Barefoot Beach Preserve

Fee: $6 parking fee for non-Collier residents. Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park - numerous animal species reside and visitors are able to enjoy the ambience of the park's natural surroundings. Barefoot Beach Preserve is 342 acres of natural land, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's southwest coast. This beach park is an excellent example of the shifts in habitat that occur within a very narrow strip of land with only slight changes in elevation and moisture. 8,200 feet of beach and sand dunes support the growth of seat oats, providing nesting sites for sea turtles during the summer months. The park also maintains a tropical coastal hammock of sable palm, gumbo-limbo and sea grape trees among many others. The site is also home to the protected gopher tortoise. Barefoot Beach Preserve is popular for its lush surroundings and many species of fish. The inland side of the island provides tidal creeks and mangrove swamps which serve as breeding areas and as a nursery for sport and commercial fish and shellfish. Park Rangers offer a number of programs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park including lectures and interpretive programs. Park Rangers educate the public about the importance of the environment and wildlife in Southwest Florida. Subjects include a guided walk through the preserve.  Park has a 356 space parking lot, one-mile nature trail, showers, picnic area and a concession are where equipment may be rented and food and drink is available for purchase. The preserve also offers handicapped beach wheelchair access.

See more: Bonita Springs recreation facilities