Fort Myers Beaches 

What are the best beaches near Fort Myers, FL? Visit these top ten beaches in Fort Myers! 

Located in the center of Lee County in Southwestern Florida, the beautiful city of Fort Myers is a popular place to live and visit. Best known for its affordable housing options, excellent weather, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly activities, it is no wonder that Fort Myers is one of the best places to live in Florida. 

Though Fort Myers also has a high safety rating, one of the main reasons people decide to move to Fort Myers and plan a vacation here is its gorgeous beaches. Home to 26 public beach accesses on Estero Island alone, there is no shortage of white sandy beaches to explore in and around the city. 

Offering beautiful beaches in Florida with clear water, warm white sand, and prime shelling opportunities, every beach in the Fort Myers area is unique and worth the visit. From quiet beaches that are perfect for a family beach day near the water to dog beaches where your furry friends can run around off-leash, Fort Myers is a beautiful tropical destination that is convenient and easily accessible for everyone. While the best time to visit the beaches in Fort Myers is in March and May for smaller crowds and pleasant weather, a beach day in Fort Myers is a great idea any month. 

Severely impacted by Hurricane Ian, which made landfall in the Fort Myers area as a category four hurricane in September 2022, the city has been slowly rebuilding. As the region recovers, the beaches are thankfully reopening. Since most beaches and beach parks have yet to be restored to pre-hurricane conditions, some amenities may not be available. Stay up to date on beach conditions before planning your beach day. 

Keep reading to learn more about the best beaches in Fort Myers, with information on amenities and parking. 

Here are the best beaches near Fort Myers 

Fort Myers Beach 

Location: Fort Myers 

Amenities: 

• ADA accessible
• Seven miles of sandy white beaches 
• Great for fishing 
• Perfect for fun watersport activities

Parking: Metered parking lots are available at beach accesses as well as long-term parking on beach access streets  

Fort Myers Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in Southwest Florida for its beautiful sandy beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico. Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach stretches for about seven miles and is a go-to spot for water sports, shelling, swimming, and sunbathing. Featuring lots of things to do for all price ranges, this famous beach is surrounded by fun restaurants and beach resorts.  

Hit particularly hard by Hurricane Ian, nearly every building on Fort Myers Beach was destroyed by the hurricane's 15-foot storm surge. As one of the hardest areas hit by the storm, Fort Myers Beach is still in recovery mode as homeowners and businesses attempt to rebuild. Left with a clean slate for redevelopment, Fort Myers Beach is open again, but some amenities are still closed to visitors. 

Lover's Key State Park Beach

Location: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• ADA accessible 
• Canoe and kayak launch 
• Picnic pavilion 
• Shower station 
• Boat ramp 
• Recycling bin 
• Restroom facilities 
• Concession stand and restaurant 

Parking: $8 per vehicle with up to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle or motorcycle, $2 for bicyclists 

Lovers Key State Park Beach is on Lovers Key and three other barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. Found South of Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, this popular beach is a small and intimate Island that is secluded and quiet all year round. This beautiful two-mile stretch of beach has become a go-to destination for visitors and a romantic location for beach weddings. 

Before becoming a state park, the land now Lovers Key was planned to become the location of luxury condominiums. Luckily, the beaches and mangrove forests in this area are now off-limits by developers and can be enjoyed by families and individuals for years to come.

The perfect place for kayaking, canoeing, and sunbathing, the beautiful waters at Lovers Key State Park are ideal for spotting manatees and dolphins. Open from 8 AM to sunset, this day-use park does not have any camping facilities, and vehicle access is available via State Road 865 from Fort Myers and Naples. Visitors that plan on fishing in the Gulf must have a fishing license. 

Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park 

Location: Bonita Springs 

Amenities: 

• Dogs can run off-leash
• Dog rinse-off station 
• Shallow water
• Bird-watching opportunities 
• Paddle craft launch and landing 

Parking: Free parking 

Do your furry friends love the beach? Then head to Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park for a full day of fun near the water. This Lee County Dog Beach is located along the edge of Lovers Key State Park and is the perfect place for your dogs to frolic in the calm water of the Gulf of Mexico since there are no large waves like there are on the Atlantic Coast. 

Open back up after Hurricane Ian, this beautiful dog beach has no fences and requires no leashes, so your dog can run free and have a good time. Open from dawn to dusk, the best time to visit Bonita Beach Dog Beach Park is during low tide. The weekends during the afternoon are the most crowded time to visit, so if you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit on a weekday. While there may be free parking, remember there are no restrooms, only a portable toilet. 

Lynn Hall Beach Park 

Location: 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• Located near shopping and restaurants 
• Picnic shelters with grills 
• Large playground 
• Chaning and restroom facilities 
• Vending machines 

Parking: $2 per hour 

Located North of the Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to the heart of Downtown Fort Myers, Lynn Hall Beach Park is a small beach park open daily from dawn to dusk. An excellent spot for picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico, Lynn Hall Beach Park is a popular family destination for its fishing pier and access to amenities. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish from the shore. 

While dogs are allowed on this beach, they must stay on a leash, and owners must pick up after their pets. Driving on the beach and alcohol is not permitted. 

San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve 

Location: 18201 John Morris Rd, Fort Myers 

Amenities: 

• Wildlife viewing areas 
• 310-foot boardwalk 
• Two paddle craft launches 
• Fishing piers 
• Composting restrooms 

Parking: $2 per hour for a maximum of four hours or $10 per day 

San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve is a nature preserve near the Sanibel Causeway in Lee County. This 719-acre beach and mangrove forest preserve is a protected beach system known for its sandy beach and birdwatching opportunities.  This beautiful living ecosystem is home to various wildlife and is a fantastic place for nature photography and sunset viewing. 

With access to the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Tail, a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail, many kayakers and paddlers visit the area. San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve is also a designated Great Florida Birding Trail site, a network of 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. 

While restrooms are available, they do not have running water or electricity to stay eco-friendly. Pets are prohibited at this beach, and a Saltwater Fishing License is required to fish from the shore. 

Bowditch Point Beach Park 

Location: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• Picnic tables and grills 
• Walking trails 
• Bird-watching areas 
• ADA accessible 
• Restrooms 
• Dressing rooms 
• Day boat dock 
• Paddle craft launch 
• Concession stand 

Parking: $2 an hour; parking stickers are accepted 

Bowditch Point Beach Park is a nature preserve and recreation area in Fort Myers located at the northern tip of Estero Island. Spanning 17 acres, approximately seven acres are used for recreation, while the other ten acres are a preserve area. Best known for its quiet, shallow waters in the back bay and active waters in the Gulf front that are great for swimming and water sports, Bowditch Point Beach Park is great for fun in the sun all day.

Featuring walking trails that are great for bird watching and peaceful surroundings, this beach is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and views of Estero Bay. Pets are not allowed; if you plan on fishing from the shore, make sure to have a Saltwater Fishing License. 

Matanzas Pass Preserve 

Location: 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• Walking trails 
• Paddle craft landing 
• Pavillion 
• Boardwalk 

Parking: Parking is free but limited 

Matanzas Pass Preserve is located in Lee County and is a 60-acre area of protected land. Found one mile south of Matanzas Pass Bridge, this beautiful preserve along the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Offering 1.25 miles of walking trails, many locals and visitors love to visit Matanzas Pass Preserve to enjoy nature. 

Temporarily closed for Hurricane Ian recovery; check its website for updates on reopening. 

Crescent Beach Family Park

Location: 1100 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• Four access points 
• Picnic areas 
• Two volleyball courts 
• Open space 
• Two accessible parking spaces 
• Two modular restrooms 

Parking: No on-site parking 

As the name states, Crescent Beach Family Park is a great place to bring the whole family for an exciting day near the water. This two-acre beachfront park offers views of the Matanzas Bridge and features picnic areas, sand volleyball courts, and four access points to the beach. Currently closed due to Hurricane Ian damage; check the Crescent Beach Family Park website for information about reopening.  

North Shore Park 

Location: 13001 N Cleaveland Ave, North Fort Myers 

Amenities: 

• Fishing 
• Hiking trails 
• Pavillion 
• Restrooms 
• Paddle craft launch and landing 
• Dogs are allowed on a leash 

Parking: Free parking 

North Shore Park offers spectacular views of the Caloosahatchee River. A great place to visit in the morning for sunrise with friends and family, this low-key park features picnic pavillions and a pier for fishing. Though no swimming or alcohol is permitted, this is a great spot to hang out and sunbathe. 

Newton Beach Park 

Location: 4650 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 

Amenities: 

• Showers 
• Restrooms 
• Picnic tables 
• Drinking fountains 
• Shade structures 
• Beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico 

Parking: $2 an hour paid parking 

Newton Beach Park is a family-friendly beachfront park with picnic tables, changing rooms, and other amenities. As the first town-owned park in Fort Myers Beach, Newton Beach Park is the perfect destination for your next gathering with family and friends. 

FAQs

What beach has the clearest water near Fort Myers?

Sanibel Island has some of the clearest blue waters just off the coast of Fort Myers, which is best known for its shelling. Severely impacted by Hurricane Ian, Sanibel Island is in the process of opening back up to visitors again. 

What beach do the locals go to in Fort Myers?

Fort Myers Beach is a popular place for locals to visit in Fort Myers for its seven miles of white sandy beaches that directly face the Gulf of Mexico. 

Can you swim in Fort Myers Beach? 

Fort Myers Beach is great for swimming and water sports, including boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing. 

What is the best time of year to visit Fort Myers Beach?  

Since summer is crowded, March and May are the best months to visit Fort Myers. When visiting in the summer, specifically in June and August, expect scorching temperatures and sand. 

The Best Beaches Near Fort Myers, FL - Final Thoughts 

The beaches in Fort Myers offer some of the most spectacular sunsets and calm waters for water sports in Florida. From beautiful beach parks perfect for the whole family to off-leash dog beaches for your furry friends to run around, there is no shortage of places to enjoy the day in the sun near the water in Fort Myers, Florida. 

When searching for homes for sale in Fort Myers, plenty of home types and neighborhoods are available. From single-family homes near the waterfront to condos on the beach, finding your dream home in Fort Myers with the help of our Real Estate Specialists is easy. Our team at UpHomes is ready to help kick-start your home search. Please feel free to contact us today.