Must Do Fort Myers Visitor Guide Summer/Fall 2018

JENNIFER BRINKMAN
Good Times & Tan Lines
CHRIS L. SMITH
The beaches of Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands provide
a perfect backdrop for a great Southwest Florida vacation. Area
beaches are consistently on national, state, and local “best of”
and “top” lists. With more than 400 varieties of shells, the beaches
of Sanibel and Captiva have earned a reputation for some of the
best shelling in the world. The seven-mile stretch of family-friendly
Fort Myers Beach’s white powdery sand, gentle undertow, and
licensed fishing pier create a fun beach environment everyone
will enjoy. Grab some sunscreen, a towel, bucket, bag, or scoop,
and head to the beach. For additional photos and information on
area beaches visit MustDo.com.
DEBI PITTMAN WILKEY
MUST DO BEACHES
Alison Hagerup Beach Park
14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva
Also known as Captiva Beach, this
romantic, wide, and sandy north Captiva
public beach access offers wonderful sunset
views. Recognized as one of the most
romantic beaches in Florida and one of
the top beaches in the United States. Very
limited parking is available at a rate of $4
per hour. Located adjacent to South Seas
Island Resort.
Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Beachfront preserve and
restorative area offering panoramic
views with shoreline on the Gulf of
Mexico and Matanzas Pass. Features
benches for taking in the beauty and
serenity of the area, walking trails,
a butterfly garden, BBQ grills, and
shaded picnic areas. Free guided-walks
are offered Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to
11 a.m., and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 2:30
p.m., seasonally. Parking is available
at a rate of $2 per hour.
Bowman’s Beach Park
1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd., Sanibel
This popular award-winning
beach offers miles of white sandy beach
to play, relax, or gather shells. It’s a
ten-minute hike from the parking lot
to the beach so bring a beach cart or
wagon if you have a lot of gear or little
ones. No concessions available other
than a vending machine with water
and soda. Follow the marked trail through
the wooded area over the footbridge
and dunes. Parking is available at a rate
of $4 per hour.
Cayo Costa State Park
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande
The park is one of Florida’s most
underdeveloped islands where visitors
are rewarded with acres of pine forests,
oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps,
nature trails, and shady picnic areas.
The island and its nine-miles of beautiful
beaches are ideal for swimming, shelling,
and snorkeling. Bring snacks or a picnic
lunch and something to drink, as there are
no concessions available. Accessible by
private boat or ferry only.
Dog Beach Park
8800 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Give your dog an off-the-leash
run on the only county-owned beach
where pets are allowed. Doggie shower
and disposal stations are available.
Owners are required to clean up after
their pets. Maximum of two dogs per
person is allowed. A coastal tideland,
therefore the size of the beach varies
on the water level and tide. Parking
is free.
Concessions Dog-Friendly Fishing Parking Restrooms
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier
112 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Located on the eastern tip
of Sanibel and wrapping around to the
bay side offering both Gulf of Mexico
and San Carlos Bay views. Historic working
lighthouse, boardwalk, nature trails,
t-dock fishing pier, and an abundance
of small shells makes it a favorite among
visitors and residents alike. Parking is
available at a rate of $4 per hour.
Lovers Key State Park & Beaches
8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Four barrier islands offering
biking, wildlife viewing, fishing, and
shelling in a pristine setting. Manatees,
dolphins, coastal birds, and even bald
eagles are often seen. The two-mile
long beach is accessible by boardwalk
or tram. Kayak, canoe, pedal boat,
stand-up paddleboards, beach
chairs, and umbrella rentals available.
Park entrance admission fee varies
between $2 and $8 depending on
the mode of transport and number
of occupants.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park
950 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Beachfront park located on
Fort Myers Beach, just north of the foot
of the Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to
Times Square. This 17-acre park
features picnic shelters with grills,
a large playground, vending, and
changing and restroom facilities.
Adjacent pier is great for fishing
complete with bait shop and rod
& reel rentals. Parking is available
at a rate of $2 per hour.
Sanibel Causeway Beaches
19931 Sanibel Causeway Rd., Sanibel
Located just after the
tollbooth on the spoil islands that links
Sanibel Island to the mainland. The
first of the two islands is referred to as
Causeway A; the second Causeway B.
Causeway bisects San Carlos Bay near
the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River
allowing Bay and Gulf access. Grills,
drinking fountains, and picnic tables
are available. Pull your vehicle right up
to the edge of the water. Parking is free.
Turner Beach
17200 Captiva Drive, Captiva
Located on the southern tip
of Captiva right at the “Welcome to
Captiva” sign at Blind Pass Bridge. A
popular spot for shelling and fishing
from the beach or the rock jetty. Use
caution when swimming near the bridge
due to swift currents. Limited parking is
available at a rate of $4 per hour. Blind
Pass Beach is on the Sanibel side of the
Blind Pass Channel.
CHECK IT OUT
PET FRIENDLY BEACHES
Leashed pets are welcome on
Sanibel Island’s beaches providing
you pick up after them. Captiva
Island does not allow pets on
the beach. Dog Beach Park, on
Fort Myers Beach, allows off
leash pets. Please don’t bury
pet waste–children like to dig
in the sand as much as pets!
CHECK IT OUT
SEA TURTLE
NESTING SEASON
From May through August
hundreds of sea turtles lay their
eggs on Fort Myers area beaches.
Hatchlings emerge through
October to make their way to
the water. Please do not approach
or disturb nesting females or
hatchlings. Remember to fill in any
holes dug on the beach, ensuring
they have a clear path to make it
safely to the Gulf waters.
10 | Must Do Visitor Guides MustDo.com | 11