BEACHES
BEST MIAMI BEACHES
21st–45th Street Beach
A small stretch of sand, with sporadic lifeguard huts and snacks. It also serves as backdrop for some of
the area’s most luxurious hotels and exclusive beach clubs, which unexpectedly command less beachfront
real estate than their neighbors to the south so more locals gather here. The Miami Beach boardwalk runs
through it, turning into a paved surface as you head south past 23rd Street—ideal for joggers.
Lummus Park Beach
Volleyball, thatched huts and people-watching. There’s also a gay beach at 12th Street and plenty of
topless tourists and friendly bird feeders, which provide a good source of entertainment. Keep an eye out
for the funky lifeguard stands: the one at 14th Street, which sports a circular roof crowned with AstroTurf,
is our fave.
Haulover Beach
These dozen miles of white sand, ocean surf, landscaped dunes and shaded picnic areas rank as one of the
area’s most scenic stretches of beachfront. Worth the drive or bus journey (take the S from Lincoln
Road), the beach is fringed with dense vegetation that blocks out the visual pollution of nearby high-rises.
There’s a nude beach (between the two northernmost parking lots) and a gay nude beach (north of the
lifeguard tower). Tuesday nights bring a small food truck festival, with local vendors, live music and
programming for the whole family.
South Pointe Park Pier
This verdant spot on the very tip of Miami Beach is part of a 17-acre park with picnic areas, a playground,
a fishing pier (complete with cutting and washing stations, and recycling bins for fishing lines) and great
views of cruise ships. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Government Cut channel, it makes for a wonderful
respite from the urban madness. During stone crab season, you’ll find plenty of locals hoisting bags
of claws and other goodies from nearby Joe’s Takeaway for a beachside picnic at the park.
Surfside
A sleepy residential enclave less than a mile square, Surfside exudes a small beach town vibe. Everyone
knows each other and there’s a true neighborhood feeling to the town. Every first Friday of the summer
months there’s a communal beach picnic that happens on the sand near the lifeguard station on 93rd.
It’s mostly residents who gather to listen to music, feast and participate in kid-friendly activities.
The Surfside Community
Center also boasts one of the best water parks in Miami.
Sunny Isles Beach
Beyond Haulover Beach Park lies Sunny Isles Beach, two miles of public beaches, souvenir shops and hotels.
Architectural kitsch and older tourists once prevailed here; in an effort to change its reputation forever,
the place has recently undergone a luxury beachside condo boom. These days, Sunny Isles Beach resembles more
the condo canyon of mid-Miami Beach than the low-rent beach community it was from World War II until just a
few years ago.
46th–63rd Street Beach
Pleasant, not too crowded and very family-oriented, with a play area at 53rd. On the downside, the
otherwise vibrant Collins Street morphs into a soulless backdrop of bland condos around here with a few
big-name hotels from Miami Beach’s golden era sprinkled in-between. Parking is easier to come by than
in South Beach, but you’re exchanging environment and proximity to cool eateries for sheer
convenience.
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Occupying the southern tip of Key Biscayne, this park’s wide beaches regularly make the national top
ten lists. But this is more than just a place to catch some rays: there’s history, wildlife and plenty
of activities too. You can tour the Cape Florida Lighthouse, the oldest building in south Florida; explore
native wildlife planted in the aftermath of 1992’s Hurricane Andrew; and try your hand at shoreline
fishing, ocean kayaking, windsurfing, cycling and in-line skating. Covered pavilions are available for
picnics, and the Lighthouse Café offers good food.
Crandon Park
Palm trees line Key Biscayne’s Crandon Park, and shallow waters, barbecues and picnic tables make it
a favorite destination for families. A winding boardwalk and convenient parking complete the picture.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
A wide and handsome sandy strip with a brick promenade for skaters, joggers and cyclists. Postcard-perfect,
it comes complete with bronzed lifeguards and coconut palms, and draws an altogether more laidback crowd
than the beaches in Miami. Just looking to cruise? Fort Lauderdale Beach offers direct water views (and
access) right from the street—like driving down the Pacific Coast Highway without all of the cliffs.
Matheson Hammock Park Beach
Scenic park with scores of nature trails and a man-made atoll pool that’s flushed by the tidal action
of Biscayne Bay—a hit with families with small children not yet ready to brave the waves of South
Beach. It doubles up as a prime kite-boarding spot. Come with a hammock and gently rock yourself
through an afternoon of people-watching. Or dock your boat (it’s one of the city’s most popular
public marinas) before heading to dinner at Red Fish Grill, one
of the Miami’s best seafood restaurants right inside the park.
Bal Harbour
A small beach with a Vita course, nestled inside this famously well-heeled town just north of Surfside.
There are said to be more millionaires per capita in Bal Harbour than in any other city in the
U.S.—you need to be one to hang out here for long.
Delray Beach
If you want to stop between Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach, do so at Delray Beach, an intimate town with
wide beaches, trolley tours and an impressive cultural scene. The coast has always attracted visitors, from
Spanish explorers in the 1500s to today’s retirees and sun-seekers. It’s not hard to see why:
the beach is picturesque, and not too populated. You’ll have no trouble finding an (inexpensive)
umbrella and beach chair on which to lie on and soak up some rays for several uninterrupted hours.
Hobie Beach
Hobie Beach, named for the late surfboard pioneer Hobie Alter, is unsurprisingly the beach of choice for
practitioners of that sport. Windsurf, jet-ski and sailing boat rentals are all available onsite. It’s
also one of Miami’s few dog-friendly beaches, so expect lots of canines splashing around in the
shallow waters—which are often murky and covered in seaweed.
Stay In Miami
BEST FORT MYERS BEACHES
LOVERS KEY STATE PARK
Lover’s Key is made up of four barrier islands between Fort Myers and Bonita Beaches. For years it
was only accessible by boat so “lovers” would travel there for solitude. These days, trams and
boardwalks help you to navigate the two miles of white sand. Even with so many visitors, the land is mostly
unspoiled, with an abundance of wildlife not to mention great shelling. Black Island has hiking and biking
trails or you can explore the well-known Calusa Indian site of Mound Key by kayak. This beach has something
for everyone. And if you are hungry or sandy, find concessions and showers for comfort.
BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
Occupying some 300-plus acres, Barefoot offers a varied natural landscape that can seduce and captivate
everyone from sun worshippers to hikers and animal-lovers. You may even run across a Loggerhead Turtle.
Shielded from surrounding development by the dense growth of mangroves and hemlocks, Barefoot Beach manages
to escape the traffic and large crowds that other beaches usually see, making this one of the area’s
true treasures for those seeking a quiet, peaceful day on the Gulf. That’s not to say that Barefoot is
free of any and all modern convenience, as those with children will be happy to note that the park has
public restrooms, showers and even concessions.
BOWMAN’S BEACH
This quiet county park is home to one of the most popular beaches on Sanibel. Situated well off a long
stretch on Sanibel-Captiva Road, the beach presents a certain “undiscovered” feel when you
arrive. This also translates into excellent shelling and great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
The sand is white and there are miles of it for you to walk, unobstructed. The water is calm, great for
swimming or floating. It’s also stunningly clear and it will wash all your cares away. The walk from
the parking lot to the beach will take you a good five minutes but it’s worth it. The park features
shady picnic tables, grills and public restrooms.
CAYO COSTA STATE PARK
Cayo Costa is a barrier island with nine miles of beautiful beach, mangrove swamps and acres of shady pine
trees. A fabulous spot for shelling, also keep your eyes open for wildlife including dolphins, manatees and
an array of birds. For a one-of-a-kind getaway, rent a primitive cabin or pack a tent and spend the night.
Fishing is permitted and there are trails for off-road bicycling. The island is only accessible by boat, if
you don’t have one you can hop on a ferry at Tropic Star of Pine Island in Bokeelia or aboard Captiva
Cruises at Jensen’s Marina. Many people don’t want to make the effort it takes to get here, that
means low crowds and at times you can feel as if you have the entire island to yourself.
LYNN HALL MEMORIAL PARK
This popular family destination boasts one of the area’s most well known attractions: Fort Myers
Beach Pier. The park’s beach area appeals to sunbathers, swimmers, volley-ballers and fisherman.
It’s adjacent to “Times Square”, a pedestrian area full of restaurants and shops. Indeed,
Lynn Hall is the place to head if you are looking for a fun, activity-filled day at the beach and good
people watching. The park offers public restroom facilities and bathhouses. There is a trolley stop here if
you don’t have a car or don’t want to fool with parking. If you do drive, park and pay at a
central kiosk; two dollars an hour, credit cards accepted.
TARPON BAY BEACH
Located on Sanibel Island’s southern coast, this small beach area may not attract the crowds that
other stretches see, but those willing to find Tarpon Bay Road are in for quite a sight when they get here.
Calm, clear water that’s ideal for swimming, wide expanses of soft white sand, and great opportunities
for shelling help make this beach a true diamond in the rough. It’s not uncommon to see dolphins in
the surf as well.
BOWDITCH POINT PARK
This is the last possible stretch of beach on Estero Island, sitting on the Northern tip of Fort Myers
Beach. It’s a great place to watch all kinds of watercraft, make their way into the Gulf of Mexico.
The park includes walking trails, guided walks and is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
The beach is narrow at high tide but is beautifully decorated by Mother Nature with lots of driftwood and
mangroves. There are restroom facilities and a concession stand if your cooler gets low. The park also
offers kayak and paddleboard rentals when you’re ready to move your body.
LIGHTHOUSE BEACH PARK
It was hard to see the Sanibel Lighthouse through the summer of 2013 as it underwent a rehabilitation
project. This is the most photographed site on Sanibel Island. While visitors are unable to go inside the
120 year old structure, they can read about its history and sun on it’s beaches. The shelling is good
here as the current can sometimes be swift, washing up all kinds of treasures. Explore the wetlands around
the lighthouse using the designated nature trails and boardwalks. There are a number of shady parking
spaces, a small pier for fishing and for your comfort, indoor restroom facilities
CAPTIVA BEACH
Sitting at the entrance to South Seas Resort, on the northern tip of the island, this is the last possible
bit of public beach on Captiva. The parking is limited but it is worth the effort if you can find a spot.
There are miles of shoreline and it is widely regarded as one of the most romantic beaches. The sand is full
of shells and the dolphins love to play in the clear blue water. This is one of the few beaches along the
Southwest Florida coast that actually has a drop off as you wade into the water. A pontoon boat sells
beverages and snacks from the shallow water in case you run out of sustenance.
CAUSEWAY ISLANDS
While the “Causeway” may not have the most beautiful sand or the bluest water of the Fort Myers
area beaches, it is the most popular for extreme sports. The constant wind makes the Causeway most appealing
for wind surfing, kite surfing, fishing, skiing and other water sports. You can pull your car right up to
the shoreline, no lugging coolers and tents through soft, sandy dunes. Parking is free, however, it will
cost you six dollars to get through the toll. Your friends with boats can pull up, anchor and join the party
by water. There are a few picnic tables and restrooms. Set up camp and stay all day.
Stay In Fort Meyers
BEST NAPLES BEACHES
DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK
Recognized as one of the best beaches in the US, the sandy shore at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is
all-natural and devoid of the high rises and development of most of the other local beaches. A nature trail
leads to an observation tower at the beach’s north end. Fishermen head to the pass to hook into fish
being flushed out of the Cocohatchee River. This is a popular park, but you can usually find parking in one
of the many lots if you arrive early enough. The park posts a sign on the road leading to it when it is
full, but there’s another parking lot less than a quarter mile away if you don’t mind walking.
Picnic areas have grills, restrooms and showers.
BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE PARK
This pristine park offers the ideal beach experience complete with tropical hammocks, scenic tidal creeks
and lush mangrove swamps. For those who eschew beach crowds, this is usually a good bet, because it is a
little trickier to get to – through a neighborhood development mined with speed bumps and roaming
gopher tortoises. The 342-acre preserve features a one-mile nature trail, public showers, a picnic area, a
concession stand, a butterfly garden and equipment rentals. Rangers give free nature walks and shell talks
at the chickee learning center. Its natural, unspoiled quality appeals to wildlife watchers, fishermen and
beach bums alike.
NAPLES MUNICIPAL BEACH AND PIER
A staple in the community for more than 100 years, the Naples Fishing Pier is a must-see attraction close
to the downtown goings-on around Third Street South. Once the entry point for those who arrived to Naples by
boat, the main mode of transportation in the early days, today its importance lies in the recreational
rather than practical realm. Six miles of flawless, white sand meets aquamarine waves that lull beach lovers
into relaxation. Bring a rod to try fishing off the pier, or just watch as others reel in their catches. The
pier and beach never close, and provide the perfect spot to watch the setting sun dip into the endless sea.
It’s a nightly ritual for fishermen, strollers, lovers and pelicans.
LOWDERMILK PARK
Lowdermilk Park holds the most full-service facilities of any Gulf of Mexico beach in the Naples area,
making it a good fit for families with children. They can gather for picnics in one of the two gazebo
pavilions that the park rents out, go check out the duck pond, play on the two playgrounds and enjoy the
calm and safe waters here away from any rushing pass waters. Other facilities include sand volleyball
courts, restrooms and showers, handicap access and beach wheelchairs and a food concession stand. Its close
proximity to the downtown area adds to its convenience for visitors of all ages.
VANDERBILT BEACH
Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples fronts a line of resorts, including the Ritz-Carlton. The good news is
that affords beach-goers venues for bar-hopping and dining. The bad: It gets a little crowded. Plenty of
open white sand carpets the beach along the gently lapping Gulf of Mexico. In the quiet early morning hours,
beachers can enjoy hunting for sea shells and watching shore birds. You can walk for miles along this
stretch, to Clam Pass Preserve Park to the north and along housing developments and residential
neighborhoods to the south. Perks such as a concession stand, public restrooms, showers and bike racks
appeal to the midday crowd.
TIGERTAIL BEACH
At Marco Island’s northern end, an island and a sand spit peninsula intercept the sand, stealing the
beach from the main island. Coconut Island and Sand Dollar Spit are both accessible from Tigertail Beach,
the public access operated by Collier County. Both barrier sand structures are known for their sea shells.
Meanwhile at Tigertail, a lagoon has formed at the public access that fills with birds, especially in the
morning breakfast hours. The access also has playgrounds, water sports rentals, a food concession and
restrooms. To get to Sand Dollar Spit, you can swim across the lagoon or walk south to where it connects to
land. From the spit’s north end, Coconut Island is a short walk away.
CLAM PASS COUNTY PARK
This beach adventure begins with a tram ride across a three-quarter-mile boardwalk through a mangrove
estuary, so you get to experience at least two different Naples habitats within minutes. The park fronts the
Naples Grande Beach Resort, located adjacent to its parking lot, which means it can be heavily populated,
especially in the winter and spring season. The lovely coastal habitat spans 35 acres and also includes a
tidal bay area where beachgoers can observe wading shorebirds, osprey and other marine life. Boat and cabana
rentals are available at the county-operated facility, plus there are restrooms, showers and a resort food
concession.
SOUTH MARCO BEACH
Public beach access is limited on Marco Island. This one, at the southernmost end of the island, is easiest
to get to and find, although there is a bit of a walk from the parking lot on the other side of Collier
Boulevard. Marco Island boasts a soft sugar-sand brand of beach, wide and usually teaming with activity
– volleyball, jet-skiing, parasailing, paddle-boarding, you name it. Set back high-rises line most of
the shoreline. Native vegetation grows between development and the sand. The only facilities are restrooms
in the parking lot, but there is a restaurant next to the access where you can use the restrooms if
you’re eating or drinking.
BONITA BEACH PARK
Big Hickory Island holds the community of Bonita Beach, an erstwhile fishing village turned swank. At the
island’s southernmost end, beach-lovers come to play. The closest beach to Interstate 75, it attracts
a lively crowd of active beach-goers with all sorts of water sports rentals and beach volleyball. Although
many come to party at Bonita Beach Park, it is also family friendly with a playground, picnic shelters with
tables and grills, beach rentals and a burger joint that feeds you indoors and outdoors. Heading north, you
will find about ten more smaller public beach accesses, with free but limited parking, lining Hickory
Boulevard.
SUGDEN REGIONAL PARK
The only freshwater lake public beach in the Naples area, Sugden Regional Park is most well known for its
sailing events and programs, but the 60-acre Avalon Lake is also a great place for kayaking and water
skiing. The park rents water sports equipment including paddle boats. A scenic walking trail takes you
around the lake, and visitors also enjoy picnicking, playing on the playground, fishing from the pier and
relaxing on the sand beach. Water-skiing and sailing lessons are available at this county maintained
facility in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of Naples – including instruction for those with
special needs.