Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island)
North End Fort Myers Beach
The north end is the lively, walkable heart of Fort Myers Beach — closest to the entrance bridge, Times Square, and Margaritaville, and generally the island's higher price and rent district because it's mostly short-term rental.
The vibe
This is the most energetic stretch of the island: walkable dining and nightlife, the beach at Times Square, and the new Margaritaville resort anchoring the north end's comeback. It's where visitors want to be, which is exactly what makes it a rental-income area.
Rental rules
The north end is generally the island's short-term-rental area — the stretch most associated with vacation rentals. Rental rules depend on the exact property and its zoning, so I always confirm what's permitted for a specific address before you make an offer.
What's nearby
- Times Square (open-air dining, shops & the beach)
- Margaritaville Beach Resort — The Jimmy Buffett–themed beachfront resort anchoring the north end's post-Ian comeback at Times Square.
- Entrance bridge / San Carlos Island gateway
What you'll find here
- Short-term-rental condos
- Gulf-front and near-beach units
- Island homes within walking distance of Times Square
Condo buildings on the north end
11 condominium communities, north to south. “Gulf side” means the Gulf side of Estero Blvd.
- Vacation Villas100 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Estero Island Beach Villas250 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Gateway Villas500 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Casa Playa510 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Dolphin Watch538 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Cane Palm Beach600 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Riptide711 Estero BlvdBay side
- Bay to Beach740 Estero BlvdGulf side
- Harbour House at the Inn1130 First StBay side
- Batiki West1511 Estero BlvdBay side
- Surf Song2088 Estero BlvdGulf side
Price & rent context
Generally a higher price and rent district than the rest of the island, driven by short-term-rental demand and proximity to Times Square and Margaritaville.
Who it's for
Buyers focused on vacation-rental income and walkable, high-demand location — and anyone who wants to be in the middle of the action.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you short-term rent on the north end of Fort Myers Beach?
- The north end is generally the island's short-term-rental district — the area most associated with vacation rentals and walkable to Times Square and Margaritaville. Rental rules still depend on the exact property and zoning, so I always confirm what's permitted for a specific address before you buy.
- Why is the north end more expensive?
- The north end is generally a higher price and rent area because it's mostly short-term rental and sits closest to the island's main draws — Times Square and Margaritaville — which keeps vacation demand high.
- Is the north end of Fort Myers Beach walkable?
- Yes, it's the most walkable part of the island. From much of the north end you can walk to the beach at Times Square, restaurants, shops and Bowditch Point Park at the island's northern tip, which is a big part of what renters pay for.
- What should I watch for when buying a short-term rental on the north end?
- Confirm the rental rules for the exact address and building, look at the property's elevation and insurance costs, and review the condo association's rules, reserves and any planned assessments if it's a condo. Then look at realistic rental income, not a best-case number. I walk investors through all of it before an offer.
Want the hard data on this part of the island? See the permit history, flood-zone rules, and rebuild activity on FMB Insider.
Thinking about North End Fort Myers Beach?
Talk to a full-time island specialist — Logan Shea at Royal Shell Real Estate.