Bell Tower Shops · Fort Myers, Florida
Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers: Stores, Restaurants, Movies and Visitor Guide
A local guide to the open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center at US-41 and Daniels Parkway: what is there, where to eat, what is new and how it fits into life in south Fort Myers and Estero.
Bell Tower Shops is one of south Fort Myers’ best-known shopping and dining destinations. Set at the busy corner of US-41 (South Cleveland Avenue) and Daniels Parkway, the open-air center combines everyday shopping, a big movie theater, an entertainment venue, some of the area’s most popular restaurants and a full-service hotel. For residents of Fort Myers, Estero, Cape Coral and the Daniels Parkway corridor, it is a go-to spot for dinner and a movie, a business lunch or a quick grocery stop.
The center has changed a lot in recent years. A major redevelopment in 2018 opened up the property and added more restaurants, Dave & Buster’s replaced a former department store, Nordstrom Rack and The Capital Grille arrived in 2024, the on-site hotel was converted to a DoubleTree by Hilton, and a new management company took over in 2025. This guide covers what you will find there today, how it compares with other area centers, and what living nearby is like.
Bell Tower Shops at a Glance
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Address | 13499 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33907 |
| Location | Southwest corner area of US-41 and Daniels Parkway in south Fort Myers |
| Phone | 239-489-1221 |
| Size | About 365,000 square feet of open-air retail, dining and entertainment |
| Anchors | The Fresh Market, Nordstrom Rack, Regal Cinemas, Dave & Buster’s |
| Hotel | DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops (225 rooms) |
| Management | DLC Management (since summer 2025) |
| Parking | Free surface parking throughout the center |
| Drive from Estero | About 15 to 20 minutes north via US-41 or I-75 |
Store hours vary by business, and restaurants and the theater keep later hours. Confirm current hours with the center or individual tenants before you go.
Bell Tower Shops Store Directory
Stores, restaurants and services at Bell Tower Shops, checked against the center’s official directory in October 2026. Tenants change often, so confirm with the center before a special trip.
Bell Tower Shops is at US 41 (S Cleveland Ave) and Daniels Parkway in south Fort Myers, about 15 minutes north of Estero.
Anchors & Grocery
Nordstrom Rack, The Fresh Market
Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry
Talbots, Trader Rick’s for the Artful Woman, Synergy Sportswear, Fleet Feet Fort Myers, Congress Jewelers, Jared The Galleria of Jewelry, Sunglass Hut
Beauty & Health
Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works, Noire The Nail Bar, Sola Salons, Ice Spot
Gifts & Specialty Food
Drooling Dog Bakery, Omaha Steaks
Restaurants
The Capital Grille, Blue Pointe Oyster Bar and Seafood Grill, Cantina Laredo, DaRuMa Japanese Steak House & Sushi Lounge, Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria, Burntwood Tavern, McGregor’s Public House, Oak & Vine Celtic Cafe, Tap 42
Entertainment & Fitness
Dave & Buster’s, Regal Bell Tower Stadium 20, CycleBar, KIDSTRONG
Hotels
DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, Homewood Suites Bell Tower
Source: official Bell Tower Shops directory.
A Brief History of Bell Tower Shops
Bell Tower Shops has been part of south Fort Myers for decades, long before Coconut Point, Gulf Coast Town Center and much of the growth along Daniels Parkway. For years it was known as the area’s upscale shopping center, anchored in part by Saks Fifth Avenue. When Saks closed its Bell Tower store in October 2016, the center began a new chapter.
In 2018, owner Madison Marquette launched a multi-phase renovation designed with RSP Architects. The project widened entrances, refreshed storefronts, added new signage, landscaping and lighting, and created a center court for community events. Just as important, it shifted the mix toward dining and entertainment, with a goal of roughly doubling the restaurant space. The former Saks building was converted into a roughly 40,000-square-foot Dave & Buster’s.
The changes continued into the 2020s. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, several Sanibel and Captiva businesses whose island stores were damaged opened temporary locations at Bell Tower, a sign of the center’s role in the community. Nordstrom Rack opened in October 2024, The Capital Grille opened in June 2024, and the neighboring hotel was renovated and reopened as a DoubleTree by Hilton. In July 2025, New York-based DLC Management took over management and leasing of the center, with plans to add new brands.
Anchors and Major Tenants
| Anchor | What to Know |
|---|---|
| The Fresh Market | Specialty grocer with prepared foods, bakery, butcher and wine, a convenient stop for Daniels Parkway and Estero residents |
| Nordstrom Rack | Off-price fashion, shoes and accessories in a roughly 31,000-square-foot store that opened October 7, 2024 |
| Regal Cinemas | A 20-screen theater, one of the largest in Southwest Florida |
| Dave & Buster’s | Arcade games, sports viewing, food and drinks in the former Saks Fifth Avenue building |
Other retailers have included Ulta Beauty, Sunglass Hut, Talbots and Bath & Body Works, along with local boutiques and specialty shops. The tenant lineup changes over time, so check the center’s directory for the current list of stores.
Restaurants at Bell Tower Shops
Dining is the biggest draw at Bell Tower today. The 2018 redevelopment set out to make the center a restaurant destination, and it has become one of the best places in south Fort Myers for a dinner out, a business lunch or drinks before a movie.
| Restaurant | Style |
|---|---|
| The Capital Grille | Upscale steakhouse, opened June 2024; a favorite for celebrations and business dinners |
| Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar | Craft beer and American food in a 10,000-square-foot space with a rooftop bar; live music and DJ nights on the rooftop |
| McGregor’s Public House | Pub-style American food and drinks, opened in 2023 |
| Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café | Sports bar at the DoubleTree hotel |
Over the years, Bell Tower’s restaurant row has also included seafood, Japanese steakhouse, coal-fired pizza and Mexican restaurants. Lineups change, and some restaurants have closed, including La Ola Surfside in October 2025, so check current listings before you go. For more ideas, see our Estero shopping and dining guide.
Movies and Entertainment
- Regal Cinemas: With 20 screens, the Bell Tower Regal shows a wide range of new releases and is one of the most popular theaters in the area. Go early on opening weekends and during the winter season.
- Dave & Buster’s: A large arcade with redemption games, a sports bar with big screens and a full menu. Popular for birthday parties, team outings and rainy days.
- Rooftop nights at Tap 42: Live music midweek and DJs on weekends make the rooftop one of the liveliest spots at the center.
- Center court events: The open-air center court created during the redevelopment hosts seasonal and community events.
Bell Tower’s entertainment lineup makes it one of the few places in south Fort Myers where you can plan an entire evening without moving your car. On busy weekends during season, arrive early to find parking near the theater, and consider buying movie tickets online ahead of time.
Holiday Season and Events
Bell Tower is known for its holiday programming. In recent years the center has hosted an annual tree lighting in early December, strolling Santa visits, pet photos with “Santa Paws,” a holiday 5K called “Rockin’ Around the Bell,” family fun nights and an artisan market before Christmas. Event schedules change each year, so check the center’s website or social media for current dates.
The DoubleTree by Hilton at Bell Tower Shops
The DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops, at 13051 Bell Tower Drive, is a 225-room hotel right next to the shops. Formerly a Crowne Plaza, it reopened as a DoubleTree after an extensive renovation that took nearly two years. The hotel has about 6,200 square feet of meeting space and Shoeless Joe’s Sports Café on site. It is a convenient choice for visiting family, business travelers and anyone who wants to walk to dinner and a movie. Southwest Florida International Airport is about 15 to 20 minutes away.
Getting to Bell Tower Shops
| From | Approximate Drive | Route |
|---|---|---|
| Estero (Coconut Point) | About 15 to 20 minutes | US-41 north to Daniels Parkway |
| FGCU | About 15 to 20 minutes | Ben Hill Griffin Parkway north, then Daniels Parkway west |
| Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) | About 15 to 20 minutes | Daniels Parkway west |
| Downtown Fort Myers | About 20 minutes | US-41 south |
| Cape Coral | About 25 to 35 minutes | Midpoint or Cape Coral bridges, then US-41 south |
| Sanibel | About 30 to 40 minutes | Summerlin Road or McGregor Boulevard, then Daniels Parkway east |
Traffic at US-41 and Daniels Parkway can be heavy, especially in the late afternoon and during the January through April season. Plan extra time on weekends and before evening movie showtimes. LeeTran buses have served Bell Tower as a transfer point for several routes; call LeeTran at 239-533-8726 or check its website for current routes and schedules.
Construction on the I-75 interchange at Daniels Parkway (Exit 131) began in January 2026, with nighttime lane closures. If you are coming from I-75, check traffic before you go.
Bell Tower vs. Other Area Shopping Centers
| Bell Tower Shops | Coconut Point | Miromar Outlets | Gulf Coast Town Center | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | US-41 at Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers | US-41 at Coconut Rd, Estero | I-75 Exit 123, Estero | I-75 Exit 128, Fort Myers |
| Style | Open-air dining and entertainment center | Open-air lifestyle center | Outlet center | Big-box power center |
| Size | About 365,000 sq ft | About 1.2 million sq ft | About 700,000 sq ft | About 1.2–1.3 million sq ft |
| Best for | Dinner and a movie, upscale dining, Fresh Market | Everyday shopping, Target, dining | Outlet deals, bowling | Costco, Bass Pro Shops, big-box stores |
| Theater | Regal (20 screens) | Regal Coconut Point 16 | None | Regal (16 screens) |
Each center fills a different role. Bell Tower is smaller than the others but punches above its weight for dining and entertainment. Learn more in our guides to Coconut Point, Miromar Outlets and Gulf Coast Town Center.
A Perfect Evening at Bell Tower
- Late afternoon: Pick up groceries or prepared food at The Fresh Market, or browse Nordstrom Rack.
- Early dinner: Book a table at The Capital Grille for a special occasion, or grab a casual meal at McGregor’s.
- Movie: Catch a show at the 20-screen Regal.
- Nightcap: Head to the rooftop at Tap 42 for music and drinks, or challenge friends at Dave & Buster’s.
Visiting from out of town? Stay at the DoubleTree and you can walk to everything.
Bell Tower Through the Seasons
| Season | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| January – April | Peak season: busy restaurants, full theaters on weekends and heavier traffic on US-41 and Daniels Parkway. Book dinner reservations ahead, especially around spring training games at JetBlue Park. |
| May – September | Quieter months with easier reservations. The theater and Dave & Buster’s are popular escapes from afternoon storms and summer heat. |
| October – November | Snowbirds return and the event calendar picks up heading into the holidays. |
| December | Tree lighting, Santa visits, holiday 5K and artisan markets make this the most festive month at the center. |
A Family Day at Bell Tower
Bell Tower works well for families, especially on hot or rainy days. Start with a matinee at Regal, then head to Dave & Buster’s for arcade games and lunch. Kids can burn off energy in the center court during events, and parents can grab coffee or browse the shops. In December, the tree lighting and Santa visits are a highlight for young children. Pair the day with a morning walk on the Six Mile Cypress Slough boardwalk nearby for a mix of nature and fun.
Business Travel and Meetings
With the DoubleTree hotel, meeting space and a lineup of sit-down restaurants, Bell Tower is a practical base for business travelers. It is close to Southwest Florida International Airport, the Daniels Parkway and Summerlin Road business corridors and downtown Fort Myers. Client dinners at The Capital Grille, team outings at Dave & Buster’s and casual meetups at Tap 42 are all within walking distance of the hotel.
What Is Next for Bell Tower
When DLC Management took over management and leasing in July 2025, the company said it planned to add compelling new brands to the center. Ownership has described a goal of making Bell Tower a premier lifestyle center in the mold of Mercato in North Naples, with a strong focus on dining and entertainment. As new tenants sign on and others leave, expect the store and restaurant mix to keep evolving. We will update this guide as major openings and changes are announced.
Parking, Accessibility and Practical Tips
- Parking: Free surface parking surrounds the center. Lots near the theater and restaurants fill first on weekend evenings.
- Walking: The center is compact compared with Coconut Point or Gulf Coast Town Center, so it is easy to park once and walk.
- Accessibility: Accessible parking spaces are located throughout the lots near major entrances.
- Weather: Covered walkways help during summer showers, but bring an umbrella from June through September.
- Rideshare: A good option on rooftop and nightlife evenings.
Bell Tower and the Hurricane Ian Recovery
When Hurricane Ian struck Southwest Florida in September 2022, Sanibel and Captiva were among the hardest-hit areas, and many island businesses lost their storefronts. Bell Tower stepped in as a temporary home for several of them, including a bookstore, a jeweler and a candle maker, giving island shop owners a way to keep serving customers while they rebuilt. It is a good example of how local shopping centers became community hubs during the recovery. If you are new to the area, our hurricane center explains how residents prepare for storm season.
Shopping Tips for Bell Tower
- The Fresh Market: Great for prepared meals, specialty cheeses, fresh flowers and holiday platters. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to shop.
- Nordstrom Rack: New merchandise arrives regularly, so frequent visits pay off. Clearance racks are best early in the day.
- Gift shopping: Between beauty, apparel and specialty shops, Bell Tower is a convenient one-stop for birthday and holiday gifts, followed by dinner.
- Combine errands: Pair a Bell Tower trip with stops along Daniels Parkway or US-41 to save time.
Because Bell Tower is smaller than the region’s big malls, it is easy to get in and out quickly, which is part of its appeal for locals. For bigger shopping trips, many residents also visit Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets in Estero, about 15 to 20 minutes south.
What Is Nearby
- JetBlue Park: Spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, east on Daniels Parkway.
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: A 1.2-mile boardwalk through a cypress slough, a short drive east.
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Historic winter homes and gardens on McGregor Boulevard.
- Downtown Fort Myers River District: Restaurants, galleries and riverfront parks.
- Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel: Reachable in about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Estero: Coconut Point, Miromar Outlets and Hertz Arena are 15 to 20 minutes south.
Living Near Bell Tower Shops
South Fort Myers has grown steadily for decades, and the Daniels Parkway corridor in particular has filled in with shopping, offices, medical centers and housing. Living near Bell Tower means you can walk or take a short drive to dinner, a movie and groceries, while still being close to the airport for travel and only a short drive from the Gulf beaches. Many residents who work in Fort Myers or travel often choose this area for convenience, while retirees appreciate the mix of golf communities, healthcare and entertainment nearby.
The neighborhoods around Bell Tower, along US-41, Daniels Parkway, Summerlin Road and Six Mile Cypress Parkway, include golf and country club communities, established single-family neighborhoods, condominiums and newer apartment communities. Residents enjoy a central south Fort Myers location with quick access to the airport, I-75, the beaches, downtown Fort Myers and Estero.
- Commute: Easy access to Daniels Parkway and I-75 for trips to RSW and the rest of Lee County.
- Healthcare: Lee Health hospitals in Fort Myers, including HealthPark Medical Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center, are a short drive away.
- Price range: The area offers a wide range, from condos to golf course homes.
- Taxes: Some homes with a Fort Myers address are inside the City of Fort Myers and pay city millage, while many are in unincorporated Lee County. Check the property appraiser record for any home you are considering.
Prefer to be a bit farther south? Estero, about 15 minutes away, offers gated communities with resort-style amenities and one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the region. Compare areas in our Naples vs. Bonita Springs vs. Estero vs. Fort Myers guide, or browse Estero homes for sale.
Tips for Visiting Bell Tower Shops
- Make dinner reservations during peak season, especially at The Capital Grille and on weekends.
- Arrive early for opening weekend movies and holiday events.
- Allow extra time for traffic at US-41 and Daniels Parkway during rush hour and season.
- Check the center’s events calendar in November and December for holiday programming.
- Confirm hours with individual restaurants and stores, which vary.
Bell Tower Shops FAQ
Where is Bell Tower Shops?
Bell Tower Shops is at 13499 S. Cleveland Ave. in Fort Myers, near the intersection of US-41 and Daniels Parkway.
What stores are at Bell Tower Shops?
Anchors include The Fresh Market, Nordstrom Rack, Regal Cinemas and Dave & Buster’s, along with retailers such as Ulta Beauty and local shops. Check the center’s directory for the current list.
What restaurants are at Bell Tower Shops?
Restaurants include The Capital Grille, Tap 42 Craft Kitchen & Bar with a rooftop bar, and McGregor’s Public House, plus other dining options that change over time.
Does Bell Tower Shops have a movie theater?
Yes. Regal operates a 20-screen theater at Bell Tower Shops.
Is there a hotel at Bell Tower Shops?
Yes. The DoubleTree by Hilton Fort Myers at Bell Tower Shops has 225 rooms and meeting space.
When did Nordstrom Rack open at Bell Tower?
Nordstrom Rack opened at Bell Tower Shops on October 7, 2024.
Who manages Bell Tower Shops?
DLC Management took over management and leasing in July 2025.
How far is Bell Tower Shops from Estero?
About 15 to 20 minutes north of Estero via US-41 or I-75 and Daniels Parkway.
About the Author: Sal DiBenedetto
Sal is a licensed real estate broker with The DiBe Group, brokered by eXp Realty, serving Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral and Southwest Florida. He helps buyers and sellers across south Fort Myers, Estero and Southwest Florida understand neighborhoods, commutes and the true cost of homeownership. More about Sal · Contact
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Tenants, hours and events change. Confirm details with Bell Tower Shops or individual businesses before visiting.