Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of Southwest Florida’s most popular and lively beach destinations. Known for its wide, white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and vibrant atmosphere, it offers a mix of recreational activities, family-friendly fun, and a laid-back island vibe.
Ultimate Fort Myers & Bonita Area Beaches Guide
Fort Myers Beaches
Fort Myers Beach stretches for about 7 miles along Estero Island. The sand is soft and powdery, and the water is typically calm, making it great for families and kids. This area was devastated by hurricane Ian and is in the process of re-building.
Public access points
These access points generally provide street parking and fewer amenities, but they are great for visitors looking to escape the crowds.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park & Fort Myers Beach Pier
This is one of the busiest and most popular access points on the island, located near Times Square and the Fort Myers Beach Pier. It offers ample parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and showers. Times Square, just steps from the beach, has restaurants, shops, and bars, making it a convenient location for both beachgoers and those looking to explore the town.
Times Square is the heart of Fort Myers Beach, near the pier, and offers a lively area with beachside restaurants, shops, and street performers.
The Fort Myers Beach Pier was an iconic spot for fishing, watching sunsets, or simply enjoying the ocean views. It was destroyed in hurricane Ian in 2023 and is currently being built bigger and stronger in the same location.
Bunche Beach
Bowditch Point Park Beach
Bowditch Point Park, located at the northern tip of Estero Island, is a beautiful and peaceful 17-acre park and beach area on Fort Myers Beach. It offers a blend of beachfront relaxation and natural beauty, with a focus on preservation and wildlife.
Crescent Beach Family Park
Located south of Lynn Hall Park and Times Square, Crescent Beach is family-friendly and offers easy beach access with public parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. The beach here is perfect for families with kids, thanks to its soft sand and calm waters.
Mid-Island Beach Access (Various Points):
The mid-island section of Fort Myers Beach has several small, less crowded beach access points. These include Sterling Ave, Mandolin St., Palm Ave, and access near Carlos Pointe Beach.
Newton Park
Located in the mid-island area, Newton Park is a smaller public beach access point with historical significance. The park is home to the historic Seven Seas Cottage, once owned by environmentalist Jim Newton. Newton Park has a more laid-back vibe, with picnic tables, a gazebo, and restrooms, and it’s an excellent spot for a quiet day at the beach.
Beach Access Points South
The southern end of Fort Myers Beach is less developed and has more residential areas, but public beach access is still available.
Ancient Pier
Park at an access point on the south end and head south on the beach. The ancient pier pillars are in a secluded beach area that is worth the walk.
When you cross over the bridge heading south from Fort Myers Beach at Big Carlos Pass, you land in Lovers Key.
Lovers Key State Park
Just south of Fort Myers Beach, this natural preserve offers secluded beaches, kayaking through mangroves, hiking trails, and excellent wildlife viewing. It’s a more serene escape from the busy main beach.
At the south end of the key is Bonita Beach Dog Park and Long Key Kayak Launch.
Crossing this bridge takes you across Big Hickory Island to the Bonita Beaches.
At the north end is Huberts Beach. There is no public parking here so you have to walk by all the condos from Little Hickory Island Beach Park to get to it.
Matanzas Pass Preserve
While not directly a beach access point, Matanzas Pass Preserve is a must-visit for nature lovers. This preserve features trails through mangroves and wetlands and offers a more rustic way to explore the island’s natural beauty. It provides access to the Estero Bay side of the island, where you can launch kayaks or paddleboards.
Bonita Beach
The Bonita Beaches are located just south of Fort Myers Beach, in the town of Bonita Springs. It’s known for its quieter, more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier Fort Myers Beach, while still offering beautiful Gulf views, water activities, and outdoor fun. The beaches are also great for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Little Hickory Island Beach Park
This is a more secluded option for those seeking a quieter beach experience. Little Hickory Island Beach Park offers soft sand, shaded areas, and fantastic shelling opportunities.
The park is ideal for swimming, fishing, and picnicking, with fewer crowds than Bonita Beach Park.
Bonita Beach Beach Access Points
From here, Bonita Beach access points are numbered starting at #9 from the north. None of them have alot of spots, but it is nice to see an area welcoming to the public with lots of access points.
Bonita Beach Park
Bonita Beach Park, access #1, offers public beach access, restrooms, showers, picnic areas and lots of parking. It’s a great spot for families and day trips just across the causeway from the mainland.
The park is well-maintained and has volleyball courts and grills, making it an excellent location for a beachside picnic or gathering.
Dog Beach
Located just north of Bonita Beach, Dog Beach Park is a leash-free beach where dogs are welcome to swim and play. It’s one of the few dog-friendly beaches in the area and a great spot for pet owners to enjoy with their furry companions.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
Just north of Bonita Beach lies Barefoot Beach Preserve, a 342-acre natural park that’s often ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. This park is a gem for nature lovers and offers a more undeveloped, wild beach experience.
Visitors can walk through nature trails, spot local wildlife like gopher tortoises, and enjoy the pristine, undeveloped coastline.
You can access this from the north end at the main beach area, or head into the neighborhood (you have to go through a gated guard) and enjoy the long road to the preserve as you drive through an upscale community.
Activities and Things to Do in Fort Myers Beaches
Water Sports & Activities
Fort Myers Beach is known for offering a variety of water activities including jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Rentals are readily available along the beach.
Fishing charters and boating tours are also popular, with opportunities to explore nearby islands like Sanibel and Captiva.
Shelling
While Fort Myers Beach isn’t as famous for shelling as nearby Sanibel Island, you can still find interesting shells, especially after a storm or at low tide.
Wildlife & Nature
The calm Gulf waters make it a great spot for spotting dolphins and manatees, and shorebirds like pelicans, herons, and ospreys are commonly seen.
Water Sports & Fishing
Like Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach is a great place for paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. You can also rent equipment or take guided tours to explore the nearby mangroves and islands.
Fishing is a popular activity here, whether it’s surf fishing from the shore or going on a deep-sea fishing excursion. Nearby estuaries and mangroves make for excellent fishing opportunities.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Bonita Beach is home to an array of wildlife, especially in the nearby estuaries and mangroves. Birdwatching is popular, with species like roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and herons frequently spotted.
Manatees and dolphins are also commonly seen in the waters around Bonita Beach, especially during the cooler months.
Nightlife & Dining
Fort Myers Beach has a vibrant nightlife with many beachside bars and restaurants offering live music, tropical cocktails, and seafood dishes. Popular spots include The Beached Whale, Salty Crab Bar & Grill, and Lani Kai.
Times Square is a hub for dining and entertainment, with a wide range of casual beachside eateries, perfect for families and visitors looking for a fun, energetic atmosphere.
Uniquely Fort Myers Beaches
One unique feature of Fort Myers Beach is its incredibly shallow shoreline, often referred to as a “shelf beach.” The gradual slope of the seabed means that visitors can walk hundreds of feet into the Gulf of Mexico while still being in shallow water, making it ideal for families with young children, as well as for wading, playing, and even shelling.
Where to Stay or Live
When visiting or moving to the Fort Myers/Bonita area, you will find options for homes, condos, town homes, and beach homes. The area brings visitors and residents who are looking for a beach town lifestyle in a relaxed small town community. It is also a popular location for those who are looking for their winter home or vacation rental investments.
Real Estate Guide to Fort Myers & Bonita Beach
Accommodation Guide to Fort Myers & Bonita Beaches
Local Business including Food & Drinks, Services, Health & Medical, Education, Sports & Recreation, Arts & Entertainment and more, coming soon.
Also see surrounding area Beach Guides
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