communities are the most accessible. You can arrive across Estero Bay onto the N end of Fort Myers Beach (most conveniently located to Central Fort Myers) or down Bonita Beach Road from I-75 onto Bonita Beach to the S. These family-friendly islands are separated by Lovers Key State Park, a great place to kayak and paddle board.
Matlacha & Pine Island
Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) is a Calusa Indian word meaning “water to the chin”. The shallow water that surrounds these two islands on the southern edge of Charlotte Harbor make for great back bay fishing (snook, redfish, trout). Pine Island is the largest barrier island and is made up of St. James City, Pineland & Bookelia. Pine Island is also home to one of the largest Calusa archaeological sites; a massive shell mound extending more than 100 acres. Hop on board one of the ferries that will take you out to Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Useppa and Upper Captiva.
Boca Grande
Located on Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande – the literal translation is Mouth Big – is aptly named, as it sits at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor. Accessible by car through Charlotte County, you can watch fisherman battling tarpon in the pass, fighting snook and red fish at the old phosphate docks or maybe catch a former President strolling along the beaches.
Home Prices
Home prices and sizes vary greatly depending on the island and whether or not the property is waterfront.
Schools
Public schools in Lee County are assigned on an open-enrollment basis. Meaning parents rank a variety of schools close to where you live. With the exception of The Sanibel School and Fort Myers Beach Elementary, all students will have to leave the island(s) to attend school on the mainland.
Dining and Shopping
Our island communities have some of the best dining options in Southwest Florida. Offering great food and a great view! Check out places like:
- The Island Cow, Sanibel
- The Green Flash, Captiva
- Doc Fords, Fort Myers Beach
- Old Fish House, Matlacha
- The Pink Elephant, Boca Grande
- “The Old House” on Cabbage Key
Entertainment
Entertainment on all these island centers around the outdoors. Open air bars and restaurants and dock side art galleries are the norm. Flip flops and bare feet optional.
Parks and Recreation
Shelling, biking, fishing, kayaking, paddle board, or just laying in the sun. Fishing guides can be found departing from all islands and there are many locations to rent kayaks and paddle boards.
Commute
The commute to any of our island communities can be a bit challenging. With the exception of Fort Myers Beach & Bonita Beach, there is only one two-lane road on and off the island. During season (typically November-March), traffic can be at a stand-still throughout the day. But you’re on island time; so what’s the hurry? Some communities, such as Upper Captiva and Uesspa are only accessible by boat.
