Southwest Florida is known for warm sunshine, gentle Gulf breezes and miles of beaches stretching from Sanibel Island to Naples. Whether you want a lively beach with nearby restaurants or a quieter shoreline surrounded by nature, the region offers plenty of choices.
Fort Myers Beach, Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Lovers Key State Park and Bowman’s Beach each provide a different way to enjoy the coast. Visitors can spend their time swimming, shelling, fishing, paddling, watching wildlife or simply relaxing beside the water. Explore these local favorites and discover even more Fort Myers Beach activities and attractions during your Southwest Florida visit.
FORT MYERS BEACH
Settled by the Caloosa Indians over 2000 years ago. The island has seen many changes over the years. The discovery of Florida’s “Pink Gold”, aka shrimp, in the 1940’s and 50’s gave the island the economic boost it needed to change the dynamics of the area in many ways. If you choose Fort Myers Beach as your vacation destination you will want to be sure to try the amazing succulent Florida gulf pink shrimp. Walk the nature trails at Bowditch Point, enjoy the entertainment at many local gulf front restaurants and bars and for the adventurous, try out the abundance of water sport options!
Fort Myers Beach is among the best fishing destinations, sunbather’s choice place to bask in the glorious sunshine, sunrise and sunset photo opportunities, decadent dining and nightlife options…. and peppered with resorts for pampering your every whim! Did we mention shopping?
Photo Credit: Sanibel sun, CC0, via Wikimedia CommonsBAREFOOT BEACH
8,200 feet of beach located in Bonita Springs have sand dunes which support the growth of sea oats, providing nesting sites for sea turtles during the summer months.
Barefoot Beach Preserve, where numerous plant and animal species reside and visitors are able to enjoy the park's natural surroundings. The untouched beauty of Barefoot Beach makes you feel miles away from highways and high-rises. It’s one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast.
Photo Credit: Euku, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsVANDERBILT BEACH
Vanderbilt Beach located in lovely Naples, Florida is known for its subtropical vegetation, wildlife, morning bird watching, and shelling. The beach offers a concession and plenty of upscale resorts, shopping and dining nearby. The beach itself also has sand the perfect consistency for building sandcastles!
LOVERS KEY STATE PARK
Lovers Key State Park on the southern end of Fort Myers Beach has it all, including a feeling of being natural and untouched!
o Pristine Beaches
o Bicycling
o Boat Ramp
o Fishing
o Canoeing & Kayaking,
o Nature Trails
BOWMANS BEACH, SANIBEL
When you cross the Sanibel Causeway, gulls, pelicans and terns just might herald your arrival - flying alongside your car, and you could possibly be greeted by the sight of playful dolphins!
Mother nature has created a masterpiece of perfect soft sand, glorious gulf breezes and spectacular natural beauty. The famous Sanibel Lighthouse beckons you to the shell encrusted beaches which have given Sanibel the reputation as the shelling capital of the world with quite possibly the best year round weather and most breathtaking sunsets…. and for the VERY lucky perhaps the chance to witness a “Green Flash”.
Photo Credit: Peter Wallack, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia CommonsFrequently Asked Questions About Southwest Florida Beaches
Which Southwest Florida beach is best for families?
Fort Myers Beach is a popular family choice because of its broad shoreline, nearby dining and variety of water activities. Lovers Key State Park also provides beaches, nature trails, paddling and other outdoor recreation.
Where is the best shelling near Fort Myers Beach?
Sanibel Island is internationally known for shelling. Bowman’s Beach is a popular place to search for shells while enjoying a quieter, more natural setting.
Which beach is best for nature and wildlife?
Lovers Key State Park and Barefoot Beach Preserve combine beach access with protected natural areas. Visitors interested in birds and other native wildlife can also explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Are there beaches near restaurants and shopping?
Fort Myers Beach and Vanderbilt Beach both provide convenient access to restaurants, shopping and visitor accommodations. More secluded beaches may have fewer services nearby.
What should visitors bring to the beach?
Bring sunscreen, drinking water, sunglasses, a hat and anything needed for swimming or shelling. Parking fees, beach rules and available facilities vary, so check current local information before visiting.
More Island Adventures Await
Southwest Florida’s beaches make it easy to spend a day your way—searching for seashells, exploring nature, enjoying watersports or simply relaxing in the sunshine. Continue your coastal adventure by discovering Sanibel and Captiva Islands and more destinations throughout the region.
When you are ready for another unforgettable island experience, travel aboard the Key West Express from Fort Myers Beach to Key West. Sit back, enjoy the voyage across the Gulf and arrive ready to explore everything the Southernmost City has to offer.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Timothyvail, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
