You have many different beaches to choose from along the Gulf Coast.
Gulf Coast Beaches
May 18, 2009
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Sanibel Causeway Beaches
SanibelBeaches are located along both sides of the causeway to Sanibel, just before the Causeway tollgate. From the early morning hours to the late evening hours, pierfishers, wind surfers, boaters and swimmers share the beaches. Be on the lookout for dolphins. Parking is free.
Lighthouse Beach
at the east end - Sanibel IslandLighthouse beach is located on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. In addition to the scenic views of Sanibel Beach atop the historic lighthouse, the park includes a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk leading to a nature trail and a fishing pier. The boardwalk also leads to an information desk. Restrooms and parking. $2 per hour parking. $6 causeway toll.
Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach
SanibelFrom its picnic area to its fragile sand footpaths, Algiers Beach is nestled in the heart of Gulfside City Park. It got its name from an old Steamboad named Algiers that was pulled ashore and turned into a house. Plentiful parking and restrooms. Parking fee $2 an hour. Sanibel Cuseway toll: $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Tarpon Bay Road Beach
SanibelYou may need to park away from direct access to the beach. This parking lot provides ample space for larger vehicles as well as RVs. Restrooms.
Turner Beach
CaptivaTurner Beach offers great fishing and spectacular sunset views. Bathrooms provided, parking limited. Parking is $2 per hour. Sanibel Causeway toll is $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Bowman's Beach
Bowman's Beach Road off Sanibel-Captiva Road - SanibelConsidered to the the island's most popular beach, Bowman's Beach has picnic tables, outdoor showers, restrooms and bicycle racks. Parking fee is $2 per hour via automated system. Sanibel Causeway toll is $6 without a SunPass transponder.
Bunche Beach
1801 John Morris Road - Fort MyersNestled between two of the more popular tourist beaches, Bunche Beach is a local's favorite. No restrooms. Free parking.
Fort Myers Beach Public Beach Access
Fort Myers BeachBeach Access # 11- 41
Bowditch Point Regional Park
50 Estero Blvd. - Fort Myers Beach239-463-1116
Situated in 17 acres of Florida's unique vegetation, Bowditch Point Park provides beautiful views of nearby barrier islands. The park also has amenities such as restrooms, showers, changing rooms, picnic tables, grills, footpaths, benches, bicycle paths, a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk and a pavillion. Parking is 75 cents per hour. Visitors can also park free at Main Street Park and Ride (just north of the bridge) and take the 25 cent trolley that runs every 15 minutes.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park
950 Estero Blvd. - Fort Myers Beach239-463-1116
Lynn Hall Memorial Park offers pier fishing, a playground, an information kiosk, picnic tables, benches, change and soda/vending machines, water fountains, showers and restrooms. Parking fee: 75 cents an hour
Lovers Key State Park
8700 Estero Blvd. - Fort Myers Beach239-463-4588
Park admission: $5 per car with 2-8 people; $3 one individual per car; $1 each for walk-ins or bicyclists. Lovers Key is your best source for sightseeing. Birds, manatees and Florida's native vegetation are just a few of the sights to be seen along the park's waterways. Canoing is a favorite mode of transportation to take in miles of mangroves that line the waterway. Kayak, canoe, bicycle rentals available, as well as guided kayak tours, sunset cruises, backwater fishing trips available throughout the week. Reservations required (314-0110).
Bonita Public Beach Access
Bonita SpringsAccess # 1 - 10
Little Hickory Island Beach
Bonita SpringsPowdery white sand lines the perimeter of this secluded beach. Surf fishing and shelling are main attractions. Wheelchair access from the parking lot to the sand, picnic tables, showers and restrooms. Parking fee: 75 cents per hour.
Bonita Beach Park
27950 Hickory Blvd. - Bonita Springs239-495-5811
Park provides picturesque gulf views. Parking is 75 cents per hour and includes disabled parking. Yearly parking permits can be obtained from 1-3 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays for $40.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
south end of Barefoot Beach Boulevard off Bonita Beach Road - Bonita Springs239-591-8596
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.
Vanderbilt Beach
NaplesVanderbilt Beach has a 340-space parking garage located near Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and is neighbor to a number of beachside restaurants. Parking is $6 per day without beach parking sticker.
Clam Pass County Park
475 Seagate Drive - NaplesKayaking, canoeing, sailboards and other beach equipment. A 20-minute walk from the nearest parking lot, with a tram running every 6 minutes. Free parking with sticker; $3 per day for others.
South Marco Beach
Marco IslandFishing and sunbathing are very popular here. About 70 public parking spaces available at $3 per day. No concessions, no restrooms.
Tigertail Beach
400 Hernando Drive - Marco Island239-642-8414
Kayak, paddleboat and other rental beach equipment on 32 acres of natural beauty. More than 190 parking spaces and five boardwalks. Concessions, picnic tables, showers, restroom.
