The Beaches Of Fort Myers Beach

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Everyone loves the beach. Fort Myers Beach is a great one to visit. Of course, you’ll want to know how to do so properly.

Fort Myers Beach

This beach is located with the town of Fort Myers Beach and stretches the whole length of Estero Island (approximately 7 miles). Its most popular areas are in front of the Lani Kai hotel and directly north of the pier at Lynn Hall Memorial Park. The least crowded areas are in between the south and mid-island, as well as directly north of Lynn Hall Memorial Park.

Fort Myers Beach is busiest in March but most of February and April are also quite busy. Regardless as to when you visit, there are some rules that you must observe:

1. No diving off the pier.
2. No alcohol on the beach except for within restaurant property.
3. Dogs must be on a leash and you must clean up after them.

You will find lots of public access to the beach thanks to numerous paths, streets and parks that are owned by both the city and the county. The only through street though is Estero Blvd. Metered parking is available throughout Estero Island, except near town, for around $2 per hour.

Bowditch Point Park

At the northern tip of Estero Island you will find Bowditch Point Regional Park. Here are 7 acres of serene beach with a choice of settings, all of which include peaceful surroundings. While the gulf front is most active, there are still plenty of places for walking, swimming and sunbathing. The walking trails themselves will carry you through various environments, allowing for bird watching and panoramic views. All of the beach, except for the boat dock, is accessible for disabled persons. There are also plenty of tables and grills.

Access to this beach includes more than 75 parking spots at $2 per hour. You will need to have change, one or five dollar bills or a credit card though because no change is provided. Also, keep in mind that there’s no trailer parking allowed.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park

Located directly north of the foot of the Motanzas Pass Bridge, in the heart of downtown, is this lively park. It’s conveniently located by restaurants and shopping and features a licensed fishing pier that has its own bait shop, as well as shelters for grills and outdoor restrooms with showers for rinsing off after swimming. There are also 100 parking spaces available at $2 per hour. You’ll need coins, bills or a major credit card though because no change is given. Also, trailers aren’t permitted.

Metered Public Beach Access Mini-Lots

Besides the major parks there are also many smaller access points in between Lynn Hall Memorial Park (Downtown Fort Myers Beach) and Lovers Key. Each lot has about 4-12 parking spots with coin operated meters. It costs $2/hour and there is no limit to how long you can stay, just make sure you bring enough quarters with you 😉

Here are the numbers of each access point and the name of the street intersecting with Estero Blvd. where it is located.

Beach Access #11 – Flamingo
Beach Access #12 – Gulf
Beach Access #13 – Lanark
Beach Access #14 – Aberdeen
Beach Access #15 – Sterling
Beach Access #16 – Dakota
Beach Access #17 – Strandview
Beach Access #18 – Gulfview
Beach Access #19 – Bayview
Beach Access #20 – Coconut
Beach Access #21 – Hercules
Beach Access #22 – Connecticut
Beach Access #23 – Seaview
Beach Access #24 – Pompano
Beach Access #25 – Gulf Beach
Beach Access #26 – Chapel
Beach Access #27 – Mango
Beach Access #28 – Delmar
Beach Access #30 – Palm
Beach Access #31 – Miramar
Beach Access #32 – Ave. E
Beach Access #33 – Alva
Beach Access #34 – Ave. C
Beach Access #35 – Ave. A
Beach Access #36 – Canal

Lovers Key

Directly off of County Road 865 between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach in Lee County (GPS coordinates: N 26° 23.578, W 81° 52.063) is Lovers Key. While this beach used to only be accessible via boat, today it’s 1 of 4 barrier islands making up a state park. Along this 2 mile long beach you’ll find lots of wildlife (i.e. eagles, dolphins, manatees) and plenty of places to go shelling, swim, have a picnic or sunbathe. There are also more than 5 miles of hiking/biking trails and a boat ramp. Kayak tours are available and you can also rent bikes, canoes and kayaks.

Access to Lovers Key is via a boardwalk or tram. It is located 10.5 miles west of the Bonita Boat Rd. exit in Bonita Springs (exit 116) on I75. You can also get there off of San Carlos Blvd. in Fort Myers.