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Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 2:21 AM
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SWFL BEACHES

SWFL BEACHES
This stunning real-life pen shell showcases the unique beauty of our coastal ecosystem, highlighting the resurgence of the beloved activity of shelling on Sanibel.

Author: COLEEN FRYE / COURTESY PHOTO

CHARLOTTE COUNTY 

Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park 

This 12.67-acre beach park boasts pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking sunset views. Visitors can enjoy numerous amenities, including a 900-foot boardwalk, covered lookouts, sports courts, playground, and pavilions available for rent. With its inviting atmosphere, Englewood Beach is the ideal setting for birthdays, family reunions, and special events by the sea. 

— BBQ Grills, Basketball Courts, Birding, Fishing, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Restroom/Portable Toilet, Volleyball Courts 
2100 N Beach Road, Englewood 941-681-3742 

Port Charlotte Beach Park

Nestled along the bayfront, this 16.08-acre beach park, established in 1972 and rejuvenated in 2012, stands as a picturesque retreat. With sandy shores, sheltered waters, and breathtaking sunsets year-round, the park provides a serene escape. Enjoy the convenience of small shelters and two large pavilions, perfect for hosting events amidst the scenic beauty of the beach and harbor. Whether it’s a wedding reception, social gathering, or family picnic, this beach park offers an ideal setting for various occasions.

— BBQ grills, various sport courts (basketball, pickleball, bocce, tennis, volleyball), boat ramp, 
canoeing & kayaking, fishing, picnic shelters, playground, recreation center, restrooms and swimming pool. 
4500 Harbor Boulevard Park: 941-627-1628 Pool: 941-629-0170

Stump Pass Beach State Park

In the southwest corner of Charlotte County lies a tranquil mile-long beach, where visitors can revel in year-round sunbathing and swimming. The winter months bring optimal shelling opportunities. A scenic hiking trail meanders through five distinct natural communities, creating a habitat for various wildlife species. Kayak enthusiasts can paddle around two islands located just east of the park. Keep an eye out for West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy egrets, least terns, and magnificent frigate birds. Ranger-led nature hikes are available during the winter, offering educational experiences in this coastal haven.

— Fishing, hiking, paddling, picnicking, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, tours, wildlife viewing 
900 Gulf Boulevard, Englewood (South end of Manasota Key) 941-964-0375 

COLLIER COUNTY

Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park

In the pinnacle of Collier County’s coveted coastline, Barefoot Beach Preserve offers a serene retreat, encompassing 342 acres of natural land. Positioned as one of the last undeveloped barrier islands along Florida’s Southwest coast, the preserve provides a haven for various animal species. The Barefoot Beach Access, situated 20 feet off Bonita Beach Road on Lely Barefoot Boulevard, offers a tranquil spot for sunbathers. To the south lies Barefoot Beach Preserve Park, while just north awaits Bonita Beach Park, creating an idyllic coastal escape for visitors.

— Restroom, showers, concessions with beach rental equipment, pavilion 
505 Barefoot Beach Boulevard, Naples 239-252-4000

 SETH WARREN / COURTESY PHOTO
Clam Pass Beach Park

Boasting 35 acres of coastal habitat, the park preserves its natural beauty, allowing visitors to access the sandy beach via a scenic three-quarter-mile boardwalk. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Clam Pass Park, a perfect destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

— Beach wheelchair, bike racks, foot shower, free tram to the beach, guided nature walk, life jacket loaner program, parking booth attendant, restaurant, restrooms 465 Seagate Drive, Naples 239-252-4000

Vanderbilt Beach Park

Located in the sought-after North Naples area, Vanderbilt Beach Park stands out as one of the most favored beach accesses. Boasting a prime location near upscale hotels, this popular destination provides ample space, stunning white sand, and sea oats, creating an inviting atmosphere. While the beach offers abundant sun and sand during the tourist season, securing parking is recommended before 10 a.m. from January to March. With dedicated parking options, including a garage and on-street spaces, a short walk to the beach awaits those who arrive early enough to enjoy this coastal gem.

— Beach wheelchairs, bike racks, foot showers, life jacket loaner program, 
parking garage availability, restrooms, toll booth attendant 
100 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 239-252-4000

 LEE COUNTY VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU

LEE COUNTY

Bonita Beach Park

Positioned between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, a 2.5-acre beachfront park unfolds with a boardwalk and swimming area. Embraced by sand dunes and coastal vegetation, the park features a gazebo and eight picnic shelters, creating tranquil retreats. Access is made easy with bus and trolley services available, and a parking fee of $2 per hour ensures convenient visits.

— Beach access, paddlecraft landing/launch, restrooms 
27954 Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Springs 239-229-0632

Bowman’s Beach

Tucked away and picturesque, this beach stands as a prime destination on Sanibel. Renowned for its excellent shelling opportunities and well-appointed amenities, it’s worth the brief five-minute hike from the parking area. For the adventurous beachcomber, several miles of unobstructed white sand beaches adorned with shells await exploration. Unlike the more developed parts of the islands, Bowman’s Beach maintains a pristine shoreline, offering a serene escape surrounded by natural beauty.

— Beach access, charcoal grills, fishing, fitness stations, hiking trails, paddlecraft landing/launch, 
pavilion, playground, restrooms, showers 
1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel 239-472-6397

Fort Myers Beach

On Estero Island’s southwest Florida coast, Fort Myers Beach presents 29 public beach accesses, such as Newton Beach Park and Seven Seas Cottage. Easily reached from Estero Boulevard, these spots offer parking and ADA features. With seven miles of sandy beaches, vibrant shops, and unique cultural spots, Fort Myers Beach stands resilient, making remarkable strides in its recovery from one of the world’s top five most catastrophic natural disasters.

— Fort Myers Beach Town Hall 2525 Estero Boulevard 239-765-0202

 Lovers Key State Park tram
Lovers Key State Park 

Now open for limited day-use activities, including tram services from 8 a.m. to sunset, providing transportation to within 800 feet of the 2-mile beach, accessible by boardwalk or tram. Paddling equipment, beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. The gift shop offers cold drinks and some merchandise. The Discovery Center is open Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The boat ramp is open with limited parking. Please follow posted signs and note that the park does not have electricity. This park is also a haven for wildlife, with the islands and their waters being home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits and bald eagles. 

— Beaches, bicycling, boat ramp, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, concession and restaurant, 
hiking/ nature trail, picnicking, playground, restrooms, showers, swimming, tours, visitor center, wildlife viewing 
8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach 239-463-4588 

Lynn Hall Memorial Park 

Situated on Ft. Myers Beach, Lynn Hall Memorial Park is a vibrant Gulf-front oasis located just north of the Matanzas Pass Bridge, alongside the bustling “Times Square” in downtown. Boasting a lively atmosphere, this park offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and urban convenience, as it is conveniently positioned near shopping outlets and restaurants. Discover a dynamic waterfront experience at Lynn Hall Memorial Park, where the beauty of the Gulf meets the lively heart of downtown. 

— Beach access, restrooms 950 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach 239-823-1447 


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