Nightlife Primer: Beach Bars, Lounges & Clubs

Fort Myers Beach

• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, located directly on the water just before the Sky Bridge to Fort Myers Beach, is famous for hosting a wide array of local bands, from rock n’ roll to reggae. Open 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. seven days a week.
• The Cottage Bar on Fort Myers Beach is a tradition for anyone visiting the island. Situated right on the Gulf, the action on the outdoor deck is fun, festive, affordable and rocks with live music until 2 a.m. every night (with Karaoke on Sundays). Open seven days a week starting at 11 a.m.

Fort Myers

• The Edison, on palm-lined McGregor Boulevard just one mile south of The Edison-Ford Winter Estates, is the place to see and be seen any night of the week, but especially on Wednesday Ladies Nights when ladies drink free. It’s the hip hotspot for locals in know. Open 11 a.m. to midnight.
• Bistro 41, nestled in the courtyard of the Bell Tower Shops, is ideal for cocktails and people-watching. The bar has a European feel, while the inviting outdoor tables charm guests with umbrellas and white linen tablecloths. Open 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; Sundays noon to 8 p.m.

Downtown Fort Myers / The River District

• The Veranda in historic downtown Fort Myers boasts a popular piano bar and a reputation for the best martinis in the River District. A local favorite, the converted mansion has been going strong for over 30 years. Open Monday through Saturday until 10 p.m.
• Spirits of Bacchus is famous for its bustling happy hour and friendly bartenders. During downtown’s Art Walk, held the first Friday evening of each month, art lovers gather for good conversation and cold drinks before or after strolling the neighborhood galleries. Open 4 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday.

Gulf Coast Town Center

• BluSushi in Gulf Coast Town Center near Florida Gulf Coast University attracts the young and the young at heart as deejays get the dance floor grooving with ‘80s music on Wednesdays and bartenders mix signature “outrageous cocktails” seven nights a week. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight.
• Miller’s Ale House, just a short walk from BluSushi, is where a casual collegiate crowd gathers for 36 different kinds of beer on tap and a variety of sports on wide-screen TVs both indoors and out. Open seven nights a week, 5 to 11 p.m.

Cape Coral

• Pearl Lounge in the heart of downtown Cape Coral has fans from all over Southwest Florida crossing the bridge to the Cape for theme nights like Fashion Fridays, Girls Night Out and Paparazzi Parties. Every month, the venue features national live bands. Open 11 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
• The Leapin’ Lizard on Cape Coral Parkway presents local bands and drink specials nightly, but Tail Twistin’ Tuesdays are for country music fans and line-dancers, as well as folks who love a bargain like dollar draft beers. Open from noon to 2 a.m., seven days a week.