The Beaches of Sanibel, Captiva & Fort Myers Beach
LAST UPDATED: 14 September 2014

Andy Rosse Lane Beach Park

Rarely used because of lack of parking this tiny beach is located on the Bayside of Capitva Island where Andy Rosse Lane meets the water's edge. As part of the Great Calusa Blueway, this small beach is used a paddle craft landing site only. It is not recommended as a location to launch a kayak.

Bonita Beach Access 1- 9

There are 9 beach access areas offerd along Hickory Boulevard. Access 1 offers 3 shelters picnic areas, tables and grills. All are open from dawn to dusk. Lee County Parking Stickers are accepted at these access points.

Bonita Beach Park

Located at the north end of Bonita Beach, the beach park offers many amenities including picnic shelters, tables, grills, restrooms, a playground and sand volleyball court. Parking is available and is paid by the hour. Note: Lee County Parking Stickers are no longer accepted at this park.

Bowditch Point Beach Park

As part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, this beautiful park offers free day dockage for boaters with 10 slips for up to 28 ft in length as well as a paddle boat launch area. The is no fishing from the docks and overnight docking is not allowed. Covering 17 acres, Bowditch Point is considered a dual-use facility with 10 acres set aside in preservation and 7 acres for recreational use. The park circles the entire north tip of the island with calm back bay water and fabulous views of the large yachts and shrimp boat fleet as they navigate the pass. Park visitors can enjoy nature strolls through the reclaimed preserves along boardwalks, beautiful beaches on the Gulf side, fabulous fishing beach and bay side. This was one of the first beach parks Lee County Parks and Recreation made accessible for those with disabilities. Lee County Annyal Parking Stickers are accepted at this location.

Bowman's Beach

Voted as one of the best pet friendly beaches in the country by Vet Street, Bowman's Beach is managed by Sanibel Island but ownership is retained by Lee County. This beach offers seclusion, fabulous nature vistas, incredible world famous shelling and life long memories for all who visit. Be advised that the beach is located a good 5 minute hike from the paid parking area. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, pay phone, bathrooms and bike racks.

Bunche Beach and Nature Preserve

Offering 718 acres of wetlands and preserves, there are salt flats, Mangroves and sandy beach areas to explore. Wildlife viewing in a natural setting attracts wildlife photographers and bird watchers. Bunche Beach Preseve is a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. There are 2 fishing piers, and Outdoor Activity Center, two Kayak launches, over 300 feet of boardwalk and green friendly restrooms. Solar powers parking pay stations charge for parking. Lee County Parks & Recreation Parking Stickers can be used to park free at Bunche Beach. No pets or alcohol are allowed on this beach.

Captiva Beach Access

This Lee County Property is located at 14790 Captiva Drive behind South Seas Plantation. Visitors must pay to park (Alison Hagerup Beach Park) and then may gain access to Captiva's north beach area just south of South Seas Plantation. This is a beach parking lot (fee required) that has assess to beautiful Captiva Beach.

Causeway Islands Beach Park

A very popular week end destination for day trips, both causeway islands A and B offer Gulf and Bayside parking. A $6 toll is required to reach both island, but there is not hourly parking charge. Island A is closest to Fort Myers and Island B is closest to Sanibel Island. Consisting of 10 total acres, these islands offer boat access, wading swimming picnic areas, kayaking, windsurfing, kite boarding and more. Be aware of posted signs for strong currents under the bridges as well as sharp rocks or oysters in the shallow waters. There is NO boat launching permitted on the causeway islands, but anchoring boats off shore is common. Island B offers restrooms, and picnic tables on the gulf side. Grilling is permitted and not alcoholic beverages are allowed. Leashed pets are also permitted.

Crescent Island Beach Park

Located at the base of the Matanzas Bridge on Estero Boulevard, Crescent Island Beach Park offers restrooms, handicap parking, picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and 400 feet of beach.

Dog Beach

Located at 8800 Estero Blvd., this beach is just what it sounds like… a dog beach. Owners and dogs are not supervised at this unique facility. Dogs are allowed to run free and play in this beautiful beach setting complete with a Doggie shower station. There is only a portable toilet and parking is free. Owners are asked to observe the rules and monitor their pet's behavior. This park will only last if the owners and pets maintain appropriate behavior.

Estero Island Beach Access - North

These 6 foot path only beach access areas lead to the Gulf of Mexico beaches located north of the Matanzas Bridge between Lyn Hall and Bowditch Point Regional Parks. Paths are marked with colored pole mounted banners on the entrances along Estero Blvd. and also on the beach side paths. There are no amenities.

Little Hickory Island Beach Park

Estero Beach access 10 is very isolated off Little Hickory Island. Amenities include restrooms, shelters, picnic tables, and beautiful beaches. Lee County Parking Stickers are accepted at this access.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

Located north of the foot of the Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to "Times Square" in the heart of downtown, this beautiful beach park is in the heart of Fort Myers Beach. Visitors enjoy shops, dinging, the fishing pier, grills, picnic areas, freshwater showers, restrooms, changing rooms and over 100 parking spaces.

Main Street Parking

Avoid the hassle of finding a spot to park and paying by the hour. Simply park in one of more than 50 spots in the Main Street Parking lot located at 1050 Main Street (just west of the foot of the Matanzas Bridge off of San Carlos Blvd) grab your gear and hope on the Trolley for a small fee. Ride the Trolley to the beach destination you desire, hassle free.

Matanzas Bridge Fishing Pier

When the historic old swing bridge was replaced by this modern skyway design, fishing was no longer permitted off the new span. In designing the new bridge, two small fishing piers were incorporated. The pier located on the Fort Myers Side is maintained by Lee County, while the pier on the south side on Estero Island is maintained by the City of Fort Myers Beach. Parking for the north side pier is located at 700 Fisherman's Wharf Drive.

Matanzas Pass Preserve

This park includes almost 60 acres of sanctuary lands located south of Matanzas Pass Bridge on Estero Island, and can be accessed at 199 Bay Road behind Beach Elementary School. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, mangroves, and oak hammocks, an education trail with interpretive stations, breathtaking views of Estero Bay, nature viewing and relaxation. There is a kayak landing that is part the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. This Preserve is also a designated Great Florida Birding Trail site. Historically the preserve was part of the Martha Redd estate before it was purchased by Fort Myers Photographer, John Dunning who donated 22 acres the The Nature Conservancy. The property was net donated to Lee County by the Conservancy in 1994. The Friends of Matanzas Pass Preserve continues to protect and preserve this unique park on Fort Myers Beach.

Turner Beach

Located just past the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva this beach offers limited pay by the hour parking. It is a beautiful place to catch a sunset, spend the day, fish along the rocky jettys or just unwind. Depending on the tides, currents can get very strong by the bridge and swimmers should stay clear of this area. The City of Sanibel maintains this beach, while Lee County retains ownership of the property.

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