Allison Hagerup Beach Park

Captiva Beach is the open-Gulf shore along Captiva Drive and the Captiva village end — quieter and more shell-focused than Fort Myers Beach’s Times Square strip. Public access is limited; Allison Hagerup Beach Park and Turner Beach are the main county / pass parking options nearby. Expect soft sand, good shelling after storms, and sunsets that face west over the Gulf. Bring water and plan parking before you walk — street spots are scarce in Read more...

Blind Pass Beach sits on the Sanibel side of Blind Pass — the narrow channel between Sanibel and Captiva — with strong currents, fishing, and shelling that differs from Bowman’s long quiet strand. Public parking and restrooms serve the pass area; Turner Beach is the Captiva-side counterpart a short hop across the bridge. Swim with caution near the pass; the channel moves water faster than a flat mid-island Sanibel beach. Good for anglers and sunset Read more...

Bowman’s Beach is Sanibel’s best-known quiet Gulf beach — a Lee County park with a long walk from the paid lot through dunes and scrub to a wide, shell-heavy strand. It is less built-up than Lighthouse Beach Park at the east tip and farther from Blind Pass than Turner. Restrooms and picnic areas are at the park; the beach itself feels remote once you clear the path. Arrive early in season — the lot fills, Read more...

North Captiva Island is a boat-only barrier island north of Captiva — no bridge, no cars for visitors — with undeveloped Gulf beach, shelling, and a quieter feel than Captiva village or Fort Myers Beach. Reach it by private boat, water taxi, or charter; bring everything you need. It sits in the Captiva chain but is a separate island from Captiva proper and from Cayo Costa farther north. Check water conditions and leave no trash; Read more...