SouthWest(SW) Florida(FL) Fun Events Calendar
Beaches
The beaches of SouthWest Florida consist of a very fine powdery almost sugar like substance. The sand is cool, soothing and relaxing to the touch. Breezes off the Gulf of Mexico keeps the temperature pleasant even on extremely hot days. There are always plenty of activities taking place on our Florida beaches. Beach volleyball, games of frisbee, football, para sailing, swimming in the warm Gulf, shelling, tanning and enjoying the company of good friends and family. There are even special beaches that one can take their special four legged friend to. There is nothing more relaxing than spending a peaceful day at the beach and enjoying the sound of the waves lapping up against the shoreline.
I have comprised a listing of our pristine SouthWest Florida beaches along with their addresses, amenities and parking fees.
I have comprised a listing of our pristine SouthWest Florida beaches along with their addresses, amenities and parking fees.
Marco Island Beaches
1. Tiger Tail Beach, Hernando Drive on Marco Island, Amenities include
snack bar that serves breakfast & lunch, beach rentals, $8 parking fee or FREE for Collier
County residents with a beach parking sticker, restroom facilities, showers, barbecue
areas with picnic tables, playground, butterfly garden and boardwalk.
2. South Marco Beach Access, South Collier Boulevard on Marco Island, South Marco Beach
Access is a 70-parking space lot with rest room access. The parking lot is located on Swallow
Avenue and is a short walk across South Collier Boulevard to a one-acre beach access. The
walk is lined with sabal palms and is surrounded by plush hotels on Marco Island. Discover this
get away!
snack bar that serves breakfast & lunch, beach rentals, $8 parking fee or FREE for Collier
County residents with a beach parking sticker, restroom facilities, showers, barbecue
areas with picnic tables, playground, butterfly garden and boardwalk.
2. South Marco Beach Access, South Collier Boulevard on Marco Island, South Marco Beach
Access is a 70-parking space lot with rest room access. The parking lot is located on Swallow
Avenue and is a short walk across South Collier Boulevard to a one-acre beach access. The
walk is lined with sabal palms and is surrounded by plush hotels on Marco Island. Discover this
get away!
Naples Beaches
1. Barefoot Beach Preserve Park, Barefoot Beach Road off Bonita Beach Road
239-591-8596, Barefoot Beach Preserve Park has a 356 space parking lot, one-mile
nature trail, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic area and a concession where equipment may
be rented and food and drink is available for purchase. The preserve also offers handicapped
beach wheelchair access. Fee for parking, unless have a valid county beach parking
sticker.
2. Clam Pass Park, Seagate Drive and Crayton Road, Clam Pass is a beautiful
beach access point in the North Naples area of Collier County, Florida. Fee for parking, unless
have a valid county beach parking sticker. Clam Pass boasts 35 acres of coastal habitat and
preserves. Beach access is provided through this habitat on a three-quarter-mile boardwalk to
the sandy beach. Restrooms and showers available.
3. Lowdermilk Park, Corner of Banyan Road & Gulf Shore Boulevard, Lowdermilk
Park is one of Naples' premier beach parks, with metered and permit parking,
concession stand, sand volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, and a gazebo. To reserve a
gazebo for your next party, function or gathering please call 239-417-0777.
4. Naples City Pier, The historic Naples Pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West
end of 12th Avenue South. On street parking is supplemented by a parking lot one block
East, with additional parking at beach ends of Avenues to the North and South. A favorite
location of fishermen, the Naples Pier features a concession stand, restrooms, showers,
and bait shop. Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license, as the City of Naples
has purchased a bulk fishing license for the pier. The beach at the pier also features volleyball
nets, and is one of the best places to capture a spectacular Naples sunset.
5. North Gulf Shore Beach Access, Between Seagate Condominiums & North Gulf Shore
Boulevard, This access is one of the few in the upscale beachfront area. A county beach
parking lot is available at the end of Seagate Drive. A beach parking sticker is required.
6. Vanderbilt Beach Park, End of Vanderbilt Beach Road, Vanderbilt Beach Park is one of the
most popular beach accesses, because it is in a prime location near upscale hotels and in
the popular North Naples Area. Parking is free for those with beach parking stickers,
otherwise there is a $8 parking fee per day. Shower and restroom facilities available.
7. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, 11135 Gulf Shore Drive, 239-597-6196
One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park's mile-long stretch of
white sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach is
popular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Fishing at
the beach along Wiggins Pass, where swimming is not allowed, is another popular
activity. Shower and restroom facilities available. Admission fee $6 per vehicle.
239-591-8596, Barefoot Beach Preserve Park has a 356 space parking lot, one-mile
nature trail, outdoor showers, restrooms, picnic area and a concession where equipment may
be rented and food and drink is available for purchase. The preserve also offers handicapped
beach wheelchair access. Fee for parking, unless have a valid county beach parking
sticker.
2. Clam Pass Park, Seagate Drive and Crayton Road, Clam Pass is a beautiful
beach access point in the North Naples area of Collier County, Florida. Fee for parking, unless
have a valid county beach parking sticker. Clam Pass boasts 35 acres of coastal habitat and
preserves. Beach access is provided through this habitat on a three-quarter-mile boardwalk to
the sandy beach. Restrooms and showers available.
3. Lowdermilk Park, Corner of Banyan Road & Gulf Shore Boulevard, Lowdermilk
Park is one of Naples' premier beach parks, with metered and permit parking,
concession stand, sand volleyball courts, restrooms, showers, and a gazebo. To reserve a
gazebo for your next party, function or gathering please call 239-417-0777.
4. Naples City Pier, The historic Naples Pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West
end of 12th Avenue South. On street parking is supplemented by a parking lot one block
East, with additional parking at beach ends of Avenues to the North and South. A favorite
location of fishermen, the Naples Pier features a concession stand, restrooms, showers,
and bait shop. Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license, as the City of Naples
has purchased a bulk fishing license for the pier. The beach at the pier also features volleyball
nets, and is one of the best places to capture a spectacular Naples sunset.
5. North Gulf Shore Beach Access, Between Seagate Condominiums & North Gulf Shore
Boulevard, This access is one of the few in the upscale beachfront area. A county beach
parking lot is available at the end of Seagate Drive. A beach parking sticker is required.
6. Vanderbilt Beach Park, End of Vanderbilt Beach Road, Vanderbilt Beach Park is one of the
most popular beach accesses, because it is in a prime location near upscale hotels and in
the popular North Naples Area. Parking is free for those with beach parking stickers,
otherwise there is a $8 parking fee per day. Shower and restroom facilities available.
7. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, 11135 Gulf Shore Drive, 239-597-6196
One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park's mile-long stretch of
white sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach is
popular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Fishing at
the beach along Wiggins Pass, where swimming is not allowed, is another popular
activity. Shower and restroom facilities available. Admission fee $6 per vehicle.
Bonita Springs Beaches
1. Bonita Beach, Intersection of Bonita Beach Road and Hickory Boulevard, Bonita Beach is
a real treasure. It isn't overcome with touristy shops. Majestic homes fill the shoreline. It
has miles of soft, white sand, great shelling, occasional dolphin sightings, and turtle
nesting grounds that beach goers of all ages will appreciate. Swimmers, snorkelers,
rafters, and windsurfers will appreciate the clear waters just steps away from
the sand. Restroom facilities and showers available. Fee for parking unless possess a
Bonita Springs beach parking sticker.
2. Dog Beach, 8600 Estero Boulevard, Dogs may run free in a beautiful beach setting. This
park does not have restrooms or running water. Parking is free. Please "Paws" and read
the rules.
a real treasure. It isn't overcome with touristy shops. Majestic homes fill the shoreline. It
has miles of soft, white sand, great shelling, occasional dolphin sightings, and turtle
nesting grounds that beach goers of all ages will appreciate. Swimmers, snorkelers,
rafters, and windsurfers will appreciate the clear waters just steps away from
the sand. Restroom facilities and showers available. Fee for parking unless possess a
Bonita Springs beach parking sticker.
2. Dog Beach, 8600 Estero Boulevard, Dogs may run free in a beautiful beach setting. This
park does not have restrooms or running water. Parking is free. Please "Paws" and read
the rules.
Town of Ft. Myers Beach Beaches
1. Bowditch Point Regional Park, The park consists of 17 acres that is located at the
Northern tip of Estero Island. It is actually a dual use facility in which approximately 7
acres are a developed park for passive recreational use and the remaining 10 acres
a restoration/preserve area. The gulf front is more active while still providing a relaxed
atmosphere for walkers, swimmers and sunbathers. Walking trails through the
restoration/preserve area, carry you through varied environments and offers an
excellent opportunity for bird watching while being highlighted by panoramic views
of Estero Bay. The park also features tables and grills, available on a first come first
served basis, in a shaded tropical setting sure to please any picnicker. A concession
area offers visitors a place to rest, a variety of food items, gifts and souvenirs.
Restroom and changing facilities are available as well. Parking available at $1/hour.
2. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Lovers Key Sate Park is the doorway to
outdoor adventures! This 1,616 acre park between Ft. Myers and Naples is comprised of
four barrier islands-Lovers Key, Inner Key, Black Island and Long Key. It contains
2.5 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of
recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Experience some of the best shelling on southwest Florida's gulf beaches. Hike or
bike on eight miles of island trails including the five-mile Black Island Trail that
follows the inner waterways of the island. Where outdoor adventures are endless!
Concession, restrooms and showers available. Parking fee $8 per vehicle.
3. The Pier & Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Boulevard, Located on Ft. Myers
Beach, just North of the foot of Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to "Times Square"
in the heart of downtown. This lively gulf front park is conveniently located
adjacent to shopping and restaurants. It features a licensed fishing pier with
bait/gift shop, shelters with grills for picnicking(available on a first come first
serve basis only), a ship shaped playground for the youngsters, outdoor freshwater
rinse off showers and restrooms with changing facilities. Parking available at $1/hour.
1. Bowditch Point Regional Park, The park consists of 17 acres that is located at the
Northern tip of Estero Island. It is actually a dual use facility in which approximately 7
acres are a developed park for passive recreational use and the remaining 10 acres
a restoration/preserve area. The gulf front is more active while still providing a relaxed
atmosphere for walkers, swimmers and sunbathers. Walking trails through the
restoration/preserve area, carry you through varied environments and offers an
excellent opportunity for bird watching while being highlighted by panoramic views
of Estero Bay. The park also features tables and grills, available on a first come first
served basis, in a shaded tropical setting sure to please any picnicker. A concession
area offers visitors a place to rest, a variety of food items, gifts and souvenirs.
Restroom and changing facilities are available as well. Parking available at $1/hour.
2. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Boulevard, Lovers Key Sate Park is the doorway to
outdoor adventures! This 1,616 acre park between Ft. Myers and Naples is comprised of
four barrier islands-Lovers Key, Inner Key, Black Island and Long Key. It contains
2.5 miles of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a variety of
recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, fishing, kayaking, and swimming.
Experience some of the best shelling on southwest Florida's gulf beaches. Hike or
bike on eight miles of island trails including the five-mile Black Island Trail that
follows the inner waterways of the island. Where outdoor adventures are endless!
Concession, restrooms and showers available. Parking fee $8 per vehicle.
3. The Pier & Lynn Hall Memorial Park, 950 Estero Boulevard, Located on Ft. Myers
Beach, just North of the foot of Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to "Times Square"
in the heart of downtown. This lively gulf front park is conveniently located
adjacent to shopping and restaurants. It features a licensed fishing pier with
bait/gift shop, shelters with grills for picnicking(available on a first come first
serve basis only), a ship shaped playground for the youngsters, outdoor freshwater
rinse off showers and restrooms with changing facilities. Parking available at $1/hour.
San Carlos Bay Beach
1. Bunche Beach Preserve, 18201 John Morris Road, This 731-acre facility is a natural
tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. It is a pristine, completely natural
area that is indicative of exotic plant species, it is "Old Florida." It is for passive
recreational use and has no features or amenities. Parking is limited to a small 1/4 acre
sandlot with a few additional sandy spaces located along the entrance/exit roadsides.
All other areas must be accessed by foot. This is a living ecosystem that ranges from a
sandy beach to Mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of wildlife for
viewing and offers great photographic opportunities from the flora and fauna to
fantastic sunsets. No fees charged for use at this time. No pets or alcohol permitted.
Kayak Excursions provides a chance to kayak through this natural preserve. For kayak
rental information contact: Stefan Kuenzel at Kayak Excursions 239-297-7011 or online
www.kayak-excursions.com Hours for kayak rentals are Thursday - Tuesday 9am-4pm.
tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. It is a pristine, completely natural
area that is indicative of exotic plant species, it is "Old Florida." It is for passive
recreational use and has no features or amenities. Parking is limited to a small 1/4 acre
sandlot with a few additional sandy spaces located along the entrance/exit roadsides.
All other areas must be accessed by foot. This is a living ecosystem that ranges from a
sandy beach to Mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of wildlife for
viewing and offers great photographic opportunities from the flora and fauna to
fantastic sunsets. No fees charged for use at this time. No pets or alcohol permitted.
Kayak Excursions provides a chance to kayak through this natural preserve. For kayak
rental information contact: Stefan Kuenzel at Kayak Excursions 239-297-7011 or online
www.kayak-excursions.com Hours for kayak rentals are Thursday - Tuesday 9am-4pm.
Sanibel Island Beaches
1. Bowman's Beach, 1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Isolated and picturesque, this beach
is probably the most popular on Sanibel. Great shelling and amenities make it work the
five minute hike from the parking area(fee required) to the beach. Adventurous
beachcombers can walk for several miles on unobstructed white sand beaches covered
in shells. The shoreline at Bowman's Beach has experienced little of the intense
development seen on the rest of the islands. Amenities include picnic tables, grills,
pay phone, bathrooms and bike racks.
2. Turner Beach, 17200 Captiva Drive, This beach is just past the bridge to Captiva.
Parking is limited(fee required) so arrive early! This is great place for sunsets and
romantics. This area has great fishing from the beach and the rock jetty. Swimmers
should stay away from the bridge area. The water gets deep quickly and there can be
a strong undertow. So stay away from the strong currents and move further down the
beach. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge.
is probably the most popular on Sanibel. Great shelling and amenities make it work the
five minute hike from the parking area(fee required) to the beach. Adventurous
beachcombers can walk for several miles on unobstructed white sand beaches covered
in shells. The shoreline at Bowman's Beach has experienced little of the intense
development seen on the rest of the islands. Amenities include picnic tables, grills,
pay phone, bathrooms and bike racks.
2. Turner Beach, 17200 Captiva Drive, This beach is just past the bridge to Captiva.
Parking is limited(fee required) so arrive early! This is great place for sunsets and
romantics. This area has great fishing from the beach and the rock jetty. Swimmers
should stay away from the bridge area. The water gets deep quickly and there can be
a strong undertow. So stay away from the strong currents and move further down the
beach. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge.
Captiva Island Beach
1. Captiva North-End Beach Access/Alison Hagerup Beach Park, San-Cap Road
This Lee County property is at the end of San-Cap Road. Located directly behind
South Seas Plantation. This is a beach parking lot(fee required) that has access to
beautiful Captiva Beach. Please note: Lee County Parks and Recreation parking
decals issued after July 31, 2008 will not be valid for parking in the Captiva Island
North Lot(Alison Hagerup Beach Park). Visitors parking in this lot will be required
to pay the hourly rate.
Boca Grande Beaches
1. Captiva North-End Beach Access/Alison Hagerup Beach Park, San-Cap Road
This Lee County property is at the end of San-Cap Road. Located directly behind
South Seas Plantation. This is a beach parking lot(fee required) that has access to
beautiful Captiva Beach. Please note: Lee County Parks and Recreation parking
decals issued after July 31, 2008 will not be valid for parking in the Captiva Island
North Lot(Alison Hagerup Beach Park). Visitors parking in this lot will be required
to pay the hourly rate.
Boca Grande Beaches
1. Boca Grande Beach Access, There are 15 Gulf of Mexico side beach access
locations. Not all locations have a beach to access, but offer excellent views of
the Gulf. Parking is limited. There are 12 bay side access locations. Some as small
as a walking path to others that allow canoe/kayak launching. On the southern end
of the island there are 14 walking paths from Gulf Blvd to the beach. These are not
marked, primitive with no parking.
2. Parking area #2(Seagrape Access), This is beautiful beach with, some small dunes
and a wooden dune walkover from the parking lot. Restroom/changing facilities,
shower, and picnic tables available. Must pay for parking.
3. Parking area #1(Sandspur Beach Access), This is probably the most popular beach
access on Gasparilla Island because it is the first access, it has shaded picnic tables,
good restroom/changing facilities, it has a lighthouse, and is a safe swimming area.
Must pay for parking.
locations. Not all locations have a beach to access, but offer excellent views of
the Gulf. Parking is limited. There are 12 bay side access locations. Some as small
as a walking path to others that allow canoe/kayak launching. On the southern end
of the island there are 14 walking paths from Gulf Blvd to the beach. These are not
marked, primitive with no parking.
2. Parking area #2(Seagrape Access), This is beautiful beach with, some small dunes
and a wooden dune walkover from the parking lot. Restroom/changing facilities,
shower, and picnic tables available. Must pay for parking.
3. Parking area #1(Sandspur Beach Access), This is probably the most popular beach
access on Gasparilla Island because it is the first access, it has shaded picnic tables,
good restroom/changing facilities, it has a lighthouse, and is a safe swimming area.
Must pay for parking.
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