Is Fort Myers Beach Open? Our Honest September 2026 Update

At a glance: what’s open and what’s under construction

Open: the beach and the Gulf, the beach access near The Loft, food trucks and restaurants at Times Square, bars and restaurants along Old San Carlos Boulevard and the bayfront, boat tours and charters, and the Key West Express ferry.

Under construction: the Fort Myers Beach Pier (about a year), Lynn Hall Memorial Park and its restrooms and parking lot (until the pier is done), and the Sunset Beach Resort at Times Square (targeted for early 2028).

The Fort Myers Beach Pier rebuild

Lee County held the groundbreaking for the new pier on August 21, 2026, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued its permit in July and FEMA approved the construction funding in August. Crews and heavy equipment moved in right after, and construction is now underway. The county expects the work to take about a year (Fort Myers Beach Observer (opens in a new tab)).

The new pier will be about 1,000 feet long and 12 feet wide, roughly 70% longer and 50% wider than the pier Ian destroyed, with ADA access, benches and turtle-friendly lighting. It’s being built in the same spot, next to Times Square. We wrote up the full timeline in our Fort Myers Beach Pier rebuild update.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park is closed during construction

Lynn Hall Memorial Park, the beach park beside the pier, is closed while the pier is built. Lee County is rebuilding its restrooms, which Ian destroyed, at the same time. The park’s parking lot is closed too; the contractors are using it to stage equipment, and it isn’t expected to reopen until the pier is finished. When it does, the county says it will have about 30% more parking spaces.

The beach access from Times Square and Lynn Hall is fenced off. The beach itself isn’t closed: you can reach the sand from other accesses, including the one near our home, and walk along the water. Lee County asks everyone to stay outside fenced areas, on the sand and in the water, and to follow posted signs. For parking alternatives, see our Fort Myers Beach parking guide.

A new resort is going up at Times Square

On July 6, 2026, the Sunset Beach Resort broke ground at 1028 Estero Boulevard, on the site of the former Sunset Beach Tropical Grill and Playmore Tiki Bar, both lost in Ian. It’s a $13 million, three-story mixed-use building with six hotel units, plus restaurants, bars, shops, a music stage and a public pool. It’s the first major redevelopment at Times Square since the storm. Construction is expected to take about 18 months, with completion targeted for early 2028 (Gulfshore Business (opens in a new tab)).

Between the resort and the pier, the beachfront at Times Square will look like a work zone for a while. It’s a good sign: this is the heart of downtown coming back.

What’s open at Times Square and downtown

Times Square is open for business. Food trucks and restaurants are serving right in the square, with live music on many nights. Old San Carlos Boulevard, which runs from Times Square to the bay, has reopened waterfront favorites like Nervous Nellie’s and Pinchers.

On the bayfront, Matanzas on the Bay (with Petey’s Upper Deck upstairs) has live music every day, and across the bridge at Fisherman’s Wharf you’ll find Bonita Bill’s, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille (opens in a new tab), Bonita Fish Company and Dixie Fish Co. Our restaurants near Times Square guide has where we send guests.

Staying downtown? Our Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals are a short walk from the beach and Times Square. Check availability

Is Fort Myers Beach rebuilt?

Not completely. Hurricane Ian hit on September 28, 2022 and destroyed much of the island, including almost all of Times Square and the pier. Since then the beaches have been renourished, many restaurants, shops and places to stay have reopened, and the new Big Carlos Pass Bridge at the south end opened in June 2026. Some lots are still empty and the big downtown projects above are just getting started, so expect a working island that’s getting its finishing touches, not a finished postcard.

Is Fort Myers Beach safe?

Yes, for a normal beach vacation, with a few common-sense notes. Stay out of fenced construction areas around the pier, on the beach and in the water. Watch the beach warning flags and swim near other people. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30; if a storm is forecast, follow local guidance and talk to us about your booking.

Water conditions can change, as on any Gulf beach. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission posts current water-quality updates, and we’re always happy to tell you what we’re seeing.

Is Fort Myers Beach nice to visit right now?

We think so. The sand is wide and soft after renourishment, the Gulf is the same color it has always been, and the sunsets are as good as ever. Downtown has energy again, and the island is a little quieter than it was before Ian, which many guests love. The construction is concentrated around the pier and Times Square; a block or two away, it’s beach days as usual.

If you want the classic pier-and-Times-Square experience, plan for late 2027 or 2028. If you want an easy, walkable beach trip with fewer crowds, now is a great time. See our things to do in Fort Myers Beach for ideas.

Is Fort Myers Beach back to normal?

It’s a new normal. Day-to-day beach life is back, and new buildings are built higher and stronger than before. Our own suites are elevated and reached by stairs, like much of the new construction on the island. The Town of Fort Myers Beach (opens in a new tab) posts official updates on projects and closures.

Questions and answers