Things to do in Southwest Gulf Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast: The Best Beaches

January 24, 2022 Mollie Coke

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast contains a constellation of enticing coastal gems. Stunning beaches, including Ft. Myers Beach, Tigertail Beach and Pensacola Beach, fringe the Gulf, down the I-75 from Tampa to Naples. Sanibel Island’s shelling attracts thousands. Cape Coral’s waters are paradise for flyfishing. Golfers adore spectacular courses in Marco Island and Naples. Glorious sunny days and deliciously warm turquoise waters beckon in this often overlooked corner of the Sunshine State.
Restaurants in Southwest Gulf Coast

1. Bowman's Beach

1700 Bowman's Beach Road, Sanibel Island, FL 33957 239-472-6397 https://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/listing/bowmans-beach/37876
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,042 reviews

Bowman's Beach

Reviewed By Markclo1 - San Antonio, United States

Our family has been coming here for the last decade and its just beautiful here. Bowman is a wonderful beach, beautiful white sand, awesome blue ocean. There is tonnes of space on this beach. They have great facilities as well, only downside is that its a long walk from the parking lot to the beach, only a problem if you have small children like us. There is a park which are kids enjoyed too, we saw turtles, everywhere is very clean. I dont mind paying for parking when the facilities are well maintained like this. There is no doubt that red tide has had an impact on the wildlife in South West Florida, there seem to be less birds and fish than previous years, we are seeing that everywhere

2. Clam Pass Park

465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103-2413 (239) 252-4000 http://www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=458
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,130 reviews

Clam Pass Park

Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey, United States

To enter and park we had to pay $8 fee. Large parking lot. About a kilometer walk on a lovely boardwalk to get to the beach or instead of a walk a comfortable ride on a trolley or rather a form of an extended golf cart quickly transporting people to the beach. Very efficient service, not much wait, no additional fees. The trolley stops near the restaurant by the entrance to the beach. The beach itself is lovely, wide, the golden sand is delicate, beautiful shells. We did not see any picnic tables or natural shade but most visitors have their own beach umbrellas. The beach extends to the Clam Pass itself. Best place for fishing is not in the pass but from the bridge about half way between the parking lot and the beach. We had a great beach day, impressed with the beauty of the area.

3. South Lido Park

2201 Ben Franklin Dr Lido Key, Sarasota, FL 34236
Excellent
63%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 465 reviews

South Lido Park

Reviewed By carlosy361 - Knoxville, United States

The beach at South Lido Park is amazing! At that southern tip, a sandbar forms a shallow pool (about 3 feet deep) where young children can play safely and adults can chill out. At the sandbar you will find all kinds of amazing shells for your collection. Amazing spot for the whole family.

4. Bonita Springs Public Beach

26082 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134-3779
Excellent
58%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 910 reviews

Bonita Springs Public Beach

Reviewed By alwaystripin - Estero, United States

This is a great place to catch the sunset. Just remember that parking is limited so you may want to get there a bit early. There is a beach bar right there, probably good pizza or burger but we got the fish which was just ok. Still, there is a nice picnic area with grills and tables and the beach is very clean. Love going there for the day or sunset.

5. Barefoot Beach Preserve

503 Barefoot Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 +1 239-252-4000 http://www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=455
Excellent
69%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,565 reviews

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Reviewed By costaricacouple - Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

When my wife and i went last week things have changed a lot since i was last there, The ride down the the road was amazing with all the million dollar homes, and their landscaping, When you get to the little toll both to pay your almost there, plenty of parking, bathrooms,showers,The beach it self was breathtaking ,My wife found some nice shells, the water is clear, This beach would be great for any one that is in the area,Barefoot is one of our favorites.

6. Cape Romano

South of Marco, on the Gulf, only by boat, Marco Island, FL
Excellent
65%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

Cape Romano

Reviewed By emmamazing

We went for a jet ski through the mangroves and it was so cool to see these ruins out in the middle of the water. We honestly thought it was from a Star Wars movie!

7. Venice Beach

101 The Esplanade S, Venice, FL 34285-2110 (310) 396-6764 https://www.laparks.org/venice
Excellent
54%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,306 reviews

Venice Beach

Reviewed By Lechien513

Yoga on the Beach with Elin (twice in the am and once in the pm), drum circle at sunset, volleyball at 4:30, clean restrooms, lifeguards, and beautiful sand! Who could ask for anything more? Parking has never been an issue for me but many travel by bicycle. I love the mat halfway to the water for those in wheelchairs but I wish it went all the way to the water.

8. Cape Coral

5819 Driftwood Pkwy # A, Cape Coral, FL 33904-5963 +1 239-574-0806 http://www.capecoral.net/department/parks_and_recreationhome/yacht_club_community_center/index.php
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 987 reviews

Cape Coral

Reviewed By 662jet - Cape Coral, United States

This is a beautiful small city where nearly every home has access to the Gulf of Mexico right in their back yard. If you love to go boating this is the place for you. The cost of visiting or especially living is very very reasonable. The people are nice and very friendly. The coldest winter temperature is not very often below 50 degrees. Swim year around, citizens grow oranges, grapefruit, avocados, mangos, bananas, tangerines, lemons, limes and mangos right in their back yard. This place should be called paradise.

9. Caspersen Beach

4100 Harbor Dr, Venice, FL 34285 http://www.scgov.net/beaches/Pages/Caspersen.aspx
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,810 reviews

Caspersen Beach

Reviewed By Z3445BUthomask - Monee, United States

Family of 13 young from 8 to 65 Great place nice beach clean and has a rock beach or just beach This is a hidden Gem just 1 /2 mile south Of Sharkys

10. Lowdermilk Beach

1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,318 reviews

Lowdermilk Beach

Reviewed By stammtischflorida - Montreal, Canada

You can walk for miles along the beach Sandy beach with lots of places for your chairs and umbrella There's a great little snack bar for the usual fast food and ice cream Bathroom and a place outside for washing off the sand from feet and body especially if the kids have played at burying one another. Lots of parking including for handicap Water in the gulf was a little cold but it was still a great place to swim since the waves are a lot smaller than the Atlantic side Saw lots of dolphins and Pelicans There is also a place for the kids to play or grown ups wanting to play volleyball Beach patrol helps keep things safe as there is no alcohol permitted So have a good time since this is one of the favourite places to enjoy the beach in naples

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