Best Bets for Beaches

Get local insight on great spots for shelling, swimming, sunsets and more, and see which sandy stretches are perfect for couples, kids and dogs.

By Chelle Koster Walton

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Captiva Island

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach Pier

Cayo Costa shoreline

Historic Boca Grande Lighthouse

Driftwood near the Sanibel Island Lighthouse

Does a day at the beach mean flat-out sun-worshipping to you? Or do you prefer yours with a side of sunset, shells galore or a little recreation? It’s hard to narrow down the choices with so many beaches, so we’ve listed some favorites organized by what they’re best known for.

ROMANCE: Lovers Key State Park

With a name like Lovers Key, how can you go wrong? According to local legend, the name stems from its seclusion back in the 1900s, when it was accessible only by boat and determined romantics. Today it’s easier to reach, and its beachside wedding gazebo furthers its reputation for amore. You can still get away from the world if you visit the northernmost stretch between Fort Myers Beach’s Big Carlos Pass and the park’s main entrance.

NATURE: Lighthouse Park Beach

An important stop along the Great Florida Birding Trail, Lighthouse Park Beach at Sanibel Island’s southernmost tip provides a resting place for birds on the fly. It’s known for its migrating warblers and flycatchers.

SHELLING: Bowman’s Beach

It’s shells, shells everywhere on Sanibel Island, and one of the best spots to collect is Bowman’s Beach. Its remoteness and sheer length means there’s plenty for everyone. You’ll also find restrooms, a fitness trail, a playground and a picnic area.

SWIMMING: Fort Myers Beach

The area’s gently sloping shores and playful waves make for many safe and family-friendly swimming spots. Down the seven-mile length of Fort Myers Beach, there are more than 35 public accesses – away from the currents in the passes and conducive to working out or simply soaking away tension. Or, make a splash at the Fort Myers Beach Community Pool, which features a kiddie play area with water works features.

BUILDING SANDCASTLES: South Fort Myers Beach

Professionals deem the sand on South Fort Myers Beach (site of November’s annual American Sandsculpting Championship Festival) as sand-tastic and world-class when it comes to the perfect texture for building fanciful beach creations.

KIDS: Lynn Hall Memorial Park

A beach AND a playground? Does it get any better? Lynn Hall Memorial Park on Fort Myers Beach knows what families want in a beach outing. Did we mention the ice cream shops around the corner?

SUNSETS: Alison Hagerup Beach Park

Named most romantic beach by Travelocity, Alison Hagerup Beach Park on Captiva Island has it going on for couples, especially as the sun bids farewell to the day. Secluded enough for sunset cuddles, it’s within walking distance to island nightlife.

SECLUSION: Cayo Costa State Park

Craving more seclusion? Cayo Costa State Park is the definition of getting away from it all. First of all it requires a boat – you can rent or charter one or hop on a tour that visits the natural island. Secondly, its nine-mile length means lots of room for channeling your inner Robinson Crusoe.

HISTORY: Gasparilla Island State Park

Sized just right for a quick reversion into the past and a respite from the sun, the Lighthouse Museum at Gasparilla Island State Park in Boca Grande tells the island’s story within the photogenic, circa-1890, old-Florida-style structure.

FISHING: Turner Beach

Blind Pass separates Sanibel Island from Captiva Island, and the current through the pass brings along fish. Visitors to Captiva’s Turner Beach can cast from the bridge or beach to hook ‘em on their way through.

WINDSPORTS: Sanibel Causeway Beaches

Like butterflies caught in a breeze, windsurfers and kitesurfers swarm to Sanibel Causeway beaches, where the wind is most brisk and a local outfitter delivers equipment and lessons.

DOG-FRIENDLY: Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park

Leave only pawprints (and footprints) at Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park. Be kind to your canine and take him for a leash-free run and swim at this beach just south of Lovers Key State Park.

SECLUSION: Cayo Costa State Park
HISTORY: Gasparilla Island State Park
FISHING: Turner Beach
WINDSPORTS: Sanibel Causeway Beaches
DOG-FRIENDLY: Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park

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POINTS OF INTEREST (mentioned in this article)

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1. Bonita Beach Park

2. Bowman's Beach

3. Captiva Beach

4. Cayo Costa State Park

5. Fort Myers Beach Public Access

6. Gasparilla Island State Park

7. Lighthouse Park Beach

8. Lovers Key State Park

9. Lynn Hall Memorial Park

10. Sanibel Causeway Beaches

11. Turner Beach

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Comments

Submitted by Anonymous on December 13, 2010.

We're coming to Ft Myers to visit grandpa... .but want the kids to have fun with dad while I help grandpa. What are somethings to do in the area... other than beaches. Kids are aged 4-teens.
Thanks in advance.

Submitted by Anonymous on November 24, 2010.

We are looking for a beautiful place to escape for a few days. We may relocate in the next couple of years. We would like information on a cheap but nice place to visit for a few days. We want to relax but also explore our possible new home. Thank You!