Island Charm Crawl: One of the Best Things to Do at Fort Myers Beach in 2026

Looking for fun things to do at Fort Myers Beach this year? There is an island-wide treasure hunt happening all over FMB, and odds are you have already spotted someone playing. A beach bag clinking with little charms, each one collected from a different island shop, bar, or restaurant. That is the Island Charm Crawl, and it has quickly become one of the most popular Fort Myers Beach events of 2026.

Here is the short version: you grab a bag, you crawl the island collecting charms from participating businesses, and you finish the season with a one-of-a-kind keepsake and serious island bragging rights. Sun-N-Fun Sport Rentals is one of the stops, and we are also the easiest place to start, because we are the only rental company located right on the beach. Walk in, grab your wheels, earn your first charm, and you are off.

The quick version

Pick up your official Charm Crawl bag, then visit participating FMB businesses to collect a charm at each stop. Complete your stamp card and you earn the signature completion charm. Start your crawl at Sun-N-Fun with a rental and save 15% using code CHARM15

What Is the Island Charm Crawl?

The Island Charm Crawl is a free, season-long scavenger hunt across Fort Myers Beach where visitors collect a decorative charm from each participating local business, then earn a signature completion charm once they finish the crawl. It is presented by What’s Up FMB and runs from May through October 2026. Each participating stop offers its own little experience, giving crawlers a reason to shop, sip, dine, and discover more of the island all season long.

The idea is wonderfully simple. You carry a bag, and at each stop you add a charm that represents that business. Some charms come with a purchase, some with a small donation to a local cause, and some just for a social post and a follow. Once you fill your stamp card, you unlock the signature completion charm at the closing celebration.

We loved hearing how the whole thing got started, straight from the person who dreamed it up.

“After the tragedy of Hurricane Ian, most who love Fort Myers Beach want to support the area and want to feel that sense of community again. We sold out of 500 bags within the first four days. The crawlers are having a blast going around the island and collecting, and it is directly benefitting our off-season business sales.”

Dawn Miller

President, What’s Up FMB

That community spirit is exactly why we wanted in. Every charm you collect is a tiny vote for a local business getting back on its feet, and a reason to see corners of the island you might have driven right past.

“This island has been through a lot, and watching everyone come back stronger is the best part of doing business here. The Charm Crawl is folks supporting their neighbors, one stop at a time, and we are proud to be part of it.”

“We are the only rental shop right on the beach, so it just made sense to be the place you start. Walk in, grab a cart or a bike, earn your first charm, and go see the whole island. No waiting around for a delivery. That is what we are here for.”

Steve Larson

Owner, Sun-N-Fun Sport Rentals

How the Crawl Works, Step by Step

  1. Get your bag. Grab your official Island Charm Crawl bag here, presented by What’s Up FMB. Your bag comes with a stamp card to track your stops. Want to see who is participating first? Browse the full Island Charm Crawl Directory.
  2. Crawl the island. Visit participating businesses across FMB. At each one, follow that stop’s simple action to earn your charm and a stamp on your card.
  3. Collect your charms. Every business has its own charm. Some are free with a purchase, some for a donation, and some just for showing a little social media love.
  4. Finish the card. Complete your stamp card and claim the signature completion charm, plus island bragging rights at the closing celebration.

Two Ways to Earn Your Sun-N-Fun Charm

Sun-N-Fun is an official stop on the crawl, and there are two easy ways to add our charm to your bag. Both happen right at our shop at 1821 Estero Blvd.

Why Start Your Crawl at Sun-N-Fun: Golf Cart Rentals Right on Fort Myers Beach

The crawl covers the full 7-mile island, from Times Square down to Lovers Key. Most golf cart rental companies at Fort Myers Beach are delivery-only operations, which means waiting around for a cart to show up before you can go anywhere. We are different.

Sun-N-Fun is the only rental company physically located on Fort Myers Beach. Walk in at 1821 Estero Blvd, pick your ride, and start crawling in minutes. No delivery window, no scheduling, no friction. When your whole plan for the day is to roam the island collecting charms, having your wheels the moment you arrive is the difference between a slow start and a great one.7. Which Should YOU Rent? (By Scenario)

What you wantWhy Sun-N-Fun
Cover the whole islandGolf carts, scooters, Vespas, e-bikes, and beach cruisers, all in one spot
Start right awayWalk-in rentals on the beach, no delivery wait
Keep it shortRentals available for as little as 2 hours, not 24-hour minimums
Save while you crawl15% off with code CHARM15, plus a free koozie
Haul your charms and gearStorage room for bags, coolers, and a growing charm collection

A Few Stops Worth Building Your Crawl Around

With dozens of participating businesses, you can map a route that hits food, drinks, shopping, and sightseeing in a single loop. A few favorites along Estero Boulevard and around Times Square:

Cruise the Times Square area for stops like Beach Hut Shop, La Ola, and Forever Tides, then roll toward the Lani Kai for Blue Parrot, Diva’s N Dolls, and Nauti Flamingo. Hungry? Smokin Oyster Brewery, Wahoo Willies, and Nervous Nellie’s all hand out charms with a purchase. For the full, always-current list of stops, hours, and exactly how to earn each charm, check the official Island Charm Crawl Directory at What’s Up FMB.

Start Your Crawl on the Beach

Sun-N-Fun Sport Rentals is located right on the sand at 1821 Estero Blvd, the only rental company physically on Fort Myers Beach. Walk in, grab your wheels, earn your first charm, and let the island adventure begin. Call us at (239) 233-1046 or book online with code CHARM15.

Golf Cart vs. Scooter at Fort Myers Beach: Which Should You Rent?

Fort Myers Beach is a 7-mile barrier island where a car is honestly overkill. Whether you’re cruising down Estero Boulevard to find the perfect sunset spot, hopping between restaurants, or just exploring at your own pace, a rental vehicle is the way to go. But there’s a debate every group eventually has: golf cart or scooter?

Both are wildly fun. Both give you that “we’re actually on vacation” feeling. But they’re not the same experience — and the right choice depends on your group, your budget, and what you actually want to do.
We’ve helped thousands of guests at Fort Myers Beach figure out exactly this question. Here’s everything you need to know.

The short answer:

If you’re traveling with 2+ people and want a comfortable, social, shade-covered way to explore the island — rent a golf cart. If you’re flying solo or as a couple and want the most freeing, open-air, spontaneous ride possible — a scooter is your move.

Not sure? Sun-N-Fun is the only rental shop located directly on Fort Myers Beach — stop in and our staff will help you pick in about 60 seconds.

1. Golf Carts & Scooters: The Quick Overview

Before getting into the details, here’s a quick picture of what each rental actually is at Fort Myers Beach.

Golf Cart

The Group Cruiser

Seats 4–6 passengers · Covered · Street-legal on FMB

  • Fits the whole family or friend group
  • Roof keeps you cool & covered from rain
  • Storage for beach bags, coolers, gear
  • Conversational — everyone rides together
  • Easy to park anywhere along Estero Blvd
  • No motorcycle license needed

Scooter / Moped

The Group Cruiser

1–2 riders · Open-air · Gas-powered

  • Lower daily rental rate
  • Zip through traffic & narrow spots
  • Pure open-air freedom
  • Easier parking almost anywhere
  • Great for solo travelers & couples
  • Available for as little as 2-hour rentals

2. Group Size & Who’s Coming with You

This is usually the deciding factor for most people. Group size alone can rule out one option immediately.

A golf cart at Fort Myers Beach fits 4 to 6 passengers comfortably. That means mom, dad, two or three kids, and maybe a grandparent can all ride together, talk, and share the experience in real time. No “meet you there” — you all cruise as one unit.

A scooter holds 1 to 2 people. If you’re a solo traveler or a couple who wants to feel the wind and make spontaneous turns down side streets, a scooter is genuinely the more fun choice. But if there are three or more of you, you’d need multiple scooters — which drives up cost and splits the group.

Pro tip:

If you’re a group of 3–4, a single golf cart is almost always the more economical and more fun choice. Everyone stays together, and you split one rental cost instead of renting two or three scooters.

3. Budget: What Does Each Cost?

Pricing varies by duration and season, but here’s a general comparison to help you plan:

DurationGolf Cart (4-seater)Scooter / Moped
2 hoursBetter value for small groupsLower total rental price
Full day (8 hrs)Higher rate, split among groupLower flat rate per vehicle
Per person (group of 4)Typically lower per-personRequires separate vehicles
Multi-dayBest value for groupsBest value for solo/couple

The key insight on budget: a golf cart rented by a family of four often works out cheaper per person than four individual scooters. Once you divide the golf cart cost by the number of passengers, it frequently wins on value. Run the math for your group before assuming scooters are cheaper.

Worth knowing:

Competitor rental companies at Fort Myers Beach — like Island Carts FMB — typically require a 24-hour minimum on golf carts and don’t offer scooters at all. At Sun-N-Fun Sport Rentals, you can rent a golf cart or scooter for as little as 2 hours, which is perfect if you only want a quick explore rather than a full-day commitment.

4. Comfort & Ease of Driving

Golf cart: the easy chair of beach transportation

You don’t need a special license to drive a street-legal golf cart at Fort Myers Beach (just a valid driver’s license). The controls are essentially a steering wheel, go pedal, and brake — nothing intimidating. You’re seated in a covered, stable vehicle with your group around you. There’s no balancing required, no wind in your face at 35 mph, and you can carry a cooler in the back without a second thought.
Golf carts are also significantly more comfortable for older guests, kids, and anyone who isn’t a regular motorcycle or scooter rider. The learning curve is essentially zero.

Scooter: effortless once you’re comfortable

Scooters at Fort Myers Beach are automatic (no clutch — you just twist and go), which makes them pretty approachable even for first-timers. That said, it does take a few minutes to get comfortable with the balance and braking. If you’ve never ridden a scooter or motorcycle before, give yourself a slow lap around the parking lot before hitting Estero Boulevard.
The physical experience is fundamentally different — you’re exposed to the elements, you feel every gust of sea breeze, and there’s a raw sense of freedom that’s genuinely hard to replicate. For the right person, that’s the whole point.

First-Timer Tip:

Our staff at Sun-N-Fun are always happy to give you a quick orientation on either vehicle before you head out. We’re located right on the beach — just walk in with your questions.

5. Sightseeing & Flexibility Around the Island

Fort Myers Beach is perfectly sized for either a golf cart or a scooter. The main drag — Estero Boulevard — runs the full length of the island and is entirely navigable by both. Here’s where they differ in the sightseeing experience:

Golf cart advantages for sightseeing

Everyone sees and experiences the same thing at the same moment. You can point out a pelican, pull over to watch a sunset, or just talk without raising your voice over the wind. Golf carts are also better for loading and unloading beach gear — chairs, umbrellas, towels, bags, coolers. If you want to park at Times Square and hop out to grab a bite, a golf cart accommodates your whole group in one spot.

Scooter advantages for sightseeing

Scooters let you get into places a golf cart can’t — narrow side streets, small parking spots, and off-the-beaten-path spots that most tourists miss. If you’re a photographer, a foodie checking off restaurants one by one, or someone who genuinely wants to explore on a whim without worrying about where a 6-passenger cart will park, a scooter is more nimble.

Scooters also make the actual act of riding more of an attraction. If you’re a couple looking for a “moment” — wind in your hair, sun on your face, Gulf of Mexico views — a scooter delivers that in a way a golf cart simply can’t replicate.

6. Side-by-Side Comparison

DurationGolf Cart (4-seater)Scooter / MopedWinner
Group size (3+) Check iconFits 4–6 Cross icon1–2 per vehicle Golf Cart
Solo or couple Cross iconPossible but oversized Check iconPerfect fit Scooter
Cost per person (group of 4) Check iconOften cheaper Cross iconNeeds 4 separate rentals Golf Cart
Cost for 1–2 people Cross iconHigher flat rate Check iconLower rate Scooter
Ease of driving Check iconVery easy, no experience needed Cross iconEasy once comfortable Golf Cart
Open-air experience Cross iconPartial (sides open) Check icon Full wind-in-hair feeling Scooter
Sun/rain protection Check iconCovered roof Cross iconFully exposed Golf Cart
Beach gear & storage Check iconTrunk/back seat space Cross iconVery limited Golf Cart
Nimbleness & parking Cross iconGood Check iconExcellent Scooter
2-hour short rentalsCheck iconBetter value for groupsCheck iconLower rental for 1-2 ridersTie
License required Check iconDriver’s license only Check iconDriver’s license only Tie
Kid-friendly Check iconYes (passengers) Cross iconRiders must meet age requirements Golf Cart

7. Which Should YOU Rent? (By Scenario)

Still on the fence? Here’s the breakdown by the most common visitor profiles we see at Fort Myers Beach:

Family with kids

Rent a golf cart (6-seater). Everyone fits, kids are safer as passengers, and you can haul all the beach gear you need. The 6-seater is comfortable for 2 adults + 3-4 kids.

Romantic couples trip

Either works — it depends on your vibe. For a memorable, adventurous experience, a scooter is pure joy. For a relaxed, comfortable sunset cruise with a cooler of drinks, the golf cart wins.

Bachelor/bachelorette or friend group (4–8 people)

Golf cart, no question. You stay together, split the cost, and it becomes a social event in itself. Consider renting two 4-seaters for larger groups.

Solo traveler or adventure seeker

Scooter all the way. You’re fast, nimble, and completely free. You can park anywhere, go anywhere, and change your mind at the next intersection.

Beach day with lots of gear

Golf cart. Chairs, umbrellas, cooler, bags — a golf cart hauls it all. A scooter will have you making multiple trips or leaving half your stuff behind.

Exploring & photography

Scooter for maximum flexibility. Stop anywhere, squeeze into small spots, and move quickly between locations. If you have a companion, a golf cart still works great — you both see everything together.

Mixed-age group (seniors + adults)

Golf cart, hands down. Comfortable seats, a roof, no balance required. Fort Myers Beach is flat and easy to navigate — a golf cart makes the whole experience relaxed rather than strenuous.

8. Where to Rent a Golf Cart or Scooter at Fort Myers Beach

Here’s something worth knowing before you book: most golf cart rental companies at Fort Myers Beach are not actually on the island. They operate delivery-and-pickup services, which means you’re waiting for a cart to arrive, coordinating pickup times, and adding friction to what should be a carefree beach experience.

Sun-N-Fun Sport Rentals is different. We’re the only rental company with a physical location directly on Fort Myers Beach — at 1821 Estero Blvd. That means:

  • Walk right in — no delivery wait, no scheduling headaches
  • See the vehicles in person before you decide
  • Ask our staff for a real recommendation based on your group
  • Short rentals available — as little as 2 hours (competitors often require 24-hour minimums)
  • Full fleet in one place — golf carts, scooters, e-bikes, Vespas, beach cruisers, and more

If you’re staying at Margaritaville, Pink Shell, Diamondhead, or Lani Kai, you may have seen golf carts from our competitor Island Carts FMB included in your resort fees. Those are electric-only, 24-hour minimum rentals. We offer gas-powered carts available for as little as 2 hours, plus scooters and mopeds that Island Carts FMB doesn’t carry at all. Ask your hotel concierge about our promo codes — many local resorts have a code that saves you 10% on your rental.

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