8 Great Places to Catch Sunset at Fort Myers Beach

Ft. Myers Beach was badly damaged during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and the community is currently assessing damage and working to rebuild. Stay tuned here and on social media for word on reopenings.

Looking for a great place to watch sunset at Fort Myers Beach in southwest Florida?

While the Florida Gulf coast in general has amazing sunset views from their beautiful white sand beaches, Fort Myers Beach has extra wide beaches, gentle waves, and a lively, fun-filled atmosphere — what more could you ask for in a Florida beach vacation?

But finding good beaches for sunset in Fort Myers and FMB isn’t as easy as it may sound.

Fort Myers Sunset vs Fort Myers Beach?

You see, Fort Myers is unique in its geography, surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River and San Carlos Bay rather than the Gulf of Mexico.

A Fort Myers sunset can be somewhat obstructed by Sanibel and Captiva island sitting just off the coast.

If you’re looking for the best Gulf views and a dramatic full-sky sunset, Fort Myers Beach and the beaches nearby are the place to go.

A Fort Myers Beach sunset is a sight to behold and there are lots of amazing places to watch it. Not to mention it’s one of the top things to do in Fort Myers!

You can stroll along the fishing pier at Fort Myers Beach, take a sunset cruise, or sip a drink at the rooftop Sun Deck restaurant or another fun beach bar along Ft. Myers Beach – all while watching the sky slowly turn fiery shades of gold…orange…pink…red.

If you’re lucky, a few clouds will reflect the stunning rays and begin to glow adding a surreal look all around you before it fades away.

If you’re looking for the most amazing places to watch the sunset at Fort Myers Beach, this guide has you covered!

Where to Catch Sunset at Fort Myers Beach

1. Bunche Beach

18201 John Morris Rd, Fort Myers

We’re starting off the list with one of the coolest beaches in southwest Florida.

And since it’s not technically on Fort Myers Beach, it’s probably the best Fort Myers sunset you will find!

We had to add it to our list because of its unique location in San Carlos between Ft. Myers and Ft. Myers Beach, and its spectacular glowing sunset shows.

Sunset at Bunche Beach is always amazing, and can be downright surreal if sunset and low tide play well together that day.

The wide tidal flat at low tide has shallow water and is walkable for hundreds of yards.

And when you add sunset to all that water, it’s nothing short of magical!

Bunche Beach is a great place for shelling and one of the best places for late afternoon kayaking in Fort Myers, so plan on one of these activities prior to sunset and you have a perfect afternoon.

TRAFFIC TIP: If you’re on your way driving to Fort Myers Beach and traffic is backed up wayyyyy before the bridge (and you will get stuck in traffic if you head to the Beach too late during the season) turn right around before you get to the bridge and head to Bunche Beach.

2. Bowditch Point Park

50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Located on the northernmost tip of Fort Myers Beach lies Bowditch Point Park, a lovely little spot filled with soft white sand, calm waters, and even a few walking trails.

And on top of all that, it is one of the most amazing places to watch the sunset in Fort Myers Beach.

Since Bowditch Point Park is at the end of the Fort Myers Beach peninsula, there are three different sides that touch the water.

To get the best view of the sunset, you’ll want to head to the west side of the park, which is coincidentally where the sandiest shores are.

The sunset from Bowditch Point Park is picture-perfect! In addition to the brightly colored sky and blue waters, you’ll also get a glimpse of Sanibel Island off in the distance.

3. Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier

10 Old San Carlos Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

NOTE: The Fort Myers Beach Pier was badly damaged during Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Plans to rebuild are underway.

The fishing pier at Fort Myers Beach is well-known as one of the most amazing places to watch the a Ft. Myers Beach sunset.

While it’s not as long as the Naples Pier (about 400’ shorter in length) the pier at Fort Myers Beach is just as pretty and perfect for strolling along.

You can watch the sky turn into a fiery painting of red, orange, pink, and purple.

And if you like, you can even stop at a few of the pier’s vendors along the way!

4. Lovers Key State Park

8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

Lovers Key State Park is another beautiful beach that isn’t in Fort Myers Beach.

Rather, it’s just outside of it on the other side of the Big Carlos Pass Bridge.

But it’s definitely worth the short drive, because Lovers Key State Park is one of the best places to watch the sunset in all of Florida.

The 712 acres that make up Lovers Key State Park are filled with pristine sand, warm Gulf coast waters, and stunning sunsets.

Get there a few hours before sunset, so you can soak up the sun, go for a swim, and maybe even build a sandcastle or two.

At the end of a day filled with sun and sand, you can relax and enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset.

If you like, you can even pack a picnic for a romantic sunset dinner!

After all, what’s a more perfect place for a romantic beach picnic than at Lovers Key State Park?

Want to Watch Sunset With Your Dog? Head to the Bonita Beach Dog Park near Lovers Key State Park. It’s one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Naples or Fort Myers Beach!

5. Sunset Cruise

If you want to change things up, consider taking a Fort Myers Beach sunset cruise.

Being on the water will practically guarantee you unobstructed sunset views.

Plus, if you’re lucky, you might also catch glimpses of nearby manatees, and dolphins swimming alongside your boat is pretty much a given!

There are several cruise companies in Fort Myers Beach that offer sunset cruises, including the Fort Myers Princess, Fort Myers Boat Tours, and Adventures in Paradise.

6. Sun Deck Restaurant at the Lani Kai

1400 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

When you think of watching a sunset during your Florida beach getaway, do you picture yourself listening to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore holding a cold one or a fruity umbrella drink in your hand?

Combine the two and you have a good idea what the Lani Kai is all about.

The rooftop Sun Deck Restaurant is a happening place on FMB.

The Sun Deck at the Lani Kai is perched seven stories high above Fort Myers Beach.

Reserve the right table at the right time and you’ll get picture-perfect views of the sunset over the Gulf and great views of Fort Myers Beach to boot!

Simply put, it’s one of the most amazing places to watch the sunset in Fort Myers Beach.

As for the drinks, you’ll find everything from a classic Piña Colada to a Margarita on the rocks and a great selection of cold beer.

Plus, there’s always good live music!

If you’d like to turn your sunset drinks into a sunset meal, the Sun Deck has some excellent dishes for you as well. Try the shrimp scampi, fresh grouper, or traditional prime rib dinner.

7. Crescent Beach Family Park

1100 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

One of the most under-the-radar places to watch the sunset in Ft Myers Beach is Crescent Beach Family Park.

This little slice of land is often overlooked for the larger beaches in the area, including Fort Myers Beach and Bowditch Point Park.

That said, Crescent Beach Family Park is still worth a visit.

This little park is actually primarily known for its sand volleyball and picnic spots. So why not combine these two activities into a sunset excursion?

You can get there an hour or two early and play a few games of sand volleyball.

And when the sky starts to change colors, you can pull out all of your picnic supplies for a lovely sunset dinner.

There are loads of amazing places to watch the sunset in Ft Myers Beach. With its blue waters and fiery skies, you won’t regret taking the time to watch the sunset every single night during your getaway.

8. Flippers on the Bay

8767 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach

If you’re heading south to Lover’s Key but don’t want to opt for a sandy sunset — maybe a tropical Fort Myers beach bar on the water is more your speed?

Then Flippers on the Bay is the place to go. This waterside bar located at the Lover’s Key Resort is perfect for a Fort Myers Beach sunset.

Just cross Big Carlos Pass and turn a sharp left to the resort.

The small bar area is just steps from the water and serves up a wide array of tempting tropical drinks.

And if you call ahead for reservations, it’s an easy transition to dinner post-sunset at their restaurant.

The food here is good and the the paradise setting even better.

These are our favorite places to catch sunset at Fort Myers Beach — where are yours? Leave us a comment below!