The Best Beaches & Hidden Gems in Fort Myers

While Fort Myers Beach offers a lively atmosphere, the best beaches are located just beyond the city limits on the barrier islands and in nearby Bonita Springs. These spots are known for their soft, white sand, gentle Gulf waters, and stunning sunsets.

Best all-around beaches

● Lovers Key State Park (Bonita Springs): This stunning park is a great escape from the crowds of Fort Myers Beach. Visitors can take a tram or walk a boardwalk through mangroves to reach a calm, secluded beach that is great for swimming and shelling.

○ Best for: Nature lovers, couples, families, and those seeking a quieter, more scenic beach day.

● Bowditch Point Park (Fort Myers Beach): Located on the northern tip of Estero Island, this beach provides a peaceful setting with panoramic views of the bay and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also part of a 10-acre preserve, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.

○ Best for: Birdwatching, swimming in calm waters, and enjoying a quiet spot away from the main Fort Myers Beach crowds.

● Barefoot Beach County Preserve (Bonita Springs): A pristine, undeveloped barrier island, this beach is consistently ranked as one of the best in Florida. It features natural, unspoiled white sand, clear water, and walking trails.

○ Best for: A tranquil, "get-away-from-it-all" beach experience, wildlife spotting, and beautiful natural scenery. Best family-friendly beaches

● Fort Myers Beach (Estero Island): This lively seven-mile stretch is the most famous beach in the area, with a wide shoreline and calm, shallow Gulf waters. The area is packed with resorts, restaurants, and shopping.

○ Best for: Access to amenities, dining, and shops, plus easy swimming for all ages.

● Crescent Beach Family Park (Fort Myers Beach): This small, dedicated park offers a great family-friendly atmosphere with amenities like volleyball courts and picnic tables. Its location at the bottom of the Matanzas Bridge makes it easily accessible.

○ Best for: Family outings with a more focused park environment.

● Bonita Beach Park (Bonita Springs): A popular public beach with white sand and clear water, Bonita Beach Park offers a playground, picnic shelters, and volleyball courts.

○ Best for: Nature lovers, couples, families, and those seeking a quieter, more scenic beach day.