10 Best Beaches in Fort Myers

Lovers Key State Park lies on the barrier islands south of Fort Myers. You’ll love the stunning mix of mangrove forests, pristine sands, and turquoise waters in this vast park. Hike the Black Island Trail admiring the exotic flora and fauna, before heading to Lovers Key Beach.

You’ll be awestruck at the spectacular sands stretching out before you for over 2 miles. This is a calm beach and great for wildlife spotting. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see bald eagles, manatees, and dolphins. The walk from the tram to the beach is about 800 ft, so if you don’t want to carry too much, you can rent beach chairs and parasols, and buy cold drinks at the beach shop.

Bowditch Point Park is a lovely choice if you’re looking for a quiet beach, calm water, and a serene day of relaxation. Located right on the northern tip of Estero Island, the park sprawls over 17 acres and includes a vast conservation area, a network of developed hiking trails, and a beautiful beach.

If you’re an avid bird watcher, you’ll enjoy strolling along the leafy trails and relaxing on the white sands whilst taking in breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire bay area. You can often spot ospreys, brown pelicans, and migrating songbirds. Bowditch is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail so plan on arriving early before it gets too busy.

Fort Myers Beach is 7 miles of glistening, white sand overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great place on Estero Island for families as it’s located close to popular hotels and a myriad of snack bars and restaurants. You’ll love the lively and friendly atmosphere and the fun activity choices for adults and kids alike, including swimming, jet skiing, kayaking, and shelling.

It’s also a popular beach at twilight when both locals and tourists head here for the majestic sunsets and the nearby bars. You’ll hear cameras clicking and people cheering as the sun goes down over the horizon and its orange glow touches the sparkling water.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park Beach is centrally located, close to the city centre core of Fort Myers Beach. If you want to spend a few hours on the beach before hitting the nearby shops and restaurants, this is a popular choice. The beach is cosy and busy, and it’s a great spot for people watching or enjoying a game of beach volleyball.

The park next to the beach is immaculate and its huge playground is fantastic if you’re looking to wear the kids out before relaxing on the soft sands. Nearby, you can also stroll along a beautiful, wooden pier where locals come to fish and tourists come to admire the stunning views over the gulf.

Crescent Beach Family Park has over 2 acres of beachfront play areas and sand volleyball courts to keep children of all ages active and happy. Located at the foot of the scenic Matanzas Pass Bridge, it also has a lovely expanse of soft, white sand stretching over 400 ft. With its large, open spaces and beautifully landscaped picnic areas, it’s ideal for a day out on a budget.

This is also a wonderful spot for sporty families, as you’ll find several places around the park to rent beach equipment, including kayaks, paddle boards, and jet skis. And for the more adventurous, you can also test your courage on a banana boat or try parasailing.

Little Hickory Island Park lies on one of the furthest barrier islands from Fort Myers, making it a tranquil and secluded option for a quiet getaway. Also known as Beach Access #10, this small park has several covered picnic tables, and you’ll discover a short path directly down to the beautiful beach from the entrance.

If you’re looking for a calm beach with clear waters where you can lie back and unwind whilst watching dolphins glide through the water, this is a lovely option. Be sure to bring shoes or sandals.

Newton Park is instantly recognisable by its picnic tables dotted under a huge tiki hut. It’s a quaint, dog-friendly park located in the middle of Estero Island where you can picnic whilst enjoying magnificent views over the beach and the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll love the calm of the area. Even the activities here are relaxing, with daily beach yoga classes running throughout the year.

This is a popular beach with couples looking for peaceful sunbathing and swimming, ending the day with a touch of romance by watching the sun go down over the still water. You’ll be blown away by the sunsets here, so don’t forget to bring your camera.

Matanzas Pass Preserve will delight you with its abundant nature and spectacular flora and fauna. This amazing sanctuary sprawls over 60 acres and you can stroll or hike the short trail through mangroves, ferns, and coconut palms before resting under the pavilion and taking in breathtaking views over the bay.

It’s a great place to visit if you love wildlife, photography, and bird spotting. If you look closely, you’ll see delicate butterflies, Cuban tree frogs, colourful hummingbirds, herons, river otters, and grey squirrels living in the sanctuary amongst various reptiles, such as alligators and snakes. Parking is limited at the nature reserve, so plan on arriving early if you can.

Bonita Beach stretches for miles down the west coast of Little Hickory Island. With its sparkling white sand and gentle waves, as well as multiple access points and car parks, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with both locals and visitors alike.

If you’re looking for a quieter section of the beach where you can soak up the sun, head to the area between access points #7 and #9. For livelier action, try the south end of the beach where you can hire jet skis and go parasailing. The beach is close to residential areas, so you’ll see it get busier later in the day when locals stroll along the sand enjoying a dazzling sunset.

Bunche Beach lies on the edge of a reserve that sprawls over 700 acres. If you love nature and bird watching and enjoy relaxing under the sun whilst watching fishermen cast their lines, this small beach is a fantastic choice. The views over San Carlos Bay are breathtaking and you’ll appreciate the tranquility as you laze on the soft sands, soothed by the calming sounds of the gentle waves.

If you’re looking to head out on the water, this beach is in a great location. Nearby, you’ll find fishing charter companies, boat tour operators, and kayak excursions. Plan on bringing a picnic with you to this beach as there are no restaurants or shops in proximity.