Best Beaches Near Cape Coral

Are you looking for the best beach to spend the day at in Cape Coral, FL? If you are moving to Cape Coral or planning your next vacation, visit these ten best beaches!

Cape Coral has it all, with miles and miles of canals, renowned restaurants, affordable cost of living, safe neighborhoods, and astounding beaches. Whether you are looking for the best surf spot, a family-friendly beach, or just a peaceful day in the Florida sun, you've come to the right place.

If you're heading to the area for a relaxing and fun vacation, Cape Coral has everything you want. The warm Gulf waters and soft sand make these beaches the perfect destination for any beach activity.

With many options for boating, fishing, swimming, exploring, and more, Cape Coral has some of the best beaches in Florida. Keep reading to learn more about all the best beaches in Cape Coral, FL. 

Check out these best beaches in Cape Coral

Sanibel Island Beach

Location: 200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957

Sanibel Island is home to many gorgeous beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Known to have some unique barrier islands, the Island is full of white-sandy beaches and an abundance of seashells for you to find. Commonly known as one of the best beaches in Florida, this is the perfect place to bring your friends or family. 

Widely known as "the shell capital of the world," Sanibel Island runs east to west, unlike most islands that run North to south. In other words, if you're in the area, you cannot miss out on visiting Sanibel for the best shells in all of Florida. 

Once you've filled your bag with all the beautiful shells you can find, take a break to swim, sunbathe, walk, surf, or play in the fantastic crystal-clear waters. 

Local Favorites:

Sanibel Island Lighthouse: Since its first light in 1884, it has survived many hurricanes and remains a favorite of all Sanibel Island visitors. 

Doc Fords Rum Bar and Grill: Enjoy Caribbean-style seafood and delicious cocktails for the perfect after-beach dinner.

Four Freedoms Beach

Location: 4818 Tarpon Court, Cape Coral, FL 33904

Four Freedoms Park has recently opened a new, white, sandy beach that offers visitors a place to relax and dip their toes in the Bimini Basin. Not only is there a family-friendly beach, but the park offers many activities to visitors of all ages.

Along with the beach is a multi-use recreation building with a preschool and programs for all ages where you can enjoy music or exercise classes. Additionally, there is even an equestrian program.

You'll always enjoy all the fun activities and large grassy areas to picnic, play, or relax in. This is the perfect park for you to enjoy if you are staying in the downtown area and are looking for a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Local Favorites:

Sidecar Treats: Take a break and get a sweet treat from a city-favorite shop.

Ice Ssscramin: For the perfect break from the sun, check out this popular ice cream shop with all your favorite flavors.

Bonita Beach

Location: Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Located on Little Hickory Island, Bonita Beach is a 2.5-acre oceanfront park that features a large swimming area, boardwalk, and public restrooms. The beautiful sand dunes, crystal clear waters, and coastal vegetation make it the most picturesque beach in the area. Many visitors host events and weddings on the beach.

You can spend the whole day relaxing here with sheltered picnic areas and a sand volleyball court. Around the beach, many excellent restaurants and activities keep you busy.

If you are looking for a quiet, clean, and convenient beach, then this one is for you, with free parking, food carts, jet skis, and even parasailing options.

Local Favorites:

Docs Beach House: Enjoy delicious American food with the most amazing sunset views right off the beach.

Bonita Beach Club: On the Island's North end, you can stay in one of the most impressive condos to enjoy a quiet stay on Bonita Beach.

Bowman's Beach Park

Location: 1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel, FL 33957

Nestled in a quiet area on Sanibel Island, Bowman's Beach Park is the perfect isolated and picturesque beach. Most known for its abundance of shells, this quiet beach has miles of white sand for you to explore.

With several free access points, this beach is perfect for a quiet getaway. With calm spots, you can bring the whole family and have peace of mind that you're children will have a safe place to play in the crystal-clear water.

If you're looking for more giant waves, you can take advantage of offshore waves by surfing or sailing. You can sunbathe and swim, and there is also a canoe and kayak launch off at the beach. The beach also offers a shaded playground, grilling stations, and clean showers and restrooms.

The bottom line is that this beach has everything you could need without the business of tourists that most beaches have. 

Local Favorites: 

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Open every day but Friday, you can adventure around the refuge and spot many amazing animals in their natural habitats.

Sanibel Island Farmer's Market: Open on Sundays from 8 am - 1 pm, October through the end of May; stop by and get all your favorite fresh produce from local vendors. 

Captiva Island Beach

Location: 14770 Captive Dr, Captive, FL 33924

Just a little up the road from Sanibel, Captiva Island Beach is five miles long and waiting for you to visit. With Gatorade blue water, soft sand, and beautiful landscapes, this beach will transport you to paradise.

The island will surely keep you busy with plenty of outdoor activities like biking, sailing, birding, and many water activities. Captive is one of the lesser-known beaches in the area, leaving it less crowded than surrounding beaches.

You'll have a wonderful, unbothered day here at Captive, and once you're ready to go, there are many casual restaurants and cafes within walking distance for you to enjoy. 

Local Favorites:

The Mucky Duck Restaurant: Enjoy American eats at this casual restaurant with gorgeous sunset views.

Chadwicks Square: Shop your heart out at this charming outdoor mall.

Lovers Key State Park

Location: 8700 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Year-round, visitors travel to enjoy Lovers Key Beach as the perfect secluded getaway. The small, 2-mile-long beach is most known for its beautiful sugar sand and crystal-clear water. 

In the early 1900s, the island was only accessible by boat. It was said that only lovers made an effort to travel to the romantic island; since then, it has been known as Lovers Key Beach. Luckily, in 1965 a road was built for easier access. 

Relax by the water or hop in a kayak to explore the beautiful island and possibly spot some manatees or shorebirds. There is also a large pavilion, picnic area, and public restrooms for visitors.

Local Favorites: 

Casa Bonita Condominium: Stay in this perfect, quiet hotel for the ideal visit and beautiful ocean-side views.

Lover's Key Adventures: Take a guided Standup Paddle Board and Kayak tour.

Turner Beach

Location: 17200 Captive Dr. Sanibel, FL 33957

If you're looking for a fun time with an incredible view, then Turner Beach is for you. This lively beach includes free beach access, landing and launch, and public restrooms. Just past the bridge from Sanibel to Captive, Turner Beach is a popular destination for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. Offering plenty of beach space, there are endless possibilities for beach fun. 

Turner Beach is also known as the best beach on Sanibel Island for shelling. Whether you want to start your collection or add to your current one, you will find all the best shells here at Turner.

Local Favorites: 

Adventure Sea Kayak and SUP: Visit for a peaceful and quiet tour through beautifully preserved nature.

Sweetwater Boat Rentals: Take the day and rent a great boat to enjoy the water with friends and family.

Bowditch Point Park & Beach

Location: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Explore the well-preserved land along the Gulf and bayside here at Bowditch Point Park and Beach. The serene beach has many walking and biking trails to enjoy the amazing natural wildlife. You can even take a walk down the Great Florida Birding Trail to see all the wonderful wildlife in their natural habitats.

One of the best perks of this beach is its incredible serenity, which you are welcome to enjoy through the beautiful gardens or on the soft sand.

Offering plenty of secluded space for beach activities, clear waters, grilling, and picnic tables, you can spend the whole day here at Bowditch Point. Remember to take advantage of the free boat docks to launch paddle craft onto the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Overall, this is the perfect beach to escape real life and relax in the warm Florida sun.

Local Favorites: 

Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina: Enjoy a relaxing stay at his four-star hotel on the beach.

Great Calusa Blueway: Take a trip down this 190-mile-long canoeing and kayak trail.

Barefoot Beach

Location: North Naples, FL 34134

Known as one of the best beaches in the whole country, Barefoot Beach is something special. This beach will make you forget about all your problems as soon as you step onto the powdery sand.

Locals mainly know this hidden beach as a serene escape from real life. With 342 areas of natural land, the unspoiled land has gentle and shallow waves. This is an excellent beach for swimming and sunbathing for families. There are even many chances for you to spot a Gopher tortoise or a bottle-nosed dolphin swimming in the water.

Unfortunately, this beach is still temporarily closed since it was damaged by Hurricane Ian last year. Luckily, they plan to reopen in early 2024, just in time for summer.

Local Favorites:

Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille: Enjoy this casual waterfront bar and eatery with a delicious seafood menu.

Bonita Jetski and Parasail: Don't miss out on this great opportunity for fun in the beautiful water. 

Fort Myers Beach

Location: 2545 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach features miles of stunning sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. Here, you have countless options for fun, with many trails throughout the Matanzas Pass Preserve, the Ostego Bay Marine Science Center, the ancient Calusa Indian shell mount, and many restaurants and stores to check out. 

On top of the countless activities, the beach itself is perfect for a fun day with the family, a relaxing day for yourself, or a dip in the crystal-clear water. As a local favorite, the seven miles of white sandy beaches is one of the best beaches near Cape Coral to take the kids. As there aren't any big waves or drop-offs, you can enjoy the water with peace of mind that your kids will be safe. 

The beach is highly accessible, with 29 public beach accesses along Estero Boulevard and public parking. Make sure to explore the Island and town of Fort Myers to experience all the amazing things the area has to offer. 

Local Favorites:

Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill: This waterfront restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy the water with a refreshing cocktail and delicious meal.

Mojoe's Coffee Cafe: Start your day off right with a coffee and breakfast from this cozy cafe. 

FAQ: Best Beaches Near Cape Coral, FL 

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the best beaches in Cape Coral, FL.

Does Cape Coral, FL, have lovely beaches?

Along with many other seaside cities in Florida, Cape Coral is known nationwide for its amazing beaches.

What is special about Cape Coral?

Cape Coral allows residents and visitors to visit beautiful beaches,  renowned golf courses, and family attractions. These all make it the perfect destination to vacation for the whole family.

What are the best months to visit Cape Coral?

The best months to visit for comfortable weather are mid-March to mid-May and mid-September to mid-November. During these times, the days are hot, and the nights are more relaxed.

Can you swim in the canals in Cape Coral?

Swimming is not encouraged in any of the canals or lakes.

Best Beaches in Cape Coral, FL - Final Thoughts

From a quiet and secluded beach day to a lively and fun beach, Cape Coral has everything you could need. No matter what you are looking for in your beach day, you can go right with one of Cape Coral's stunning beaches.

With a year-round warm atmosphere, Florida is the perfect place to move to or visit. You'll find out quickly that there are many reasons why you'll love living in Cape Coral

If you are moving to Cape Coral and would like to learn more about the local beaches before buying a home, then please contact one of our Realty Specialists. There are many things to know before moving to Florida, but we have plenty of helpful guides about many cities and states, like New Mexico, that will give you all the information you need before you move.

Our team at UpHomes is dedicated to helping you find the perfect home for your budget, family, and lifestyle. Please don't hesitate to contact us, as we are excited to help you with any questions and concerns about real estate if you are moving to Cape Coral.