Fort Myers - Beaches & Islands

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Beaches & Islands

Fort Myers

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North America United States Fort Myers Beaches & Islands

Overview

Beaches & Islands The guide was updated: 2025-07-07

The Fort Myers area attracts American "snowbirds" for a reason — you'll find a myriad of beaches surrounded by spectacular nature, especially on the islands. As the shores can be very diverse and offer different attractions, it's a good idea to plan trips to different beaches throughout your stay. Also, don't forget to bring a camera to document the best sunsets.

Take into account that Lee County is still recovering from Hurricane Ian which struck Florida's coast in September 2022. Many beaches and beach parks have not been restored to pre-hurricane Ian conditions yet. You will encounter reduced facilities, limited access and occasional washed-up debris. Beach shoes are highly recommended.

Another piece of advice: parking spots might be limited, so arrive there on time to find a place. Also, expect parking to be a bit expensive in the most popular areas.

San Carlos Bay — Bunche Beach Preserve

San Carlos Bay — Bunche Beach Preserve

A good introduction to Fort Myers' beach panorama, and an easy-to-reach spot if you're based on the mainland, Bunche Beach is part of a green natural preserve south of the Fort Myers town center. The natural scenery is wonderful, and the beach offers different amenities like kayaking and canoeing equipment.

Fort Myers Beach & Lovers Key

Fort Myers Beach & Lovers Key

The town of Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island has a relaxed summer party vibe, with its colorful Times Square and a more residential southern area. One of its best beaches is Lovers Key State Park: a bit away from the town center, it offers two miles of white sand lined by vegetation. It's great for swimming, and its shallow water is safe for children.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

Right in the center of Fort Myers Beach, Lynn Hall Memorial Park offers facilities for all tastes, from water sports, kayaking and sailing to fishing. Visitors with a more contemplative approach can just indulge in people-watching and sunbathe on the clean white sand.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island

Three miles away from the mainland, the island of Sanibel is known worldwide by conchologists for being covered in an extraordinary amount of seashells washed up by the tides: that's because of its peculiar position, stretching east to west in the middle of sea streams. While the island's beaches are some of the best in the area, the urban scene is also charmingly underdeveloped and looks frozen in time at the start of the 20th century. Inland lie the Six Cypress Slough Reserve and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Lighthouse Beach

Lighthouse Beach

With its gaunt, rusty presence, Sanibel's lighthouse adds to the offbeat atmosphere of this beach, tucked away in a natural park on the eastern part of the island. With its clean and shallow water, and seashells everywhere, the beach is a good spot for children. Since there are no bars or restaurants nearby, make sure you bring your own lunch and snacks.

Blind Pass Beach

Blind Pass Beach

Especially romantic at sunset, the less-crowded Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel island is completely enveloped in nature, with no buildings in sight. It is not the best place for swimming — sea currents can be quite strong — but it's great for fishing and admiring seashells, especially at low tide.

Captiva Island & Turner Beach

Captiva Island & Turner Beach

Pirate José Gaspar's coven and, in more recent times, the winter home of artists Roy Lichtenstein and Robert Rauschenberg, this narrow island north of Sanibel is also covered in shells, and its beaches give the same impression of detachment from modern life. You might start your exploration with Turner Beach — wide, lesser-known and undeveloped. Sea currents are often strong here, so swimming is not recommended.

Cayo Costa Island State Park

Cayo Costa Island State Park

One of the main attractions of Cayo Costa Island is the possibility to mix regular beach life with a variety of activities. The shore is lined by a forest of pine and mangrove trees, ideal for hiking and cycling, and the area teems with fauna. There are dolphins, manatees and a wide range of birds. Snorkeling and surfing are also very popular here. The island is only accessible by private boat or ferry, but it's worth the trip.

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