The Conch Connection

Fort Myers Beach is about to get loud—in the best possible way.

ROAR Offshore returns September 11–13, 2026, bringing a weekend of colorful catamarans, flying spray and close racing to the beach. There is even a welcome party on Thursday evening, September 10, for anyone who wants to start the fun a little early.

If you have never watched offshore powerboat racing, imagine a pack of boats charging across the water at more than 90 miles per hour. You hear the engines first. Then the boats burst into view, bounce across the chop and crowd together through the turns. It is fast, noisy and difficult to ignore.

This year's ROAR is different from the event of years past, so forget the old October dates and long list of racing classes. The 2026 weekend has been reimagined around one especially competitive class: APBA Super Stock. The official ROAR Offshore website is the best place to follow announcements as race day approaches.

A day trip to Key West sounds like a dream—sunshine, turquoise waters, and the laid-back vibe of America's southernmost city. But here's the catch: driving down the Overseas Highway from Southwest Florida can turn that dream into hours of traffic, bridge crossings, and the dreaded Key West parking hunt. Key West Express offers you a smarter alternative  — a high-speed ferry day trip that starts your vacation the moment you step aboard.

A successful family vacation does not require every traveler to want the same thing. One child may be happiest spotting dolphins, another may want a beach, a teenager may crave independence and a grandparent may prefer a comfortable museum or scenic ride. Southwest Florida and Key West make it possible to combine those interests without turning every day into a long drive.

The best plan is not a packed checklist. It is a flexible mix of outdoor time, hands-on learning, local history, good food and room to slow down. Use these ideas to build a vacation that works for toddlers, school-age children, teens, parents and grandparents—and leaves everyone with stories to bring home.

If you're searching for the best day trip from Fort Myers Beach, you're spoiled for choice. Southwest Florida offers beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and waterfront towns, but one destination delivers an experience unlike any other—Key West.

 Located at the end of the Florida Keys, Key West offers a tropical island experience that's surprisingly easy to reach aboard the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach.  Colorful streets, historic landmarks, tropical scenery, fresh seafood, and a laid-back island atmosphere make it one of Florida's most unforgettable destinations. Better yet, you don't have to spend the day driving to get there.

How long does it take to get to Key West from Southwest Florida? Aboard Key West Express, the trip from Fort Myers Beach takes approximately 3.5 hours from port to port.

Driving from Fort Myers takes a little over five hours without lengthy stops—and that does not include traffic delays, rest breaks or finding parking after you arrive.

With Key West Express, those hours are spent relaxing across the Gulf instead of watching the highway. You can enjoy the onboard amenities, take in the views and arrive within easy reach of Old Town.

It has been a few harrowing weeks in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.   Through the kindness of friends, strangers, neighbors, first responders & utility workers, everyone has united to make Key West whole again.  On October 1st, Key West officially reopened to welcome all to this island paradise.  

Our Best Picks for that Most Important Meal of the Day! 

When vacationing anywhere, breakfast is a treat most ordinarily don't have time to savor in our busy day to day lives. Vacationing on Fort Myers Beach, Florida and trying to decide which tempting option to start your day can be tough with so many delectable possibilities. These are the top five that we all agree on.

Like snowflakes, no two sunsets are ever alike. There is no shortage of places around the world to watch our favorite star sink beyond the horizon, igniting the sky with radiant hues that cast magic over the surrounding scenery. However, whether you are overlooking the ocean from beach, pier or boat….Florida offers some of the most spectacular places to view the vibrant range of colors that infuse the sky and shimmering sea – perhaps with a green flash, if you’re lucky.

The month of March brings some of the best weather of the year to South West Florida. While our northern friends are still shoveling snow, here in the Sunshine State we are slathering on the spf 30 and heading to the beach. In the midst of Spring Break and perfect weather falls St. Paddy’s Day, so put on some sunscreen, get your green on and watch a parade!

Fort Myers Beach hosts the largest sand sculpting event in the state.  Considered a "Must See" experience and one of the TOP TEN best sand sculpting competitions in the world by USA Today and CNN Travel.