Sanibel Island Beaches

Sanibel Island in particular dominates in the category of shelling beaches. It is recognized as one the top Florida beaches to find seashells, and is known worldwide by casual shellers to conchologists. It welcomes small-fry beach bums as well as nature-lovers, who flock to watch birds and spot dolphins.

Sanibel beaches consistently win prizes for the quality and abundance of their seashells. The island ranks among the top Florida beaches for families and among the best beaches in the world for shelling.

 The following is PROHIBITED at all of these beaches:

  • Launching of motorized vessels
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Open fires
  • Collection of live shells

Causeway Beaches

The Causeway Beaches are located alongside the road after you pass the first bridge right after the toll.

  • Free parking.
  • Handicap parking.
  • Dog friendly beach (dog must be leashed) and should be cleaned up after.
  • Picnic tables and BBQ grills (first come first serve).
  • Boat ramp parking.
  • Car & trailer parking (paid parking and “C” sticker only).
  • Restrooms.

Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier

The Lighthouse beach is located on the east side of Periwinkle.

  • Paid parking is available $2.00 per hour (cash & credit cards are accepted).
  • Free handicap parking, 4 parking spaces.
  • Fishing pier, lighthouse, boardwalk & nature trails.
  • RV Parking (2 spaces).
  • Bike rack available – no fee for bikes.
  • Restrooms and outdoor shower.
  • 24-hour paid parking.
  • Dog friendly beach (dog must be leashed) and should be cleaned up after.

Gulfside City Park

Gulfside City Park is a popular beach for loggerhead turtles in the summer time, located on Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Road.

  • Paid parking is available for $2.00 per hour (cash & credit cards are accepted).
  • Free handicap parking, 3 parking spaces.
  • Restrooms and outdoor shower.
  • Picnic tables & BBQ grills (first come first serve).
  • Bike rack is available – no fee for bikes.
  • Dog friendly beach (dog must be leashed) and should be cleaned up after.

Tarpon Bay Beach

The Tarpon Bay Beach is located at the south end of Tarpon Bay Road at West Gulf Drive. The parking lot is situated on Tarpon Bay Road, minutes away from the beach.

  • Paid parking is available $2.00 per hour (cash & credit cards are accepted).
  • Free handicap parking, 3 parking spaces.
  • Oversized (20 foot & over) parking available.
  • Restrooms and outdoor shower at the beach entrance.
  • Bike parking at the beach entrance- no fees for bikes.

Bowmans Beach

The Bowman’s beach is known for its seclusion and wildlife, very popular with shellers, birds and turtles, Bowman’s Beach is  located off Sanibel-Captiva Road on Bowman’s Beach Rd; to get here from the parking lot you must walk through the wooded bridge.

  • Paid parking available $2.00 per hour (cash & credit cards are accepted).
  • Free handicap parking, 7 parking spaces.
  • Oversized (20 foot & over) parking available.
  • Restrooms, changing rooms and outdoor shower.
  • Picnic tables & BBQ grills.
  • Public telephone at restrooms.
  • Nature & fitness trails.
  • Canoe and kayak launching.
  • Dog friendly beach (dog must be leashed) and should be cleaned up after.