The gateway to southwest Florida, Fort Myers Beach, has some of the most beautiful public beaches on the gulf coast. With miles of powdery white sand, wildlife on land and in the sea, and a small-town feel, the beaches here are a great place to relax, spend time outdoors, and swim in Florida’s warm waters.
The Basic Layout of Fort Myers Beach Parks and Piers
Fort Myers Beach itself is a long, clean stretch of sand that runs the length of Estero Island, and if you’re staying here it’s certainly a convenient access point to the ocean. There are two key public areas on the island: a long fishing pier and a public beachfront park.
The Fort Myers Beach Fishing Pier (10 Old San Carlos Blvd.) is in the heart of Fort Myers Beach. This pier is a central location for many activities, including wildlife viewing, photography, and of course, fishing. The pier even has bait and gift shops at the entrance. A Saltwater Fishing Licence is required to fish from the shore.
At the base of the pier is Times Square, a beachfront plaza with several waterfront restaurants, fun shops, frequent live music, dessert stops, and an incredible view of the sunset.
Adjacent to the pier is Lynn Hall Beach Park (950 Estero Blvd.), another hub of downtown Fort Myers Beach.
It is a small public beach park with public restrooms, change rooms, showers, picnic shelters and barbecue pits, and vending machines for snacks and drinks. Parking is permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and costs $2 per hour.
Lovers Key State Park
Location: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Lovers Key State Park is a series of four barrier islands just south of Estero Island. Originally only accessible by boat, Lovers Key was named for the couples said to travel there by boat to enjoy its secluded beaches. It was eventually made accessible by road in 1965.
This state park has tons to offer, including pristine and relatively remote beaches. Lovers Key also has facilities including two playgrounds, a gazebo, picnic areas, and a boardwalk along the two-mile-long beach. Soak up the sun, collect shells, and swim in the warm gulf waters. The park offers kayak tours, and kayak, paddleboard, chair, and umbrella rentals. For those who want to hit the trail, Black Island has five miles of multiuse trails.
The park boasts more than 700 acres of tidal lagoons and canals full of roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and marsh rabbits of birds and wildlife. Offshore, manatees and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted in the waves.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to sundown every day of the year. Entrance fees are $8 per vehicle (up to eight people) and $2 for pedestrians, cyclists, and additional passengers.
Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island
Location: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
Beach and historic attraction in one, Sanibel Island has award-winning sandy beaches that have consistently been ranked among the best beaches in the Sunshine State.
Located a half-hour’s drive from Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island’s beaches are a great place to relax and well worth the short trip. Shelling, fishing, and birdwatching are among the activities visitors can enjoy.
The t-dock fishing pier is the perfect place to cast off as the sun goes down. Redfish, snook, and snapper are common catches. You might also see dolphins, flying fish, rays, and birds from the pier.
The 98-foot lighthouse was built in 1884, and remains a working lighthouse today. A boardwalk winds through the nearby wetlands, offering another place to see the barrier island’s abundance of wildlife.
Some of the best shelling on the coast can be found at the park. Public restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas, and parking are available for guests.
Bowditch Point Park
Location: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Bowditch Point Park covers the most northern tip of Estero Island and features a stretch of clean quiet beach.
This local park covers 17 acres of land, and more than 10 of those are a nature preserve with walking trails, butterfly gardens, and benches for visitors to take a seat and enjoy the scenery.
The park is a great place to birdwatch, as well as get stunning views of Estero Bay or walk along the shore. Seasonally, the park offers guided tours of its flora and fauna a couple of times a week.
For those who crave adventure, the park has an accessible boat dock and canoe and kayak launch, as well as a free daytime docking with slips for 10 boats. It also has shaded picnic areas with grills, concessions stands, restrooms, and changing facilities.
We can help you plan a beach adventure here and guide you to the other top destinations in the area. Contact our team at 800-806-4586 for information or to book one of our acclaimed Fort Myers Beach vacation rentals.
