Discover Southwest Florida: Beaches

Beaches

Some people believe that the sun rises and sets on the semitropical beaches of Southwest Florida. And literally, it does. A sugary ribbon of sand spanning 30 miles of shoreline faces the western horizon for spectacular sunsets in purples, yellows and golds. But stroll at dawn around the Sanibel lighthouse or the graceful curves of Marco, Captiva or Keewaydin islands, and a flaming yellow ball will rise out of the sea to greet you.

Between the sunrises and sunsets, the soft white beaches here glisten beneath sunny blue skies, and wispy lace or cotton-ball clouds make an ever-changing art show reflected in the pristine waters. In this world where a single incident can indelibly impact a fragile ecosystem, the beaches here on the Gulfshore remain unspoiled, safe and spectacular. Stephen Leatherman (aka "Dr. Beach"), who travels the world in search of the perfect beach, consistently proclaims our Gulfshore beaches among the finest in North America.

No two of our beaches are exactly alike. Some have gentle dunes blanketed in golden sea oats, beach plums and tentacled flowering vines. Some are sprinkled with tiny colorful seashells that wash in daily with the tide while on others, perfect fossils of sun-bleached sand dollars and ancient whelks lie half-buried in the sand. One beach may be accented by Mediterranean-style mansions or charming tin-roofed cottages, while on another, the only architecture might be a palmetto-roofed chickee hut. Glamorous resort hotels preside over some beaches, dotted with colorful umbrellas and cabanas; others are havens only for flocks of gulls, pelicans and sandpipers.

MARCO ISLAND

South Marco Beach is located on South Collier Boulevard, with parking available a short walk across the boulevard on Swallow Street. Includes restroom facilities. $8 metered parking. (239) 252-4000. Open from sunrise to sundown.

Tigertail Beach, a county park located at the end of Hernando Drive, has a bathhouse, restrooms, boardwalks, picnic area, volleyball court, playground, butterfly garden and concession stand offering beach equipment rentals, food and drinks. Parking $8 per vehicle. Lot fills quickly. (239) 252-4000. Open sunrise to sundown.

NAPLES

Clam Pass Recreational Area is a county park near the Naples Grande Beach Resort on Seagate Drive. Golf carts transport visitors to a beach with a picnic area and concession stand. Chairs, cabanas and watersports equipment available for rent. Restrooms and foot showers available. Parking $8 per vehicle. (239) 254-4000. Shuttles run daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is at the intersection of 111th Avenue North and Gulfshore Drive. Facilities include grills, picnic areas, restrooms with wheelchair access and outdoor showers. Use of the boat ramp is $3 plus tax. Park rangers conduct nature programs. Admission $4 per car carrying one passenger or $6 per car carrying two to eight passengers. (239) 597-6196. Open 8 a.m. to sunset.

Lowdermilk Park is located along Gulf Shore Boulevard at Banyan Boulevard. The park offers 1,000 feet of beachfront, outdoor showers, gazebos, picnic tables, a playground, volleyball court, concession stand and duck pond. Wheelchair-accessible restrooms. Metered parking $1.50 per hour. (239) 213-3029. Open sunrise to sundown.

Miramar Beach. Public access on Gulf Shore Boulevard North, just south of Harbour Drive, with ample parking and an outdoor shower. A short walk south takes you to the jetty at Doctors Pass, which provides Gulf access from Naples Bay. Metered parking. Open sunrise to sundown.

Naples Fishing Pier, at 12th Avenue South in the heart of Old Naples, has showers, restrooms, a bait shop and a snack bar. Dolphins are seen frequently. Metered parking is located nearby, with additional parking and access points along Gulf Shore Boulevard. (239) 213-3062. Amenities open 9:30 a.m. to sunset; pier open 24 hours. www.naplespier.com.

North Gulf Shore Boulevard Beach, located at the end of Seagate Drive, is open 8 a.m. to sunset. Outdoor shower. Metered parking. (239) 252-4000.

Vanderbilt Beach, at the end of Vanderbilt Drive, is a tree- and residence-lined county beach. Vanderbilt offers parking with handicap accessibility to the beach, restrooms and showers. Snacks and watersports rentals available at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, and Vanderbilt Inn resorts. Metered parking or parking garage available. (239) 252-4000.
Open sunrise to sundown.

BONITA SPRINGS

Barefoot Beach Preserve. Look for the signs at the intersection of Barefoot Beach Boulevard and Bonita Beach Road. Enter past the security booth and continue two miles. This 342-acre preserve contains a coastal hammock and a one-mile nature trail. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, restrooms, snack bar and canoe launch. The preserve also offers nature interpretation stations. Parking $8 per vehicle. (239) 252-4000.