There are many beaches on Sanibel. Here are our top picks.
Lighthouse Beach Park located at 110/153 Periwinkle Way: There about 170 parking spaces at this beach. It is just a short walk to the sand. The beach is wide and flat and the water is shallow. But be careful, there currents can be a bit strong at this beach. This section is popular with windsurfers and fishermen. This beach also has a short pier for fishing that extends into the San Carlos Bay. This pier does have its own access road and parking lot. While you’re sitting on this beach on a clear day you can even see some of the high-rises in Naples. The position of the beach does not make it ideal for sunsets, but you can catch an amazing sunrise. It’s amenities include a fishing pier, shell information kiosk, drinking fountains, bike racks, barbeque grills, picnic area, shade pavilion, outside showers and restrooms. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park located at 111 Tarpon Bay Road: Public parking (76 spaces) for this beach is located at 205 Tarpon Bay Road, it is a short 5 minute walk down Tarpon Bay’s walking path. This is a simple beach that stretches out a good distance in both directions offering a lot of space for everyone to enjoy. Lots of space to stroll, walk or run. It has bike racks, drinking fountains, picnic area, outdoor showers and restrooms. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
Gulfside City Beach Park / Algiers located at 2001 Algiers Lane: There are about 46 parking spaces. This beach is named after the Algiers steamship, that converted into a home at this spot. The steamship was removed more than 20 years ago and today a park with picnic tables sits in its place. This stretch of beach is a poplar nesting site for loggerhead turtles, so keep your eye out for the roped off nests. It has bike racks, drinking fountains, outside showers, picnic areas, shade pavilion, barbeque grills and restrooms. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
Bowman’s Beach Park located at 1700 Bowman’s Beach Road: There are about 218 parking spaces. This beach has no homes, condominiums, hotels or resorts nearby so it is nice and quiet. It has a fairly long walk to the beach through a walking trail, it will take about 10 minutes, so pack lightly. This beach faces the Southwest so it is perfect for a sunset, although it won’t be directly in front of you. It has changing rooms, outside showers, drinking fountains, soda machine, barbeque grills, picnic areas, a playground, shade pavilion, fitness trail, shell information kiosk, kayak launch and bathrooms. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
Blindpass Beach Park / Turner Beach located at 6497 Sanibel-Captiva Road: There are about 27 public parking places at this beach. This beach straddles the pass between Sanibel and Captiva and is on the Sanibel side. This beaches waters are quite choppy, and have swift currents so be careful when in the water. This beach does not have bathrooms or any extras. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
Turner Beach Park / Blind Pass located at 17200 Captiva Drive: There are about 24 public parking places. This sits on the opposite side of Blind Pass, on the Captiva side. These two beaches have smaller crowds due to the limited parking spaces, and no other parking in the area. It is best if you get there early. It has outside showers, drinking fountains and restrooms. The parking fee is $5.00 an hour and is handicap accessible.
The Causeway Beaches located at 19931 Sanibel Causeway: This beach can be found on the slim sliver of land leading from Fort Myers to Sanibel Island itself along both sides of the road you. You can simply pull over at almost any point and step out on the sand. You can swim, windsurf, kayak, SUP and fishing. Its amenities include barbeque grills, picnic tables and bathrooms. There are no fees for parking.
And last but not least the beach in front of you rental condo or home is always the best. You are close to your condo so you can run in for lunch or extras. There are no parking fees or shortage of parking spots for you to encounter. Take a look at what we have available here.
Cash and credit card are accepted at kiosk-style parking meters. All offer free handicapped parking. Based on availability, courtesy beach wheelchairs are provided with a 24-hour notice to the City of Sanibel Police Department Dispatch by calling (239) 472-3111.