Santini Plaza

Santini Plaza is a central area in the southern part of Fort Myers Beach, offering a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and essential services. It serves as a convenient shopping and dining hub for both residents and visitors in the surrounding neighborhoods. The plaza’s location along Estero Boulevard makes it easily accessible and a popular stop for those exploring Fort Myers Beach. The area is also near several parks, attractions, and notable yearly events.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Lovers Key State Park
Just south of Santini Plaza is Lovers Key State Park, one of the top destinations for outdoor activities in the Fort Myers Beach area. The park covers over 1,600 acres and includes a variety of ecosystems, from mangrove forests to sandy beaches. Visitors to the park can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The park's beaches are often less crowded than other areas of Fort Myers Beach, making them ideal for those seeking a quieter beach experience. Lovers Key is also a popular spot for weddings and nature photography due to its scenic landscapes.

Bay Oaks Recreational Center
North of Santini Plaza, the Bay Oaks Recreational Center offers various recreational opportunities for locals and visitors. The center includes a pool, tennis courts, baseball fields, and a fitness center. Bay Oaks hosts sports leagues and community programs, making it an active part of the Fort Myers Beach community. Visitors can also explore the Bay Oaks trail system, which offers a chance to walk through local mangroves and observe wildlife. The recreational center frequently organizes activities and events for families, enhancing its role as a community hub.

Attractions

Santini Marina Plaza Shops
Santini Plaza itself is home to a collection of shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The plaza provides everything from grocery stores and pharmacies to specialty shops, making it a convenient stop for locals. Visitors can find clothing stores, gift shops, and stores offering beachwear and accessories. These shops cater to the needs of both residents and tourists, ensuring a variety of services are available in one central location. Santini Plaza also hosts several seasonal farmers markets, where local vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and handmade goods.

Fish Tale Marina
Adjacent to Santini Plaza is Fish Tale Marina, a full-service marina that caters to boaters and fishing enthusiasts. The marina offers boat rentals, fishing charters, and dock space for visitors and residents who own boats. For those looking to explore Estero Bay or the Gulf of Mexico by water, Fish Tale Marina provides easy access to both. The marina is also home to several fishing guides who offer charters for deep-sea fishing, as well as tours for those looking to explore the local marine environment. With its location so close to Santini Plaza, the marina is a key part of the community’s recreational activities.

Restaurants and Dining Options

Santini Plaza is home to a variety of dining options, offering something for everyone, whether they are looking for casual meals or more formal dining experiences.

South Beach Grille
Located within Santini Plaza, South Beach Grille is a local favorite for seafood and American cuisine. The restaurant offers lunch and dinner options, with an emphasis on fresh seafood dishes. South Beach Grille is known for its relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular spot for both residents and visitors. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list and offers a variety of daily specials.

Skye's Restaurant
Skye’s Restaurant, also located in Santini Plaza, serves a menu that blends Mexican and American flavors. Known for its tacos, burritos, and margaritas, Skye’s is a go-to spot for casual dining. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a convenient option for visitors throughout the day. With indoor and outdoor seating, Skye’s offers a comfortable dining experience close to the shops and marina.

Truly Scrumptious
Truly Scrumptious is a cafe and ice cream shop within Santini Plaza, providing a range of breakfast items, sandwiches, and desserts. The cafe is known for its homemade ice cream and baked goods, making it a popular stop for families. Truly Scrumptious is often frequented by locals grabbing a quick breakfast or visitors looking for a treat after spending the day at the beach.

Annual Events and Festivals

While Santini Plaza does not host large-scale festivals, it plays an important role in community events and gatherings throughout the year. Several events held in the Fort Myers Beach area are easily accessible from Santini Plaza, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to participate in local traditions.

Santini Plaza Farmers Market
Santini Plaza regularly hosts a seasonal farmers market, typically held on certain days of the week during the cooler months. This market features local vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and handmade crafts. The market is a popular spot for locals and visitors to shop for fresh food and support small businesses. The farmers market also provides a community atmosphere, where people can socialize and enjoy live music from local performers.

Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival
The Fort Myers Beach Shrimp Festival is a key annual event that takes place each March. While the main festivities occur closer to Times Square, the entire Fort Myers Beach area, including Santini Plaza, participates in the celebration. The Shrimp Festival includes a parade, arts and crafts vendors, and seafood vendors offering local shrimp dishes. The event celebrates the region’s shrimping industry and draws visitors from across the region to enjoy food, music, and family-friendly activities.

Lovers Key State Park Events
Lovers Key State Park, located near Santini Plaza, hosts several events throughout the year, including guided nature walks, eco-tours, and special programs for children. The park also holds events focused on environmental education, allowing participants to learn about the area’s ecosystems and wildlife. These events are popular with locals and visitors who are interested in outdoor activities and environmental conservation.

Fourth of July Celebrations
Fort Myers Beach hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks display, typically launched from the Fort Myers Beach Pier. While Santini Plaza is located farther south, many residents and visitors in the area make their way toward Times Square or watch the fireworks from nearby beaches. The Fourth of July celebration is accompanied by live music and activities throughout the day, making it a significant event for the community.

Accessibility and Transportation

Santini Plaza is conveniently located along Estero Boulevard, the main thoroughfare that runs through Fort Myers Beach. This makes it easily accessible by car, and there is ample parking available for visitors. Additionally, the Fort Myers Beach Trolley provides public transportation throughout the island, with stops near Santini Plaza. This offers a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive or are staying in nearby areas. The trolley system also connects Santini Plaza to other major attractions on Fort Myers Beach, such as Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Pier.

Santini Plaza is a central hub for shopping, dining, and recreation in the southern part of Fort Myers Beach. Its proximity to Lovers Key State Park, Fish Tale Marina, and local beaches makes it a convenient location for residents and visitors alike. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and services, Santini Plaza serves the community’s daily needs while also providing access to seasonal farmers markets and community events. The nearby parks, marina, and annual festivals ensure that there are always activities and attractions available, making Santini Plaza an important part of the Fort Myers Beach experience.

Learn about another nearby area called Lynwood.

About Kalvin & Calvin Marine Construction

Kalvin & Calvin is a family-based firm with 40+ years of experience serving Collier County, Florida, and the surrounding area's marine construction market, including Vanderbilt Beach, Park Shore, Moorings, Naples Bay, Port Royal, Keewaydin Island, Marco Island, and Everglades City. The principles of our Company grew up here, and have been a part of the local marine and construction industry since the mid-70s, having built and repaired many of the area’s waterfront landmarks.  We tackle projects large and small and commit to thorough communication, minimal disruption, and a quality result - every time.