SWFL Beaches & Parks

LEE COUNTY

Bonita Beach
Located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs, this 2.5-acre beachfront park offers a boardwalk, swimming area, gazebo and picnic shelters amidst sand dunes and coastal vegetation. With bus and trolley access and a $2 per hour parking fee, it provides convenient beach and paddle craft access along with restroom facilities.
27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs 
239-229-0632

Bowditch Point Park
Bowditch Point Regional Park, spanning 17 acres at Estero Island’s northern tip, offers a mix of recreational spaces and a natural preserve, complete with tranquil bays, walking trails, and amenities for picnicking and beach activities. It’s recognized for its accessibility and bird-watching opportunities.
50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach 
239-823-1447

Bowman’s Beach
This picturesque beach on Sanibel is renowned for shelling and unspoiled natural beauty, offering amenities such as grills, fishing, and hiking just a short walk from the parking area. Its pristine white sand stretches provide a serene escape for beachcombers and adventurers alike.
1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel Island
239-472-6397

Cayo Costa State Park
Cayo Costa Island is a secluded paradise accessible only by boat or kayak. It offers a natural retreat with 9 miles of pristine beaches for swimming, snorkeling and more. It’s a wildlife haven where visitors can enjoy everything from birdwatching to spotting manatees and sea turtles. Access requires an online single-use day pass.
4 Nautical Miles West of Pine Island (26.685789, -82.245381) 
941-759-2007

Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Estero Bay Preserve offers a chance to explore its natural wonders through rugged trails, perfect for hiking with necessary gear and is dog friendly. It features diverse ecosystems accessible via the Estero River Scrub, with amenities like pavilions and restrooms to enhance your visit, offering activities such as bicycling, boating and wildlife viewing.
4940 Broadway W., Estero 
239-992-0311

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park offers a variety of natural landscapes for visitors to explore, including scenic boardwalks, canoe-accessible rivers, tranquil lakes, and extensive trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is focused on conservation, providing opportunities for visitors to engage with the natural environment through activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing and water sports.
137 Coast Line Drive, Copeland 
239-961-1925

Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island’s southwest Florida coast, boasts 29 public beach accesses, including Newton Beach Park and Seven Seas Cottage, along with seven miles of sandy beaches, vibrant shops, and unique cultural spots, demonstrating remarkable resilience and recovery from one of the world’s top five most catastrophic natural disasters.
FMB Town Hall - 2731 Oak Street, Fort Myers Beach 
239-765-0202

Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park features the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, a unique public beacon since 1890, and offers activities like swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Boca Grande Beach provides a serene escape with pristine shores and vibrant waters amid lush tropical flora.
880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande 
941-759-2007

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, renowned for its untouched mangrove ecosystems and spectacular migratory bird populations, offers a plethora of activities including biking, hiking and kayaking. Start your adventure at the free Visitor and Education Center to explore engaging exhibits before embarking on wildlife discovery through scenic trails or guided tours.
1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel 
239-472-1100

Koreshan State Park
Koreshan State Park reveals the intriguing story of 19th-century pioneers, the Koreshans, through restored historic buildings and lush natural surroundings in Fort Myers. The park offers a range of activities such as camping, canoeing and wildlife viewing, inviting visitors to explore a unique chapter of history and enjoy outdoor leisure.
3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero 
239-992-0311

Lighthouse Beach Park
This is the site of a historic, functioning lighthouse. It is located on the eastern tip of Sanibel, wrapping around the bay side. The t-dock-fishing pier is here, and a boardwalk nature trail winds through native wetlands.
1 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island 
239-472-6397

Lovers Key State Park
The park offers tram services to the beach and rental options for paddling gear and beach essentials. It also offers a range of activities like canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park is equipped with amenities such as a boat ramp, gift shop and Discovery Center.
8700 Estero Blvd., Bonita Springs
239-707-6328

Tarpon Bay Beach
This popular beach near Bailey’s Grocery Store at the island’s center offers a lively atmosphere and easy access. It is just a short walk from a public 75-space parking lot, restrooms and showers. There are also walking and nature trails.
111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island 
239-3472-6397

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

Audubon-Pennington Nature Park
Close to downtown Port Charlotte, Audubon-Pennington Nature Park offers a tranquil setting for picnicking, hiking and nature photography from sunrise to sunset. With trails like the Sandhill and Gator Hole, visitors can explore diverse landscapes and encounter Florida’s wildlife.
1153 Alton Road, Port Charlotte 
941-625-7529

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park extends over 42,000 acres, guarding a vast 70-mile shoreline that spans across Charlotte and Lee counties. This area, skirting the scenic Charlotte Harbor, is ideal for numerous outdoor activities. Boating, canoeing and kayaking stand out as popular pursuits, inviting enthusiasts to explore the tranquil waters. Additionally, the park offers exceptional fishing opportunities, catering to anglers seeking both relaxation and the thrill of the catch.
12301 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda 
941-575-5816

Don Pedro Island State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park, located between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, offers a range of activities including boating, hiking and snorkeling on its secluded 1-mile white sandy beach and mangrove-lined bays. Accessible only by private boat or ferry, the park features amenities such as a kayak launch, fishing dock and picnic shelters, alongside a 100-acre land base on the Cape Haze Peninsula.
8450 Placida Road, Placida 
941-759-2007

Englewood Beach
Spanning 12.67 acres, this beach is renowned for white sands, clear waters and spectacular sunsets, featuring a 900-foot boardwalk, viewing pavilions, sports facilities and playgrounds. It offers amenities like BBQ grills, basketball and volleyball courts, bird watching, fishing spots, picnic shelters, and restrooms, catering to visitors’ every need.
2100 N Beach Road, Englewood 
941-681-3742

Gilchrist Park
This waterfront park offers various amenities, including a large playground, sports courts, a fishing pier and picnic pavilions. It also hosts smaller events like weddings and concerts. The Bayfront Center located there offers YMCA programs and event rental opportunities.
400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda 
941-575-3367

Peace River Preserve
Peace River Preserve spans 450 acres, showcasing diverse ecosystems from scrubby flatwoods to mangrove swamps, and supports scrub-jay habitats as well as high marsh and mangrove communities. Management efforts like prescribed burns are in place to improve habitat quality and address environmental challenges.
28000 Sandhill Blvd., Punta Gorda 
941-613-3220

Port Charlotte Beach Park
Established in 1972 and revitalized in 2012, this 16.08-acre beach park offers sandy shores, sheltered waters, and amenities like BBQ grills, sports courts, and pavilions for events. It is a perfect spot for weddings, picnics and various recreational activities. Its scenic beauty and year-round sunsets provide a serene backdrop for any gathering.
4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte 
Park: 941-627-1628, Pool: 941-629-0170

Punta Gorda Nature Park
The 19-acre Punta Gorda Nature Park, a unique urban oasis acquired in the 1990s, offers a serene escape with preserved areas for walking, bird watching and wildlife observation in the heart of Punta Gorda. Connected by bicycle and pedestrian pathways, it features amenities such as benches, an observation deck and picnic tables, among diverse habitats like palmetto forests and salt marshes.
1623 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda 
941-575-5050

COLLIER COUNTY

Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach Preserve spans 342 acres and is one of the few remaining untouched barrier islands along Florida’s Southwest coast. It serves as a refuge for various species and a tranquil retreat for visitors. It is accessible from Bonita Beach Road and the preserve is bordered by Barefoot Beach Access to the north and Bonita Beach Park.
505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Naples 
239-252-4000

Big Cypress National Preserve
Big Cypress has been protecting natural landmarks since 1916, attracting over 318 million visitors yearly to connect with America’s essence. It collaborates with various stakeholders to preserve cultural heritage and natural treasures for future generations, offering activities like canoeing, hiking and tours.
Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor Center 33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee 
Oasis Visitor Center 52105 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee 239-695-2000

Clam Pass Beach
Spanning 35 acres, Clam Pass Park offers a pristine coastal environment with a three-quarter-mile boardwalk leading to its beautiful sandy shores. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate the great outdoors and beach activities. The park is equipped with amenities such as beach wheelchairs, bike racks, showers, a complimentary tram service, educational nature walks, a life jacket borrowing service, an attended parking booth, onsite dining and restroom facilities.
465 Seagate Drive, Naples 
239-252-4000

Collier-Seminole State Park
Collier-Seminole State Park spans 7,271 acres, showcasing unique wildlife, royal palms, and vast mangrove swamps, alongside historical explorations like the Bay City Walking Dredge crucial for the Tamiami Trail Highway. It offers various activities such as camping, canoeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with special programs from December through March to deepen visitors’ understanding of its natural and historical significance.
20200 Tamiami Trail East, Naples 
239-393-7306

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, a 166- acre tropical paradise with a mile-long stretch of pristine beach, has reopened for limited day use. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as sunbathing, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this coastal haven. The park offers amenities like beach wheelchairs, a beach shuttle from Conner Park due to limited parking and an accessible boat launch area into Turkey Bay.
1135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples 
239-409-0637

Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park offers a unique ecosystem that is home to several endangered species, including the manatee, American crocodile and Florida panther. Visitors can embark on a Ten Thousand Islands boat tour from Everglades City to explore the park’s mangrove islands and potentially spot diverse wildlife.
Gulf Coast Visitor Center - 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City 
305-242-7700

Freedom Park
Spanning 50 acres, Freedom Park offers a tranquil retreat with a Conservation Collier portion, boardwalk and trails, alongside a memorial to 9/11 and war heroes, emphasizing habitat preservation. Open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk, it features amenities like free parking and restrooms, set amid freshwater marshes, native plants and diverse wildlife.
1515 Golden Gate Parkway, Naples 
239-252-4062

Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park features amenities such as parking (both metered and unmetered), a playground, picnic areas, volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, two gazebos available for rental and accessible beach paths. Located at the northern tip of Naples City Beach, it also offers a concession stand for snacks and refreshments.
1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples 
239-213-3020

Nancy Payton Preserve
The 71-acre Nancy Payton Preserve, home to 147 plant species and a space for endangered wildlife like Florida panthers and bobcats, focuses on habitat enhancement for the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise among its pine flatwoods. This vital refuge in Collier County, featuring smooth hiking trails for wildlife viewing, plays a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity.
1540 Blue Sage Drive, Naples 
239-252-2961

Naples Beach & Pier
Naples Municipal Beach and its iconic Naples Pier, renowned for their white sandy shores and 1,000-foot pier into the Gulf of Mexico, are popular attractions near downtown Naples. However, due to Hurricane Ian, visitors should be aware that while efforts are ongoing to repair significant damage to the Naples Pier and several beach accesses, some areas remain closed for safety.
25 12th Ave. S., Naples 
239-213-1800

Picayune Strand State Forest
Picayune Strand State Forest in Naples is a restored 50,000-acre area critical to the Everglades’ ecology. It offers improved water quality and diverse recreational activities like hiking, biking and horseback riding. Once a failed subdivision, it now protects wildlife habitats and supports outdoor adventures, including camping, fishing and seasonal hunting.
2121 52nd Ave. SE, Naples 
239-348-7557

Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach Park, located in the desirable North Naples area near upscale hotels, offers white sandy beaches and amenities like beach wheelchairs, bike racks and a parking garage. To secure parking during the busy tourist season from January to March, it’s recommended to arrive before 10 a.m.
100 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples 
239-252-4000

South Marco Beach
South Marco Beach provides a public parking lot on Swallow Avenue, leading to one of the island’s two public beaches. The beach is equipped with 70 parking spaces and restroom access and requires a Beach Parking Permit. It is accessible from sunrise to sundown, and parking on the streets or swales in the South Beach area is not allowed.
930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island 
239-252-4000