A Golf Guide to Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Color the Fort Myers area in shades of green and blue. Near-constant azure skies mean you can hit the greens on a daily basis all year round. With legends like hall-of-famers Patty Berg and Gene Sarazen in the local history books, this Southwest Florida region has built a robust reputation through the decades as a golfer’s haven, with more courses than you could ever hope to play in a single trip. More recently, Fort Myers has aced its game with new elite experiences that add high tech and celebrity power to the green-and-blue foundation.
Our guide explores these experiences, along with traditional golf links and the best ways to tour what’s superlative off the course — from the area’s famed beaches to its seafood-tastic dining scene. So grab your clubs and get in the swing of things here in the land of play outside.
Traditional golf courses
Fort Myers Country Club, Fort Myers
One of the oldest golf facilities on the west coast of Florida...
Fort Myers Country Club, Fort Myers
The story begins in 1917 with the first of two city-owned courses. Fort Myers Country Club lies midtown along royal palm-lined McGregor Boulevard. It’s seen its share of celeb golfers, including Thomas A. Edison and Henry Ford, who both had winter homes nearby. The course is known for its signature Donald Ross domed greens and short-game features.
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Old Corkscrew Golf Club, Estero
A 'must-play' course in Southwest Florida...
Old Corkscrew Golf Club, Estero
A certified Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary, Old Corkscrew brings tough golf and old-Florida nature together on a 7,400-yard Jack Nicklaus course created amid a world of natural wetlands, bald cypress, scrub, and pinelands. Considered a “thinking golfer’s” course, it challenges as much as it charms, ranking as a top favorite in Southwest Florida.
Photo: trattieritratti/Shutterstock
Shell Point Golf Club, Fort Myers
Play on the meticulously manicured greens...
Shell Point Golf Club, Fort Myers
Close to Sanibel Island, Shell Point’s meticulously manicured greens are the centerpiece of an exclusive retirement community, but are open to the public. Its 70 acres of Audubon-certified environment and challenging fairways, threaded with sparkling waterways, appeal to all levels of golfers. Warm up on the driving range, fast putting greens, and short-game zone.
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Coral Oaks Golf Course, Cape Coral
The par-72 course is both entertaining and challenging...
Coral Oaks Golf Course, Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s municipal course has eight lakes and 37 bunkers to contribute to its challenge and beauty. In addition to a full-service clubhouse pro shop, restaurant, and bar, it features extensive practice and instruction facilities, including a driving range with both natural and artificial grass.
Photo: Mr Somchai Sukkasem/Shutterstock
Reopening this fall
Restoring and renovating...
Reopening this fall
The following are opening soon with limited to full services after renovating, renewing, and polishing their courses: Dunes Golf & Tennis Club on Sanibel Island, historic Gasparilla Inn & Club in Boca Grande, and Saltleaf Golf Preserve in Bonita Springs.
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PopStroke, Fort Myers
A super unique putting experience...
PopStroke, Fort Myers
The brainchild of PGA champ Tiger Woods, PopStroke debuted in Fort Myers as a next-level miniature-golf concept. In addition to two 18-hole designer putting courses, guests can enjoy outdoor gaming, a playground, and a full-service restaurant. Or have food and drinks delivered to you on the course. This spot could be a full day’s experience all on its own.
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Topgolf, Fort Myers
The high-tech balls keep your score...
Topgolf, Fort Myers
Skip the sweating. Golf in air-conditioned comfort while service staff deliver food and drinks to one of 70 comfy golf bays equipped with HDTVs. Or you can hang out in the two-level bar and restaurant space. Topgolf is sweeping the nation with its innovative concept of balls that keep your score and almost a dozen different games for various levels of golfers. Ask about individual and group lessons to boost your skills.
Photo: Topgolf/Michael Baxter
Chips Sports Pub, Fort Myers
Step up to the screen and take a swing...
Chips Sports Pub, Fort Myers
In partnership with Topgolf, this virtual reality experience at downtown’s Luminary Hotel & Co. has two suites where you can play games from beginner and advanced golf to Zombie Dodgeball and more. Enjoy creative eats in the roomy bar space or have them delivered to tables within your own game room.
Photo: Chips Sports Pub and Luminary Hotel & Co.
Off-course activities
Beach time
Spend time in the sun and surf...
Beach time
Synonymous with white-sand beaches and the gentle Gulf of Mexico waters that lap them, the Fort Myers area offers sun and surf to relax your golfing aches and those inevitable over-par frustrations. Sanibel Island’s beaches are famous for their seashell treasures, and Bowman’s Beach Park has some of the best pickings, thanks to its seclusion. For the most magical of sunsets, head to Captiva Island. Bring your furry friends along to Dog Beach Park in Bonita Springs. Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach is now open, so don’t miss a walk along the restored sand.
While the area continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, and some amenities may not be available at some locations, most of the beaches in the Fort Myers region are open and ready to welcome visitors. Visit the Beach Conditions page for the latest information.
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Downtown River District, Fort Myers
Explore this eclectic community...
Downtown River District, Fort Myers
Fort Myers’ downtown streets take you from the Caloosahatchee River waterfront past historic buildings given new life as restaurants, shops, and attractions. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is first on the don’t-miss list, with its 20+ acres of botanical gardens and historical buildings, including Edison’s Botanical Research Laboratory. And families especially will love the IMAG History & Science Center’s interactive exhibits, hands-on displays, and 3D movies.
By night, downtown comes to life with rooftop bars, waterfront restaurants, monthly art and music street parties, Historic Arcade Theatre, and the brand-new Caloosa Sound Amphitheater on the riverfront, which hosts live entertainment.
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Boca Grande and beyond
Go on an island-hopping tour to explore the 100+ islands that dot the coastal waters...
Boca Grande and beyond
You can reach the charmed, historic village of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island by car, but the best way to arrive is via an island-hopping trip from Captiva Island or from Bokeelia on Pine Island. On the way, pass sweeps of deserted beach on North Captiva Island and Cayo Costa. Stop at quaint Cabbage Key for a juicy burger and a cold pint.
In Boca Grande, you can rent a bike or golf cart to navigate the paved path, which was once a railroad track. It runs past beaches to the downtown depot and its one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants. Just down the street, the inimitable, grande-dame Gasparilla Inn & Club, dating to circa 1911, anchors the town.
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Just add water
Endless options for an unforgettable on-the-water experience...
Just add water
One way or another, you must stir water into the ingredients of a well-rounded Fort Myers visit. Water sports range from a soothing kayak paddle through natural habitats on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, to a pirate cruise, to a wildlife cruise with dolphins following in your wake. Try a lunch cruise to Cabbage Key or Useppa Island, get the gang together to paddle the Lagerhead Cycleboats party boat, or drift into the sunset on a catamaran cruise.
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Topgolf, Fort Myers
Did someone say doughnut holes?
Topgolf, Fort Myers
You can take advantage of Topgolf’s chef-driven restaurant and swanky lounge before or after playtime. Or just order your refreshments for delivery to your golf bay while you’re swinging. Specialties include flatbreads, burgers, kids’ chicken bites, and signature injectable doughnut holes with your choice of filling. Yum!
Photo: Topgolf
PopStroke, Fort Myers
Get your drinks delivered or try nearby fresh seafood...
PopStroke, Fort Myers
PopStroke staff, too, will deliver your thirst-quenchers right to the putting course. Order directly from the PopStroke app—the ice cream cones and milkshakes score high. Or, practically next door, Coldwater Oyster Market specializes in fresh seafood from the northern latitudes, prepared to perfection. Just 10 minutes away, you can dine with a view of the waterfront at Deep Lagoon Seafood & Oyster House. Come dinnertime, Harold’s Cuisine’s long-loved eponymous chef has perfected fine dining in an intimate setting with a popular whiskey bar.
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Downtown Fort Myers
Stroll the epicenter of all things tasty...
Downtown Fort Myers
The epicenter of all things tasty and festive, Fort Myers’ downtown teems with places to drink, dine, and celebrate life. One of its oldest restaurants, Veranda, serves fine Southern cuisine in a setting of historic homes. Fort Myers’ Ford’s Garage, meanwhile, is the original in a chain that’s spread throughout the region, known for its burgers and craft beers.
Speaking of beers, Coastal Dayz Brewery and Millennial Brewing Company brew their own onsite. Downtown House of Pizza is everyone’s favorite for a slice, while 10 Twenty Five gastropub makes eight different varieties of Old Fashioneds plus an array of crafted cocktails, serving casual eats downstairs or on the rooftop. And Firestone Restaurant tops downtown’s collection of rooftop venues with its ever-popular Skybar overlooking the river and skyline.
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Downtown Cape Coral
Broaden your horizons...
Downtown Cape Coral
Experience the first authentic tiki bar in Cape Coral at Jungle Bird. Indulge in the area’s best tiki drinks, such as the Banana Hammock (rum, citrus, and brûléed banana syrup) and The Lotus (tequila, Aperol, mezcal, coconut, and fresh lime). The bar also serves dishes like the Huli Huli Chicken and the Tropical Mahi with Caribbean hollandaise.
Sunday brunch at Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar will score you a plate of Chicken & Doughnuts. Or enjoy live music, food and drinks, and a range of unique homegrown beers at Big Storm Brewing Co. You can unwind in the expansive taproom or on the outdoor patio while savoring more than 20 craft pours.
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Boca Grande
Delightful dishes and spectacular views...
Boca Grande
Enjoy a pleasant walk from Gasparilla Inn to the Boca Grande Bayou for a relaxed lunch or dinner at The Pink Elephant, a cozy restaurant that’s been serving excellent food, signature drinks, and impeccable service to both guests and locals for more than six decades. Executive chef and manager Rob Plesh uses his creativity to concoct dishes of fresh local seafood and regional comfort food, which can be enjoyed in the downstairs pub, upstairs dining room, or outside on the patio.
The combination of quality seafood and stunning waterfront views at Boca Grande Marina can’t be beat. Choose between two unique dining options: the quiet Eagle Grille upstairs or the casual yet lively Miller’s Dockside downstairs.
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