A dockside institution dating to 1926, formerly Bonita Bill’s: fresh seafood, live music and shrimp-boat views.

Toes-in-the-sand beach bar at DiamondHead: tropical cocktails, island eats and live music. Open to the public.

New England-style fish market and restaurant: fresh catch, proper chowder and the lobster rolls locals swear by.

Upscale Gulf-front dining at DiamondHead for a special-occasion dinner with beachfront views. Open to the public.

Old Florida open-air fish house on Matanzas Pass: peel-and-eat shrimp, fresh grouper and live music dockside.

A Fort Myers Beach institution: island-inspired seafood, tropical rum drinks and a lively waterfront bar.

Authentic Pueblan-style Mexican inland in Fort Myers, worth the short drive for real regional cooking.

Fresh Gulf seafood and a well-loved happy hour with spectacular sunset views over Estero Bay.