Areas for walkable holidays (like Fort Myers Beach)

Question

Looking for recommendations for places like Fort Myers Beach (the quieter bit of Fort Myers)....Anna Maria Island seems to be a popular one, but can anyone recommend anywhere else and ideally on the East Coast, but very flexible in terms of the area.

Would like to be able to rent a villa with our own pool, be able to walk to places for drinks/dinner and ideally also walk to the beach. Whilst we're happy to drive to the villa we don't want to be reliant on a. car during the holiday (apart from occasional supermarket trip)

Looking for somewhere more reasonable/quieter than the Keys.

Answer

Hi!

It sounds like you’re looking for a walkable, low-key beach destination in Florida where you can rent a villa with a private pool, walk to restaurants and the beach, and avoid being dependent on a car for everyday activities. Since you like Fort Myers Beach and are open to the East Coast, there are several options that might fit your needs.

West Coast Options (similar to Fort Myers Beach / quieter spots):

Anna Maria Island: As you mentioned, this is a quieter, charming barrier island with small restaurants and shops within walking distance. Villas often have private pools, and the beach is very accessible.
Captiva Island & Sanibel Island: Less crowded than the mainland, with beautiful beaches, nature trails, and boutique dining. Sanibel has a walkable main area with restaurants and shops, while many villas have pools and canal or bay access.
Pine Island / Matlacha: A more artsy, peaceful area with a few restaurants and galleries, ideal if you want quiet, canal-front villa options.

East Coast Options:

Vero Beach: A laid-back East Coast town with boutique shops, nice restaurants, and walkable areas near the beach. Villas with pools are common, and the vibe is quieter than Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach.
Jupiter Island / Tequesta: Very upscale but quiet, with beaches and small town centers within walking distance. A car is only needed occasionally for groceries or exploring nearby.
St. Augustine Beach: Offers historic charm combined with a walkable beach area. Some villas and rental homes have pools and are close to restaurants along the beach.
New Smyrna Beach: A surfer’s town with a quieter, local feel. Small shops, restaurants, and cafes are easy to reach on foot, and villas often feature private pools.

Tips for Finding Your Villa:

Use filters on rental platforms to ensure the property has a pool and is within walking distance of the beach and dining.
Look for smaller barrier islands or quieter neighborhoods within larger towns for reduced crowds.
Check recent guest reviews for walkability and convenience—they often mention whether a car is necessary for dining and groceries.
Consider mid-week stays to avoid weekend crowds, even in quieter towns.

Overall, Anna Maria Island remains one of the best options for your criteria on the West Coast, but on the East Coast, Vero Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and St. Augustine Beach provide similar tranquility with good walkable amenities. These areas should give you the combination of a private villa, beach access, and easy access to local restaurants without the hustle and bustle of the Keys or bigger cities.

Areas for walkable holidays (like Fort Myers Beach)

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