The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village

In addition to being near Fort Myers, our hotel is less than an hour's drive from Sanibel Island. If you're staying on the mainland in Cape Coral, these picturesque locale is a can't-miss attraction.

Sanibel Island, and its smaller sister Captiva Island, take pride in their wide variety of shells, which bring people from across the world to go "shelling." Home to more than 300 shell species, Sanibel Island offers gently sloped beaches and clear blue waters. Nature lovers can also spend some time exploring and bird watching at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States.

If you're planning a quick trip to Sanibel Island from Cape Coral or Fort Myers, you don't have to worry about bringing beach and baby equipment with you. Island Rental Services delivers and picks up a wide variety of items to rent, including coolers, umbrellas, towels, beach wagons and toys, strollers, beach cabanas, and even bocce ball sets.

Of course, there's more to do on Sanibel Island than simply sitting in the sun. Stroll along covered boardwalks through unique stores and galleries, and pick up a souvenir or two. There's plenty of parking available, and many shops are handicap-accessible. The Mad Hatter, The Sandbar, and Sweet Melissa's Cafe are among the island's best restaurants, and offer both indoor seating and quaint outdoor patios.

If you'd like more information about Sanibel Island, please don't hesitate to contact a member of our hotel staff.

Captiva Island, sister to larger Sanibel Island, is less than an hour's drive from The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village. Journey to Captiva Island from Sanibel by crossing a small bridge at Turner Beach. The five-mile beach is a Florida favorite for fishing, boating and diving, but for those who prefer to stroll along the water, more than 300 species of shells live on the shores of Captiva, making it the perfect place to pick up "shelling" as a new hobby. The island's east-west orientation allows Captiva to collect abundant, beautiful sea shells from the Gulf of Mexico on its shores.

 

Be sure to stop by a few of the island's serene beaches and nature preserves, including:
 

• Lighthouse Park Beach
• Lovers Key State Park
• Sanibel Causeway Beach
• Bonita Beach Park
• Boca Grande Lighthouse
• Lynn Hall Memorial Park
• Denor-Wiggins State Recreation Area

The area is widely known for its beautiful wildlife. Visitors regularly report seeing dolphins, blue herons and a variety of colorful bird species throughout the island. Tarpon Bay Explorers offer guided canoe and kayak tours through the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and charter SeaLife & Nature Cruises throughout the day and at sunset. If you're just on Captiva for the day, it's the perfect way to maximize your time on the island.

For those interested in shopping, travel along Captiva Drive and enjoy scenic views of the water before reaching downtown Captiva, which is a quaint, village-like shopping area that is worth the trip. Find antiques, clothes, pottery, furniture, beach chic decor and more in the shops clustered around Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse lane. Worked up an appetite? Stop in at Captiva Island's famous Key Lime Bistro for a slice of their key lime pie.

The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is the ideal location when looking for Fort Myers beach resorts. Only 30 minutes away from Fort Myers Beach, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village is a car ride away from the sun and sand. Take a day trip using our resort water taxi and enjoy a day of fun in the sun for the whole family.
 

 

Fort Myers Beaches

 

A favorite destination for locals and vacationers alike, Fort Myers Beach attracts beach and vacation lovers at all times of the year.  Its white, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico make it a top vacation spot for visitors who like a calm and relaxing environment.  The angle of the ocean floor tips towards the horizon so there are no sudden drop-offs or big waves.  The Fort Myers beaches are perfect for soaking up some Florida sun and enjoying the breathtaking sunsets known around the world.
 

• Parks & Beaches
• Bowditch Point Regional Park
• Lovers Key State Park
• The Pier and Lynn Hall Park

 

Public Beach Accesses
 

The Town of Fort Myers Beach maintains 25 public beach accesses on the Gulf side of Estero Island. These are marked and easily accessed from Estero Boulevard.
 

Beach Town

Whether it's shopping, kayaking, or enjoying a day on the beach, there is something for everyone to enjoy in the town of Fort Myers.
 

• Bay Oaks Rec Center
• Farmers Market
• Fort Myers Beach Community Pool
• Matanzas Pass Mooring Field
• Times Square
• The Great Calusa Blue Way