Best Bets: Beach Music

Jammin' on the beaches

For those in search of true beach party tunes, look no farther than the clubs of Fort Myers Beach. Around the Times Square area, music drifts across the waves from Cottage Bar, Beach Pierside Grill, Beached Whale and Lani Kai Resort. The Yard Dogs frequent the stage at Pinchers Beach Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn. Parrot Key Caribbean Grill lives up to its name, with tinkling sounds from the islands.

Reggae in the islands

On Sanibel and Captiva Islands, resorts, restaurants and clubs host musicians on a regular basis, many of them with a Caribbean flair. On Sanibel, the Jacaranda Bar is the hottest spot for dancing, often to reggae bands. John McLane is a regular at Thistle Lodge Sunday brunch at Casa Ybel Resort, and Danny Morgan plays twice weekly at Traders Café, a favorite among locals. Captiva Island is always jiving, and you can hear tunes spilling out of Keylime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn and RC Otters just about any time of day. Steel drum and other solo acts entertain six nights a week on the beach at Mucky Duck. For dancing, hit the Crow's Nest at 'Tween Waters Inn. Danny Morgan also performs on Captiva Cruises' Sunset Serenade excursions.

Tunes in town

In downtown Fort Myers, you're likely to hear blues or jazz at popular clubs including City Tavern. If you're in a mellow mood, slip into Bell Tower Shops every other Friday for contemporary, easy-listening music. Nearby at Shoeless Joe's in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, guitarist and singer Jeff Key entertains.

Good vibrations on the Cape

Cape Coral is home to the Yard Dogs, who perform weekly at the Twisted Conch, a Caribbean-style grill. Live country and rock-and-roll bands fill the streets during the Coconut Festival, held in November.

Local flavor in Pine Island

Don't necessarily expect "tropical tourist tunes" in Pine Island, where the locals tend to favor classic rock, blues, bluegrass and country rock. Do expect funky, let-your-hair-down fun at Ragged Ass Saloon, Bert's Bar & Grill and Woody's Waterside. The latter often presents solo artists who play island tunes.