Top 10 Must-Visit Fort Myers Beaches In 2024!

 

Must-Visit Beaches In Fort Myers

 

 

1. Fort Myers Beach

Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is known for its wide, soft white sand beaches and Times Square full of souvenir shops, cafes, ice cream parlor, and the Fort Myers Beach Pier. 

Parking at Fort Myers Beach is available in the surrounding areas including the Lynn Hall Memorial Park near Times Square.

For a more quiet beach experience, Bowditch Point Park at the northern tip of the island has parking and a more serene atmosphere. 

The area also offers several parking lots along Estero Boulevard with beach access points spread throughout, making it easy to find a spot near the beach.

Fort Myers Beach was one of the areas hit the hardest by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.  

The Fort Myers Beach Pier along with many other buildings and parks suffered significant damage.

The beach was also heavily eroded, but work is being done to build the area back up.

For updates on how the area has recovered from Hurricane Ian please visit the Fort Myers Beach website.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

• Address: 950 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

• Parking: $2 per hour

 

 

2. Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is just south of Fort Myers Beach. The shoreline stretches over two miles and features tidal lagoons and mangrove forests.

The amenities are quite impressive and include picnic areas, kayak rentals, and scenic hiking trails. 

Additionally, its secluded location away from the more crowded beaches adds to why it’s considered one of the best Fort Myers beaches. 

• Address: 8700 Estero Blvd. Bonita Springs FL 33931

• Parking: $8 per vehicle

 

 

3. Bunche Beach Preserve

Bunche Beach Preserve, a 718-acre natural tidal wetlands area, located on San Carlos Bay stands out as a hidden gem among Fort Myers beaches.

It offers a rare glimpse into the unspoiled beauty of “Old Florida.” 

The preserve is unique, showcasing diverse ecosystems, ranging from sandy beaches and mangrove forests to salt flats.

The preserve is a Great Florida Birding Trail site with access to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. 

It’s a great place for kayaking, a bird patrol tour, or relaxing while enjoying the natural environment.

Bunche Beach Preserve offers an authentic slice of Southwest Florida’s pristine beauty and one of the best Fort Myers beaches.

• Address: 18201 John Morris Road Fort Myers, FL 33908

• Parking: $2 per hour

4. Sanibel Island Beaches

Sanibel Island beaches are the epitome of coastal living with their white sands, seashells, and breathtaking sunsets.

What sets these beaches apart is their unique geography, which creates an ideal environment for collecting sea shells.

The island’s dedication to preservation provides visitors with many opportunities for birdwatching, dolphin sightings, and encounters with native flora and fauna.

Popular areas to explore are Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park and Blind Pass Beach.

Bowman’s Beach

• Address: 1700 Bowmans Beach Road Sanibel, FL 33957

• Parking: $5 per hour

Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park

• Address: One Periwinkle Way Sanibel Island, FL 33957

• Parking: $5 per hour

Blind Pass Beach

• Address: 491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957

• Parking: $5 per hour

 

 

5. Captiva Island Beaches

Captiva Island, just north of Sanibel Island and a scenic drive from Fort Myers Beach, is a slice of paradise and a jewel in the crown of Southwest Florida’s coast.

Captiva is smaller and more secluded than its neighbor, so it offers visitors a more tranquil escape and scenery right out of a postcard.

Captiva Beach is one of the island’s must-visit beaches, located at the end of Captiva Drive.

Turner Beach is another Captiva highlight and is great for shell collectors and fishing opportunities, particularly at the jetty.

Captiva Island is famous for breathtaking sunsets and activities like kayaking and parasailing.

It’s a laid-back and charming village with art galleries, boutiques, and many dining options.

Captiva Beach

• Address: 4790 Captiva Drive Captiva, FL 3392

• Parking: $15 for 1 hour, $25 for 2, or $40 for all-day

Turner Beach

• Address: 17200 Captiva Drive Captiva, FL 33924

• Parking: $5 per hour

 

 

 

 

6. Dog Beach

Dog Beach is a unique and cherished spot in Bonita Springs.

The park is situated on a tidal flat, making it an intriguing area where the beach’s accessibility changes with the ebb and flow of the tides.

Dog owners love this beach because their dogs can run freely. 

It’s also a fun place to watch wading herons and egrets searching for fish in the shallow waters and ospreys soaring in the sky above.

Dog Beach is equipped with basic amenities, including free parking and a dog rinse-off station donated by a private donor.

However, with no permanent restrooms and only a portable toilet available, you’ll want to plan accordingly. 

• Address: 14436 Bonita Beach CSWY Bonita Springs, FL 34134

• Parking: Free

 

 

7. Cayo Costa State Park

Cayo Costa State Park stands out as a pristine barrier island located northwest of Fort Myers Beach.

The park is accessible by boat and is an island sanctuary that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

It is a must-visit beach destination in Fort Myers because of its unspoiled natural landscapes, including miles of shoreline and mangrove forests.

It’s a great spot for collecting seashells or hiking on the scenic nature trails.

The park also offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with sightings of dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species.

• Address: 4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381) Cayo Costa FL 33922

• Entry Fees: $2 per person by honor box

 

 

8. Bonita Beach Park

Bonita Beach Park is located in Bonita Springs, Florida, a short drive from Fort Myers Beach.

Bird lovers can enjoy watching shorebirds such as snowy plovers (only found in Florida on the Gulf Coast), willets, and sanderlings are commonly spotted. 

The park is equipped with volleyball courts, picnic tables outdoor showers, and restroom facilities.

Due to Hurricane Ian, these amenities may not be available during your visit, but they are working diligently to rebuild.

• Address: 27954 Hickory Blvd. Bonita Springs, FL 34134

• Parking: $2 per hour

 

 

9. Little Hickory Island Park

Little Hickory Island Beach Park is located in Bonita Springs, just south of Fort Myers Beach, and offers a more secluded alternative to the busier beaches in the area.

It’s a great opportunity to observe dolphins, and the beach is also a popular spot for shelling.

Amenities did include picnic tables, restrooms, and shower facilities, but because of damage sustained by Hurricane Ian, they are working to rebuild the facilities. 

• Address: 26082 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

• Parking: $2 per hour

10. Crescent Beach Family Park

Crescent Beach Family Park is located on Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers Beach. Its 2.25-acre park is perfect for families and those looking to relax.

It’s great for Birdwatchers who can expect to see a variety of shorebirds and seabirds, including pelicans, ospreys, terns, and sandpipers.

The park has reopened since being closed due to Hurricane Ian.

Visitors can enjoy swimming and paddleboarding, open grassy areas, and picnic tables.

The park amenities include volleyball courts and outdoor showers. Parking is available directly across the street. 

• Address: 1100 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

• Parking: $2 per hour

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Myers Have Good Beaches?

Yes, Fort Myers Beach is a popular destination known for its soft white sands and clear turquoise waters.

Notable beaches in the Fort Myers area include Lover’s Key State Park, Bowditch Point Park, Bunche Beach Preserve, Sanibel Island beaches, and Captiva Island beaches.

These are renowned as some of the best beaches in Florida and in the world. 

Can The Public Go To Fort Myers Beach?

Yes, Fort Myers Beach is open to the public. It features amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and beachfront restaurants and bars.

Access to the beach is typically unrestricted, although certain areas may have specific regulations or restrictions, like during special events or nesting seasons for protected wildlife such as sea turtles.

 

Is Fort Myers Beach Still Destroyed?

Fort Myers Beach has shown significant progress since sustaining devastating damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022, but full recovery is still years away.

Currently, 34 out of 82 restaurants have reopened, and 30% of the pre-Ian room numbers are available again.

The resident population has reduced from 6,500 (40,000 during the season) to approximately 2,000 living full-time on the island.

 

Can You Still Vacation In Fort Myers Beach?

Yes, you can still vacation in Fort Myers Beach. Despite the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian, the area has made significant progress.

Many beaches are open and operational.

For the most up to date information on the recovery progress please visit the Fort Myers Beach website. 

Final Thoughts: Fort Myers Beaches

Whether you set your sights on the lively shores of Fort Myers Beach, the serene expanse of Bowditch Point Park, or any of the other magnificent 10 must-visit Fort Myers beaches in this post, it’s evident that Fort Myers offers many options for every type of beachgoers.

So, regardless of whether you’re looking for a peaceful afternoon soaking up the sun, an exciting water sports adventure, or exploring the various wildlife, the beaches of Fort Myers are the perfect getaway in Florida.