Looking for a beach day activity that’s a little different? The Mound House Fort Myers Beach experience is one of our absolute favorite ways to mix sunshine with a little local history! Tucked along Estero Island at 451 Connecticut Street, this nearly 3-acre site has been home to people for roughly 2,000 years, and it’s a perfect add-on to any beach vacation.
What Is the Mound House on Fort Myers Beach?
The Mound House sits on one of the area’s most significant archaeological sites, right on the water in Estero Bay. It’s also home to the oldest house on Fort Myers Beach! Whether you’re traveling with kids, grandparents, or a group of friends, there’s something here for everyone. And the best part? It’s a short trip from our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals, so you can slip away from the sand for a morning and be back in time for sunset.
Tours and Hands-On Fun at the Mound House
Guided tours are the way to go! The Mound House offers guided experiences for groups of all sizes, and the whole family can get hands-on with replica artifacts and even try throwing an atlatl, an ancient spear-throwing tool. It’s a big hit with curious kids!
Prefer to be out on the water? The Mound House also offers guided kayak tours through tidal creeks and winding mangrove tunnels in Estero Bay. It’s a peaceful, shady way to spot birds and see a side of Fort Myers Beach that most visitors never find. Visiting the Mound House Fort Myers Beach way means getting both the history and the scenery in one outing!
Planning Your Visit
Here’s what to know before you go:
- Address: 451 Connecticut Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Grounds: The grounds are listed as open daily, 7 AM to 6 PM, so they’re great for a relaxed stroll.
- Museum: The museum is listed as open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM.
- Tickets and tours: Admission, tour times, and kayak availability can change, so check the official Mound House website before you head over.
Make It a Full Fort Myers Beach Day
After your visit, head back to the beach for a swim, grab a casual seafood lunch, or catch the sunset over the Gulf. Need help planning the rest of your trip? Our concierge team is happy to point you toward tours, dining, and activities. For more ideas on things to do, the official Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel tourism site is another great resource.
Stay Close to the Fun
Ready to experience the Mound House Fort Myers Beach adventure for yourself? Browse all our vacation rentals and book direct with Coastal Breeze for your next getaway. We can’t wait to host you!
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Looking for fall fishing Marco Island style? We’ve got you covered! As the air cools and the Gulf stays warm, October is one of the best months of the year to get out on the water around Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just want to try your luck from a boat, a pier, or the shoreline, here’s our locals’ guide to wetting a line this fall!
Why Fall Fishing Marco Island & Fort Myers Beach Is So Good
Comfortable mornings, calmer afternoons, and still-warm water make fall a favorite season for anglers and families alike. The backcountry mangroves, grass flats, and passes around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands are a classic inshore playground, while the bays and passes around Fort Myers Beach offer plenty of variety, too. Even if you’ve never fished before, the relaxed pace of October makes it a great time to give it a try!
Hire a Local Guide for Your Fall Fishing Marco Island Trip
The easiest way to enjoy a day on the water is with a licensed local captain. Inshore charters typically provide the boat, bait, tackle, and know-how, and a good guide will happily tailor the trip to your crew, from first-timers and kids to experienced anglers chasing a trophy. Many captains run half-day and full-day trips, so you can fit a morning on the water around your beach time. Not sure who to book? Our concierge team is happy to point you toward trusted charters and help with timing.
Fish From Shore, Piers & Beaches
No boat? No problem! Casting from a beach or pier is a laid-back way to spend a golden-hour evening, and it’s a fun activity for the whole family. Pack a small tackle box, a cooler of cold drinks, sunscreen, and a hat, then settle in and enjoy the sunset. Wherever you fish, be sure to take your trash with you and treat the shoreline and wildlife with care so everyone can enjoy it.
Know Before You Go
- Check the rules. Florida saltwater fishing regulations, license requirements, size limits, and seasons for each species are posted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Guided charters typically cover licensing for their guests, but it’s always smart to confirm when you book.
- Go early. Cooler morning hours are comfortable on the water, and they’re a classic time to be out with a rod in hand.
- Dress for the water. Lightweight long sleeves, polarized sunglasses, non-slip shoes, and plenty of sunscreen go a long way.
- Practice catch and release. Handle fish gently and release anything you don’t plan to keep so the fishery stays healthy for the next angler.
Turn Your Catch Into Dinner
One of the best parts of fall fishing Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach is wrapping up the day with a Gulf-view seafood dinner. Many waterfront restaurants are happy to feature fresh local seafood, and with stone crab season opening October 15, there’s no shortage of tasty reasons to eat well. Check out our stone crab season countdown for ideas, and let our concierge team help with reservations.
Stay Close to the Water
Make your fishing getaway easy by staying close to the action. Browse our Marco Island vacation rentals or Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals, or search all of our available homes to find the perfect home base for your dates. For more ideas on what to do around the area this season, visit Paradise Coast tourism. Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!
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Cold beer, live music, and a Gulf Coast fall afternoon? Count us in! The Sand and Suds Beerfest is coming to Fort Myers Beach on Saturday, October 10, 2026, and it’s one of our favorite ways to kick off the cooler months on the island. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
What Is the Sand and Suds Beerfest?
The Sand and Suds Beerfest is a laid-back afternoon of brewery tastings, local shopping, great food, and live music, all benefiting the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club as it builds its new facility. It’s the kind of community event the island does best: friendly, relaxed, and full of locals who are happy to swap their favorite beach-town tips with you.
Sand and Suds Beerfest 2026: Date, Time & Tickets
- Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (VIP entry opens at noon)
- Location: Bay Oaks Recreational Campus, 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach
- General Admission: $50, including tastings from the participating breweries, live music, and a commemorative glass
- VIP Admission: $75, adding VIP swag, a food voucher, and a Nervous Nellie’s pretzel and lanyard
Tickets are sold in advance through the Fort Myers Beach Woman’s Club, so grab yours early. You can also find the event listing on the Visit Fort Myers events page.
Live Music & Local Flavor
The local duo Briz and Lady will be on stage keeping the good vibes going all afternoon, so bring your dancing shoes (flip-flops absolutely count). Between sips, wander the local vendors and food trucks for shopping and bites, and make sure to take your commemorative glass home as a souvenir of the day.
Tips for Enjoying the Sand and Suds Beerfest
- Buy tickets early. Advance tickets make for a smooth arrival and help support a great local cause.
- Go with a plan. Pick a designated driver or ride-share, or better yet, stay close enough to walk.
- Pace yourself and hydrate. Grab some water and a bite between tastings, and keep that sunscreen handy.
- Check the details. Confirm age requirements and any updates with the organizers before you head out.
Make a Weekend of It on Fort Myers Beach
October is one of the best times to be on the island, with warm Gulf water, cooler evenings, and plenty going on. Pair the beerfest with a sunset on the sand and a seafood dinner, and you’ve got a perfect beach weekend. Our concierge team is happy to help with dinner reservations and activities, and if you’re still lining up a place to stay, browse our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals or search all of our available homes for your dates.
For more of what’s happening around the island this fall, visit The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Cheers, and we’ll see you at the Sand and Suds Beerfest!
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Looking for October events in Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach? We’ve got you covered! October is one of the most fun months of the year on the Gulf Coast, with trop-rock weekends, film screenings, art walks, stone crab, and boat shows all packed into a few sunny weeks. Here’s our locals’ guide to what’s happening!
Kick Off October on Fort Myers Beach
The month starts with a bang! ParrotPhest takes over Margaritaville Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach Oct. 1-4 with four days of laid-back island music, and many of the performances are free. Grab your flip-flops (and maybe a parrot-themed hat) and settle in for the weekend.
Want more of the beach-town vibe? Browse our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals and stay steps from the fun.
Art, Film & Fall Fun Near Fort Myers
Love a good art night? The Fort Myers Art Walk lights up downtown’s River District on Friday, Oct. 2, so make a night of it with gallery hopping and dinner. Check the River District events calendar for the latest details.
Prefer a little Oktoberfest? Millennial Brewing Company hosts its 10th annual Oktoberfest Oct. 2-4 with German food, craft beer, and live entertainment, and Fort Myers Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest runs Oct. 15-18 with free admission. On Oct. 10, Fall at the Farm: Market & Music at Buckingham Farms brings free shopping and tunes from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
October Events in Marco Island
Marco Island has plenty going on this month, too! The MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival is on Oct. 2-3, and all month long the island turns pink for Paint the Town Pink, an island-wide breast cancer awareness campaign that’s fun to spot as you explore.
Then mark your calendar for mid-October, when the Marco Boat Show heads to Marco Island Yacht Club Oct. 16-18. Planning a stay? Take a look at our Marco Island vacation rentals and pick your home base.
Foodie Alert: Stone Crab Season Opens Oct. 15
Florida stone crab season opens Oct. 15, and there’s no better way to celebrate than fresh claws with a Gulf view. Not sure where to start? Our stone crab countdown has the scoop.
Plan Your October Getaway
With cooler evenings, blue skies, and a full calendar, October events in Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach make it an easy month to book. Need help lining up dinner reservations or activities? Our concierge team is happy to help. For more on what’s happening around the Paradise Coast, visit Paradise Coast tourism, and for Fort Myers Beach happenings, check out The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Event dates and details can change, so always confirm before you go. See you on the island!
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September’s basically in the rearview, and that means it’s time to talk about October — hands-down one of our favorite months on the Gulf. The humidity finally breaks, the water is still warm enough to swim in every day, and the island settles into an easy, quiet rhythm before snowbird season fills things back up. Here’s why locals treat October as the real sweet spot of the year.
Why Visit Marco Island in October
If you’re weighing when to visit Marco Island in October versus waiting for peak winter season, October wins on almost every count. Temperatures ease into the mid-80s instead of summer’s mid-90s, humidity drops noticeably, and the snowbird crowds haven’t arrived yet — so beaches, restaurants, and boat tours all have room to breathe. It’s the kind of month where you get comfortable weather and a relaxed island without paying peak-season prices.
Still-Warm Water, Noticeably Cooler Air
Gulf water temperatures typically stay in the low-to-mid 80s through October, so swimming, paddleboarding, and shelling all still feel great. What changes is the air — mornings and evenings turn genuinely pleasant, making it easier to enjoy a sunset walk on Tigertail Beach or the sands along Fort Myers Beach without the summer swelter. It’s also a great window to explore the Paradise Coast’s nature preserves and backwater kayak trails while the light turns golden earlier in the evening.
Two Big Reasons October Is Circled on Our Calendar
Choosing to visit Marco Island in October also lines you up with two of the season’s biggest local traditions. Florida stone crab season opens October 15, kicking off a run of fresh claws at waterfront spots across Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach. A day later, the Marco Boat Show sails into Marco Island Yacht Club October 16-18 for a weekend of docks, boats, and Gulf breezes. Between the two, the back half of October is one of the liveliest — and still uncrowded — stretches of the year.
Plan Your October Stay
Comfortable weather, warm water, and a calendar full of local traditions — October is one of the best-kept-secret months to visit Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach. Browse our Marco Island vacation rentals or Fort Myers Beach properties, or search our full inventory to find the perfect home base for your stay. Our concierge team can also help line up boat tours, fishing charters, and dinner reservations so your trip runs smoothly from the moment you arrive.
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Love boats? Just love being on the water? Then mark your calendar, because the Marco Boat Show is back at Marco Island Yacht Club from Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026! It’s the largest in-water recreational boat show in the Naples–Marco Island area, and it’s one of our favorite ways to kick off the fall season on the island. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!
What Is the Marco Boat Show?
The Marco Boat Show is owned and run by the Marine Industries Association of Collier County, and it brings together boat dealers, marinas, and marine businesses from all over Southwest Florida. The best part? It’s an in-water show. Instead of walking a convention floor, you’ll stroll the docks at Marco Island Yacht Club, step right down into the cockpit, and settle into the helm seat to see how a boat really feels on the water.
Whether you’re seriously shopping for your next boat, daydreaming about one, or just want a fun morning by the marina, there’s plenty to see!
Marco Boat Show 2026: Dates, Hours & Tickets
- Dates: Friday, October 16 – Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. each day
- Location: Marco Island Yacht Club, 1400 N. Collier Blvd., Marco Island
- Admission: $15 in advance or $20 at the gate
- Kids: 12 and under get in FREE with a paying adult
Pro tip: grab your tickets in advance online and save a few bucks for a post-show lunch!
Parking & Getting There
Parking is easy! Park at Rose Marina and hop on the complimentary shuttle straight to the show. No circling the lot, no stress, just more time on the docks.
Tips for Enjoying the Show
- Go early. Mornings are the most comfortable time to walk the docks, and you’ll get more one-on-one time with the dealers.
- Wear boat-friendly shoes. Non-marking soles are a smart choice when you’re stepping on and off boats.
- Bring the kids! With free admission for little ones 12 and under, it’s an easy family outing, and kids love climbing aboard and “driving” from the captain’s chair.
- Pack sunscreen and water. October on Marco Island is sunny and gorgeous, so come prepared.
Make a Weekend of the Marco Boat Show
The show is only half the fun! After you’ve toured the docks, spend the rest of your weekend actually getting out on the water. Book a dolphin cruise, rent a kayak, or charter a sunset sail, and our concierge team is happy to help set it up. Then wind down with fresh local seafood and a Gulf sunset from Tigertail or South Marco Beach.
Looking for more to do while you’re here? The Paradise Coast tourism site is a great resource for what’s happening around Marco Island and Naples all fall.
Stay Close to the Action
Fall is one of the best times of year on Marco Island. The weather is beautiful, the island is relaxed, and weekends like this one make it easy to plan a getaway. Browse our Marco Island vacation rentals to find a home base just minutes from the Yacht Club, or search all of our rentals to check availability for your dates.
We’ll see you on the docks at the Marco Boat Show this October!
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Calling all film buffs — the Manhattan Short Film Festival is coming to Marco Island, and you get to be the critic! This October, the Marco Island Center for the Arts joins over 500 venues on six continents for one week of short films, ballots in hand, deciding the winners right alongside audiences from Sydney to South Africa.
When to Catch the Manhattan Short Film Festival on Marco Island
The 29th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival runs worldwide from September 24 through October 4, 2026, but here on Marco Island, you’ve got two chances to see it in person:
- Friday, October 2, 2026 at 5:30 PM
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Both screenings take place at the Arts Center Theatre, 1089 N Collier Blvd. in Marco Town Center. Tickets run $10–$15 depending on membership status, and you can grab yours online at marcoislandart.org or by calling the box office at 239-784-1186. Seats have sold out in past years, so if you’re planning a trip around it, we’d book early.
Ten Countries, One Audience Vote
Here’s what makes this festival different from your average movie night: you don’t just watch, you judge. Every ticket comes with a ballot, and the audience decides the winners for Best Film and Best Actor. This year’s Ten Finalists hail from ten countries — including the USA, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, the UK, Moldova, Russia, Cuba, Georgia, and Mexico — and every one of them is automatically Oscar-qualified just for making the cut. Past MANHATTAN SHORT selections have gone on to Academy Award nominations, so there’s a real chance you’ll be watching a future Oscar contender before most of the world even hears about it.
Winners are announced globally on Monday, October 5 — so however you vote at the Marco Island screening, you’re part of a worldwide tally with more than 100,000 film lovers.
Make a Weekend of It
Early October is one of our favorite times to have guests on the island — the summer crowds have thinned out, the weather is turning gorgeous, and there’s an easy, laid-back energy to everything from the beaches to the art walks. Pair an evening at the film festival with a sunset on the sand and dinner nearby, and you’ve got a perfect low-key island weekend.
If you’re planning to be on Marco Island for the festival, take a look at our Marco Island vacation rentals — plenty are an easy walk or short drive from Marco Town Center. Not sure where to stay or what else to build into your trip? Our concierge services team can help line up dinner reservations and activities around your screening time, and our contact page is the fastest way to reach us with questions.
For more on what else is happening around town this season, the Paradise Coast events calendar is a great resource. However you spend it, the Manhattan Short Film Festival is shaping up to be one of Marco Island’s best October nights out — grab your tickets and we’ll see you at the movies!
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ParrotPhest Fort Myers Beach is back for 2026, and if you love island music, tropical vibes, and a good excuse to break out your best Hawaiian shirt, this is one weekend you’ll want on your calendar! The trop-rock celebration takes over Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach October 1-4, with four days of live music, beachside fun, and plenty of parrothead spirit.
What Is ParrotPhest Fort Myers Beach?
ParrotPhest Fort Myers Beach is an annual trop-rock weekend built for Jimmy Buffett-loving “parrotheads” and anyone who just wants an excuse to soak up island music by the Gulf. Expect steel drums, acoustic beach classics, and high-energy trop-rock sets echoing across the resort all weekend long. Live music at Lah De Dah Bar and License to Chill Bar is free and open to the public, so you don’t need an event pass to wander over and enjoy the show!
Highlights to Catch This Year
A few things worth building your weekend around:
- Party with a Purpose – a fundraiser benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association, with raffle prizes including Key West Express tickets, Margaritaville stays, and a Margaritaville at Sea cruise.
- Strut Your Island Style Parrot Pageant – a costume contest where the winner takes home a three-night stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort.
- Bird Gardens of Naples photo ops – meet real feathered friends and snap a few vacation photos to remember the weekend by.
Where to Stay for ParrotPhest Weekend
Margaritaville Beach Resort sits right on Fort Myers Beach, so a Coastal Breeze rental nearby puts you close to all the music without the resort price tag! Browse our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals for options just steps from the sand, or let our concierge team help you build out the rest of your island-style itinerary — dinner reservations, boat tours, and more. Not sure where to start? Search all our available properties and find your home base for the weekend.
For the full event schedule, check the official The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel events calendar, or visit Margaritaville’s ParrotPhest page directly.
However you spend the weekend, ParrotPhest Fort Myers Beach is the perfect excuse for a fall getaway with a little extra island flavor — grab your flip flops and we’ll see you on the beach!
Mark your calendars — Florida stone crab season kicks off on October 15, and it’s one of our favorite countdowns of the year! For a few sweet months, Marco Island and Fort Myers Beach fill up with the smell of fresh-cracked claws, and locals and visitors alike start planning their first trip to the seafood counter. Here’s what to know before the season opens, and where to get your hands on the freshest claws first.
When Does Florida Stone Crab Season Start?
Florida stone crab season runs from October 15 through May 1 each year, regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Only the claws are harvested — crabbers carefully remove one or both claws and return the crab to the water, where it regrows them over time. It’s one of the most sustainable seafood traditions in the state, and it’s a big deal here on the Gulf Coast!
Opening week is always the most exciting part of the season. Boats head out before sunrise on October 15, and the very first claws of the year usually hit local menus within a day or two. If you love being first in line for anything, this is your moment.
Best Spots to Try the First Catch on Marco Island
On Marco Island, the Snook Inn is a longtime local favorite for waterfront dining and fresh stone crab claws straight off the boat, especially during opening week. Pull up a seat on the deck, order a bucket of claws with mustard sauce, and watch the boats roll in on the Marco River. It’s the kind of afternoon that makes a SWFL vacation feel complete.
Where to Find Them on Fort Myers Beach
Over on Fort Myers Beach, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a great spot to catch stone crab claws early in the season, paired with island views and a laid-back beach-bar vibe. A handful of other waterfront spots up and down the beach also put claws on the menu as soon as they’re available, so it’s worth calling ahead during the first few weeks to ask what just came in.
Planning Your Florida Stone Crab Season Trip
Because opening week supply can be limited (crabbers are just getting back out on the water!), claws tend to be freshest — and most available — as October rolls on. If you’re planning a fall getaway around Florida stone crab season, our concierge services can help point you toward the best seafood spots near your rental, along with reservations and local tips.
Ready to book your own front-row seat to stone crab season? Browse our Marco Island vacation rentals or Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals and start planning your trip! For more on what’s happening around the region this fall, check out The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel for seasonal dining guides and events.
However you spend it, one thing’s for sure — stone crab season is one of the best reasons to be on the Gulf Coast this fall!
Get ready for a weekend of live music under the stars! The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest wraps up its 2026 run right here on Fort Myers Beach, September 25–27, and it’s one of our favorite reasons to plan a late-September getaway. Free, intimate, and packed with talent — here’s what to know before you go.
What Is the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest?
Now in its 11th year, the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest brings 60+ acclaimed BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) singer-songwriters to more than 20 intimate venues across Fort Myers and the surrounding islands. The festival kicks off September 18 on Captiva, moves through Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers, then closes out its final weekend right on Fort Myers Beach — making late September the perfect time to be here.
What to Expect on Fort Myers Beach
The Fort Myers Beach leg of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest (September 25–27) spreads free performances across beachside bars, resort pools, and waterfront restaurants up and down the island. Most shows are completely free to attend — just grab a seat, order a drink, and enjoy some of the best up-and-coming and established songwriters in the business performing their own hits in a laid-back, unplugged setting. A few special ticketed experiences are also on offer, including sunset cruises where a BMI songwriter shares stories and songs as you glide along the water at golden hour.
Tips for Catching a Show
Because performances are spread across so many venues, it’s worth checking the festival’s official schedule before you head out for the night — sets can fill up fast at the smaller spots. Arrive a little early for the popular beachfront venues, and don’t be afraid to island-hop between a few different shows over the weekend; that’s half the fun of it! For the full lineup, venue map, and ticketed experience details, visit the official Island Hopper Songwriter Fest guide from Visit Fort Myers.
Make It Your Home Base for the Weekend
With music venues scattered up and down the island, a Fort Myers Beach vacation rental puts you within walking or golf-cart distance of most of the action. Not sure which shows to prioritize or where to grab dinner between sets? Our concierge team is happy to help you build the perfect festival weekend itinerary. For more on what else is happening around the island this September, check the Fort Myers Beach Chamber’s events calendar.
Ready to catch the music? Reach out to our team and let’s get your Island Hopper weekend booked!
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