Beaches

In this chapter we have compiled a selection of our 12 favored beaches,
which are easy to reach.

General information about the beaches in the vicinity of Cape Coral can be found under: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/

1. Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park
The Yacht Club Community Park is located directly on the Caloosahatchee River in a beautifully landscaped setting. The public beach offers visitors 634 feet of pristine beach with picnic shelters, BBQ grills, restrooms, fishing pier, playground area and restaurant. Other on site amenities include free racquetball courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, and public boat ramp.
Address: Dolphin Drive
Approximately 5 miles – 10 minutes driving time from our house

2. Bowditch Point Regional Park
This lovely 17-acre park fronts both the beach and the bay, welcoming the visitor with an unspoiled wide sandy beach and beautiful views of nearby barrier islands. There is parking available behind the pavilion. Beach lovers can also catch the trolley from the Main Street Park and Ride parking lot, which runs every 15 minutes.
Address: Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach
Approximately 13 miles – 20 minutes driving time from our house
Further info: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/bowditchpark.htm

3. Lynn Hall Memorial Park
A great family beach, Lynn Hall Memorial Park at Fort Myers Beach is also a favorite among teenagers and young people. The centerpiece of the park, Fort Myers Beach Pier, is awash with fishermen and local waterfowl. The pelicans especially enjoy the pier, and every post seems to have its prerequisite occupant perched on top. The proximity of the beach to shops and restaurants gives it added appeal.
Address: Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach
Approximately 13 miles – 20 minutes driving time from our house
Further info: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/lynnhallmemorial.htm

4. Bunche Beach
While not located along the gulf, Fort Myers does possess a wonderful bay side beach known as Bunche Beach. Few tourists find their way here, although it's fairly well known to locals. The wide sand beach attracts families and young people, who bring their dogs, fishing poles and picnics, then spend the day.
Address: John Morris Road in Punta Rasse
Approximately 14 miles – 25 minutes driving time from our house
Further info: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/fortmyers.htm

5. Lover’s Key
Acres of nature trails and pristine beaches make Lover's Key one of Florida's best beachfront parks. Here you can canoe along mangrove lined estuaries, walk miles of secluded, white sand beaches, hike along miles of wetland trails, and enjoy hours of nature study. Many species of waterfowl call the park home, and sightings of the endangered manatee are frequent along the shore and in the nearby waterways. Located in southern Lee County just south of Fort Myers Beach, the park also offers some of the area's best fishing. Tip: Never forget to bring mosquito spray!
Address: Estero Blvd. in Fort Myers Beach
Approximately 18 miles – 30 minutes driving time from our house
Further info: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/loverskey.htm

6. Causeway Beaches
Great for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and picnicking. Pull your vehicle right to waters edge. There is no fee when you park on the causeway beach. Located along both sides of the road. Restrooms are available.
Address: Sanibel Causeway
Approximately 18 miles – 30 minutes driving time from our house


Sanibel and Captiva
These two islands, off-shore Cape Coral and Fort Myers, impart the real Caribic – Feeling. Therefore we want to dedicate a separate chapter for them.
Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells. Basic restrooms are located at all public beach accesses. Some have picnic tables, all have handicap parking. Mobile food stands sell snacks at a couple of the beaches,
but you won't find much commercialism. Parking at Sanibel and Captiva public beaches costs $2.00 an hour.
The best thing to do on these islands is shelling, where low tide will yield the best results on any given day. The best times of the year to shell are after winter storms and tropical disturbances. When winds and waves stir up the Gulf of Mexico shelling can uncover all sorts of seashore surprises. Shellers on Sanibel and Captiva sometimes shell at night for the best opportunity Very helpful is to check the tide charts.
Further info: http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/beaches/index.html


SANIBEL
Approximately 20 – 25 miles – 40 – 50 minutes driving time from our house

7. Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier
This is the site of our historic functioning lighthouse. Located on the eastern tip of Sanibel, wrapping around to the bay side. This is where the t-dock-fishing pier is and a boardwalk nature trail winding through native wetlands.
Address: Periwinkle Way

8. Gulfside City Park
Picnic tables and shady pines welcome you.
Address: Algiers Lane

9. Tarpon Bay Beach
Easy parking even for recreational vehicles, and nevertheless a short hike from the parking lot to the beach.
Address: West Gulf Drive

10. Bowman's Beach
Pristine and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. Park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There is an outdoor shower located at this beach. This is the only beach with barbecue grills.
Address: Bowman's Beach Road


CAPTIVA
Approximately 30 miles – 60 minutes driving time from our house

11. Turner Beach (Blind Pass)
Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, this beach is popular with shellers and fishermen. Signs warn against swimming because of the swift currents.
Address: Blind Pass Bridge

12. Captiva Beach
A great place to watch the sunset. There are no restroom facilities here and parking is very limited. Located at the end of Captiva Drive. Parking is free.
Address: Sanibel-Captiva Road


If this is not sufficient for you, you may also visit the following beaches:
Bonita Beach
Further info: http://www.southwestfloridabeaches.com/bonitabeaches.htm
Naples
Further info: http://web.naplesnews.com/webcam/vanderbiltPan/
Marco Island
Further info: http://www.marco-island-florida.com/beach.htm

© 2004-2011 Markus und Sonja Müller

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