Home  >  Florida  >  Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach, Florida Parks and Beaches

Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks and Lee County encompass more than 100 barrier islands hugging more than 50 miles of sandy, white beaches that shelter some of the best shelling in the world. You will find more than 400 species of seashells.

Peak season for shelling is May through September, and some of the best spots are in less populated North Captiva and Cayo Costa Islands, as well as Sanibel Island.   Optimum times include early morning, low tide and after a storm.   Visit Sanibel's Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to learn more about shells.  Or visit the Shell Factory, billed as the "world's largest collection of rare shells, corals sponges and fossils from the seven seas" with more than 5,000,000 shells and shell related gifts.

Be sure to check out Fort Myers Beach, Florida vacation rentals by owner houses, villas and condos for luxurious, yet affordable accomodations - many times less than the cost of a cramped, stuffy, less-than-clean hotel room.

Fort Myers Beach, Florida Parks and Beaches:

AUDUBON CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY
375 Sanctuary Road W.
Naples, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.348.9151
www.audubon.org/local/sanctuary/corkscrew

Owned and operated by National Audubon Society since 1954, this 11,000-acre ancient forest has a 2 1/4 mile boardwalk that meanders through mammoth cypress trees, alligator holes, and lakes where colorful wading birds feast. The state-of-the-art Blair Audubon Center features interactive exhibits.  Allow 2.5 hours for this Greater Fort Myers, Florida park.  COST:  $10 adults, $4 children ages 6-18.  OPEN:  7AM - 7:30PM.

BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
Lely Beach Road
Bonita Springs, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.498.4364
   
This is a quiet place, with picnic tables, nature trail, learning center, butterfly garden, and refreshment stand. Parking $4.

BLIND PASS BEACH
Captiva Island, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks  

A nice shelling beach.

BOCA GRANDE LIGHTHOUSE PARK
880 Belcher Road
Boca Grande, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
941.964.0375

Boca Grande Lighthouse was built in 1890 and is a maritime landmark. Excellent fishing (especially tarpon in Boca Grande Pass), windsurfing and sailing.  No swimming due to strong currents.
 
BONITA BEACH PARK
27954 Hickory Boulevard
Bonita Springs, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.949.4615
www.leeparks.org

Between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, this 2.5-acre beachfront park features a boardwalk and swimming area. Sand dunes and coastal vegetation surround a gazebo and eight picnic shelters. Parking $0.75 an hour. Open sunrise to sunset.

BOWDITCH POINT REGIONAL PARK
50 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.463.1116
www.leegov.com

Take a trolley to the northern tip of Fort Myers Beach to this 17.5 acre park facility where amenities include a "village deck" for group gatherings, a bathhouse and a boardwalk leading to a picnic area and beach. Parking $0.75 an hour. Hours: 8AM to sunset.
 
BOWMAN'S BEACH
1700 Bowman's Beach Road
Sanibel, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.472.6397

Popular Bowman's Beach is pristine and quiet, allowing you a private spot for swimming, shelling, windsurfing or sailing. This beach has picnic areas with barbecue grills, trails, showers and restrooms. Parking is $2 an hour.

BUNCHE BEACH
18201 John Morris Road
Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.432.2006

This 731-acre facility is a natural tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. This pristine, completely natural area is an example of a living ecosystem that ranges from a sandy beach to mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of wildlife. For passive recreational day use with no amenities. Parking is limited, but is free. OPEN: sunrise - sunset.
 
CAYO COSTA STATE PARK
Island south of Boca Grande
Boca Grande, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
941.964.0375
www.floridastateparks.org

Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida. It contains unique vegetation that has gone unspoiled for the past 500 years (excluding hurricane damage.) Ideal for camping, swimming, shelling and fishing.   Note:  Captiva Cruises (239.472.5300) offers morning shelling cruises to Cayo Costa Island.

DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE RECREATION AREA
11100 Gulf Shore Drive N at Rte. 846
Naples, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.597.6196
 
This 189-acre recreation area offers guarded beaches, barbecue grills, picnic tables, a boat ramp, an observation tower, rest rooms with wheelchair access, bathhouses, showers, and lots of parking. Fishing is best in Wiggins Pass, at the north end of the park. Rangers conduct sea-turtle walks in summer and kayak tours year-round. COST: $5 per vehicle. OPEN: Daily 8-sunset.
 
FORT MYERS BEACH 
Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida parks

Fort Myers Beach has miles of gleaming white sands overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Famous for swimming and recreation, the gently sloping beaches make it ideal for families and beach lovers. Restaurants, cafes, shopping and activities abound in pastel-colored pedestrian shopping area. 
There are more than 30 beach access points along Estero Boulevard.
 
GASPARILLA ISLAND STATE PARK
880 Belcher Road
Boca Grande, Florida
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
941.964.0375
www.floridastateparks.org

This beautiful state park is located on Gasparilla Island, a barrier island on the southwest coast. Access via Boca Grande Causeway and C.R. 775 and Placida. Park activities include: fishing, picnicking, scuba diving and swimming. Located in the park are the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and gift shop and the Amory Chapel that is available to rent for weddings, receptions and meetings. Restrooms are available. Parking is $2 per vehicle. Hours: 8AM to sunset.

GULFSIDE CITY PARK
Sanibel Island, Florida  
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.472.6477

This is a wonderful spot for picnics under shade trees, and boardwalks offer comfortable access to the beach. Restrooms.  Parking $2 an hour.

LAKES PARK
7330 Gladiolus Drive
Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.432.2006
www.leeparks.org

This 279-acre park features a 158-acre freshwater lake, a seasonal swimming beach, showers, water playground, 2.5 miles of paved biking and walking paths, playground, food concession, bike/boat rentals, miniature train ride and picnic pavillion. Parking $0.75 an hour.  Hours: 8AM - sunset.
 
LIGHTHOUSE PARK BEACH
One Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Island, Florida  
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.472.6397

In 1884, the lighthouse was built, and this quaint area became the center of island activity. This is a true family beach, with good shelling, a clear view of the Gulf and plenty of large shade trees. Enjoy beachcombing, windsurfing, swimming, pier fishing and picknicking.  Parking $2 an hour.
 
LITTLE HICKORY ISLAND BEACH PARK
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida parks

A white-sand beach combined with a feeling of seclusion is the main attraction at this beachfront park. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime for visitors. The beach is wide and clean and offers restrooms, picnic tables and showers. A ramp runs from the parking lot to the sand allowing accessibility for wheelchairs. Parking $0.75 an hour. Hours: sunrise to sunset.
 
LOVERS KEY STATE PARK
8700 Estero Boulevard
Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.463.4588
www.floridastateparks.org

Lovers Key offers beautiful remote beaches, canoeing and kayaking, tidal lagoons fringed with mangroves, diverse aquatic animals, bathhouses, picnic shelters, and hiking. Park entrance fee required. Hours: 8AM - sunset.

SANIBEL CAUSEWAY BEACHES
Located on both sides of the Sanibel Causeway
Sanibel Island, Florida 
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks

Watch dolphins and sunsets, swim, fish, windsurf and picnic. Restrooms available.  Free parking; $6 causeway toll.
 
TARPON BAY BEACH
Tarpon Bay Road
Sanibel Island, Florida  
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.472.6397
 
This beach features high sands, good shelling and new restrooms. It's a great place for swimming or windsurfing. Parking $2 an hour.

TURNER BEACH
Sanibel Island, Florida  
Greater Fort Myers, Florida parks
239.472.6397

This beautiful beach offers prime shelling and an excellent vantage point for Gulf Coast sunsets. Also offers fishing, restaurants, restrooms. Parking $2 an hour.