Shore Thing
It’s amazing how our warm sunshine, soft sands and calm Gulf waters lift your spirits and awaken your senses.
Sanibel Island
In Fort Myers, we have a longstanding love affair with our beaches – natural, peaceful and ungroomed – a sanctuary for all species, decorated only by seashells. Because, like the sea turtles and sandpipers that frequent our beautiful stretches of sand, we know that people come here to escape noise, lights and the busyness of modern life.
On our beaches, gentle waves provide the soundtrack for reconnection with nature, loved ones and ourselves. Here, the sky’s pageant of pelicans and ospreys is set against cotton-candy clouds and brilliant sunsets, providing entertainment and fueling our daydreams.
Explore Our Interactive Map
Click or tap on the plus signs to learn more about each of our beautiful beaches.
Treasures from the Sea
Sanibel Island’s beaches are so famous for shell-seeking that there’s even a shelling-themed board game named “Sanibel.” (Not to mention a shelling posture known as “the Sanibel Stoop.”) At its southern end, the island’s perpendicular positioning means that it naturally collects gastropods and bivalves rolling in from the Gulf.
In other words, you are pretty much guaranteed to find shells anywhere along Sanibel’s 15 miles of beachfront. Captiva Island, Bonita Beach and Cayo Costa State Park are also wonderful spots to find treasures.
That “Away from it All” Feeling
Some of our beaches take some finding, and that’s what makes them so special. Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island is one. Here, you can walk for miles north or south to seek some beachy solitude.
Looking for something even more secluded? By boat, you can escape to islands like North Captiva and Cayo Costa, accessible only by water. With about 15 miles of secluded sand combined, these two castaway islands feel a million miles away from everyday life. Get there by water taxi, rental boat or private charter.
Sanibel Island
Chasing the sun
just feels right.
Beautiful Gulf Waters
Ease into warm, calm Gulf waters and enjoy swimming any time of year. Our gentle, shallow shorelines invite you to wade, float and linger a little longer – with an average water temperature of 78 degrees annually.
Captiva Island, @mylittlelifesjourneys
So Much Wildlife
On some of our beaches, you may find that seagulls, terns, herons, sanderlings and sandpipers outnumber human visitors. As you stroll, look closely to spy ghost crabs digging coin-shaped holes, or tiny coquina shells wiggling their way back into the sand following a wave. See pelicans and ospreys dive for their lunch. Watch the water’s surface for dolphin fins and – if you’re lucky – the whiskered snout of a manatee coming up for a breath. Lovers Key State Park is known for some of the best wildlife-watching around.
Great blue heron
Ghost crab
Bottlenose dolphin, @lorna_littrell_photography
Gopher tortoise
Beaches That Welcome Your Pup
At most beaches along our coastline, dogs are permitted – as long as they are kept on a leash and you clean up after them. Bonita Beach public beach access areas are ideal for long walks with your furry friends.
Dog Beach allows well-behaved dogs to run free off-leash, splash in sheltered waters and frolic with other pups. The tidal flat beach area is easiest to access at low tide. Dog Beach even offers special doggy showers for a quick clean up after the fun.
@finney_the_goldendoodle
"10/10 would chase waves again!"
@mosstheboss
"Digging this place. Literally."
@thepupdiary
“Our favorite beach on the planet, paws-down.”
@blondambitionfl
Family-Friendly Sands
Families love our beaches because of their variety and safety. Whether your family prefers a beach day full of activity or some quiet time, our beaches offer gentle waves, sand that’s ideal for castle-making, and easy-to-navigate sand bottoms where the kids can wade without worry. Lynn Hall Memorial Beach on Fort Myers Beach even comes with a playground, plus ice cream, pizza and other treats. Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island, on the other hand, is quiet and nature-oriented.
Beautiful Sunrises and Sunsets
While we’re famous for our colorful sunsets, in the Fort Myers area, it’s possible to see both sunrise and sunset over the water on the same day. Captiva Island is considered one of the most romantic beaches in the country because of its sunsets. Early birds, however, discover the equally awesome show that first light puts on at our beaches. Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island and the Sanibel Causeway Islands Park are prime spots to sit on the beach for sun salutations.
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