The 30 Best Beaches in Southwest Florida

Best beaches in southwest florida – We all know that Florida is full of some of the best beaches in the world.

If you are looking for the best beaches in Southwest Florida, this article is for you. We have collected 30 of our favorite spots. Some are natural, some have amenities to make your stay more enjoyable.

All are beautiful and worth visiting during your next vacation! With so many to choose from, we want you to have a list of some of our favorites just for you!

These 30 beaches are perfect for beach-goers who enjoy spending time with family and friends or looking at picturesque sunsets. Grab your favorite sunscreen and get ready to explore these awesome areas!

Best Beaches in Southwest Florida

Have you visited any of these? Southwest Florida boasts some of the best beachfronts in all of America.

From Marco Island to Cape Coral, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding that perfect spot on the Gulf Coast!

The following is a list of the best beaches in Southwest Florida that you can visit.

1. Keewaydin Island

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Southwest Florida, Keewaydin Island is definitely worth a visit.

This undeveloped island is known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, and it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

Keewaydin is located just north of Marco Island, so it’s a great place to spend the day on an island and then enjoy some time at the nightlife on Marco Island.

Dining at Keewaydin Island is a delightful experience, thanks to restaurants like Lulu’s Beach House, home to delicious drinks and seafood, and The Sandbar, where you can enjoy fresh fish, live music, and more.

2. Tigertail Beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Southwest Florida, Tigertail Beach is a great place to start.

This hidden gem offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico as well as plenty of activities to keep you busy. From swimming and sunbathing to kayaking and fishing, there’s something for everyone at Tigertail Beach.

With acres of white sand and some of the best water sports in Southwest Florida, you’ll never run out of things to do.

And with amenities such as a free-form pool, playgrounds, picnic areas, grills, restrooms, pavilions, beach chair and umbrella rentals, and even a pier for fishing, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Tigertail Beach is also one of Southwest Florida’s most popular destinations for weddings.

3. Caspersen Beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches in Southwest Florida, look no further than Caspersen Beach. This stunning beach is located on the Atlantic Coast and offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

It’s also a great place to watch the sunset. Most of the activities at Caspersen Beach take place from spring to fall. During the winter, the beach is closed due to strong waves and storm surges.

The best time to visit this beach is in the summer, when temperatures are high and water conditions are calm.

Caspersen Beach is one of the best kept secrets among locals. It’s only a 20-minute drive south of Naples, but it feels like another world.

4. Fort Myers Beach

The white sand beaches and clear blue waters of Fort Myers Beach are a major draw for visitors to Southwest Florida. This list of the best beaches in Southwest Florida is based on our readers’ votes.

When you plan your trip to the best beaches in Southwest Florida, make sure you visit our Fort Myers Beach travel guide for more information about activities and events on the island.

Beaches are fun for all ages, and a day at the beach is a great way to relax and play in the sun. Beaches can be dangerous places to swim, especially for children and pets.

5. Barefoot Beach Preserve

Barefoot Beach Preserve is one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. With its crystal-clear water and soft white sand, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.

The beach is located within the Barefoot Beach Preserve, which also features a nature center, hiking trails, and a boardwalk trail along the shore.

Barefoot Beach Preserve offers guided tours on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. from October to April and from June to September.

The tour covers six miles of hiking and costs $25 for adults and $10 for children age 4–12. Children under 4 are free.

6. Venice Beach

Venice Beach in Southwest Florida is one of the best beaches in the area. The white sand and crystal clear water make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Florida.

The vibe is laid-back and casual, which is why Venice Beach is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike.

Venice Beach is also an ideal location for hosting a private event or party. The beachside gazebo provides the perfect space for a wedding ceremony or small reception.

Located directly on the beach, the gazebo is available for rent for a reasonable price.

7. South Marco Beach

The best beaches in Southwest Florida are located on Marco Island. South Marco Beach is a wide, white sand beach that stretches for over a mile.

The beach is great for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. On the beach, you will find two concession stands for refreshments and supplies.

You can rent beach umbrellas and chairs at the beach. If you are not a beach goer, there is a nature trail that leads to the bird sanctuary. This is a great place to explore in the off season when you may have the beach to yourself.

The best museums in Southwest Florida are located in downtown Naples on Bayfront Parkway between 5th Avenue South and 3rd Avenue South.

8. Lowdermilk Beach

A visit to Southwest Florida wouldn’t be complete without a stop at one of its world-famous beaches.

The white sand and crystal-clear waters of Lowdermilk Beach are just a few minutes from downtown Naples, making it one of the most popular spots in the area.

Visitors can enjoy this beach year-round as it’s open from sunrise to sunset, and a park ranger is on duty year-round.

If you prefer to spend your time a little farther inland, head to the nearby paddling trail. This three-mile trail takes paddlers through Naples’ beautiful forest preserves.

The waterway is perfect for kayaking or canoeing, but only non-motorized vessels are allowed.

9. Manasota Key Beach

Manasota Key Beach is one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. It has beautiful white sand and crystal clear water. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sand.

The Manasota Key Park Pavilion is another great spot for enjoying the beach. It has picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and free showers.

Nearby are volleyball courts and a playground area for kids. Be sure to walk across the street to the nature center for a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you’re looking for a nice place to stay with some amazing views, check out the Beachside Villas on Manasota Key.

10. Cape Romano

The beaches of Southwest Florida are some of the most beautiful in the world. With crystal-clear water and white sand beaches, it’s no wonder that people come from all over to visit.

One of the best beaches in the area is Cape Romano, which offers stunning views and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Located in Collier County, Cape Romano is about a half-hour drive from the Naples Airport. We recently visited the area and were amazed by the beauty of the beaches and waterways.

While our visit was just for a few days, we couldn’t believe all the things that were offered at this beach. You can kayak around to see manatees and dolphins, or swim in the calm waters while watching an amazing sunset.

11. Stump Pass Beach State Park

Looking for the best beaches in Southwest Florida? Look no further than Stump Pass Beach State Park. This beautiful park offers pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun or want to explore the area’s natural beauty, Stump Pass Beach State Park is the perfect spot. Things to Do at Stump Pass Beach State Park

There are a number of ways to enjoy the park. The park has more than 5 miles of shoreline, which means you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and relax.

If you’re planning on camping, the park has sites available for reservations. You can also rent cabins that sleep up to six people. There are 10 cabins total, with rates starting at $94 per night.

12. Cape Coral

The southwest coast of Florida is known for its many beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for the best beaches in the area, Cape Coral is a great place to start.

With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Cape Coral is a paradise for beachgoers. Cape Coral is the most populous city in Lee County and is the third largest municipality in the state of Florida.

It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun family vacation, as it boasts plenty of fun things to do, including biking, boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, water skiing, kayaking, swimming, canoeing, and windsurfing.

13. Captiva Beach

Southwest Florida is known for its white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Captiva Beach is one of the best in the area, and it’s easy to see why.

The wide beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, making it the perfect spot to spend a day or weekend.

There are several other beaches in the area, including Lighthouse Beach Park, which is less than a mile away. There are plenty of things to do in that area, including fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

The White Shell Beach is another one of the most popular beaches in the area, and it’s just under a mile away. Southwest Florida is one of the best places to visit on the Gulf Coast.

14. Boca Grande Beach

The white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Boca Grande Beach make it one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida.

This hidden gem is located on Gasparilla Island and is known for its seclusion and laid-back atmosphere. The beach is primarily accessed by boat, so it is not the easiest to get to.

For those who know, there are a few parking lots on the island that charge a fee, but those in the know park on the mainland and take the ferry over.

The sandy bottom, coupled with the translucent water, makes for excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities. Boca Grande Beach is located in the middle of Gasparilla Island.

15. Englewood Beach

Englewood Beach has some of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. This beautiful beach is known for its sugar-white sand and crystal-clear waters.

It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun and surf. Pack a picnic and head down to the beach for an afternoon of fun in the sun.

Englewood Beach is located between Fort Myers Beach and Fort Myers on Sanibel Island, so it is definitely worth exploring while you’re there.

The section of Englewood Beach that faces the Gulf of Mexico has plenty of good surf. It’s a popular destination for surfers as well as windsurfers who enjoy the winds off the Gulf.

16. Clam Pass Park

There’s no doubt that Southwest Florida is home to some of the best beaches in the country. If you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun and enjoy the water, Clam Pass Park is a great option.

With its serene setting and stunning views, it’s easy to see why this spot is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Clam Pass Park is located in North Naples, just east of Naples Municipal Airport. It’s a popular place for shoreline fishing and picnicking.

17. Bonita Springs Public Beach

Bonita Springs Public Beach is one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. It’s well-maintained, and it has a wide variety of activities to keep you busy.

There are many nice shops and restaurants in the area, plus you can rent boats and jet skis at the beach. It’s perfect for kids, with a large playground located right on the beach.

The beach also has a wide variety of water sports activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, boating, parasailing, and sailing. There are two pavilions available for rent for family gatherings or parties.

18. Blind Pass Beach

The best beaches in Southwest Florida can be found at Blind Pass Beach. This beautiful spot offers stunning views, soft sand, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.

Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or want to get active, Blind Pass Beach is definitely worth a visit.

Blind Pass Beach is located on Pine Island and is accessible by boat or car. You can also take a ferry to this beach from Cayo Costa or use the Pine Island Boat Dock.

The parking area offers plenty of spots for vehicles and trailers, but only a few spots for RVs.

19. Bowman’s Beach

Bowman’s Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the eastern seaboard. The white sand and gentle waves make it a favorite spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

There are plenty of local souvenirs and snacks to buy, making this an excellent place to explore after a day at the beach. They also have a few food stands that sell snacks and drinks.

Bowman’s Beach is located on Ocho Rios’ north coast, along Highway A1. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach it by car from Ocho Rios Town.

20. Dog Beach

Dog Beach, Florida, is a pet-friendly beach that offers a variety of activities for both you and your furry friend.

This beach has a designated dog play area as well as a section for horses. You can also find a picnic area, restrooms, and a shower here.

While the beach is on the western end of Key Biscayne, the park and other amenities are located on Crandon Boulevard.

21. Little Hickory Beach Park

A small, unassuming park located on the coast of Florida, Little Hickory Beach Park is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

The park offers a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of nearby towns and cities, and its small size makes it easy to navigate.

The beach is a great place to enjoy beautiful sunsets, and numerous picnic tables are located throughout the park, making it ideal for spending an afternoon enjoying Florida’s coastal weather.

You’ll find restrooms, showers, outdoor grills, and barbecue pits at the park, and parking spaces are also available.

22. Bunche Beach

Known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, Bunche Beach is a must-see destination for visitors to Florida.

With plenty of activities to keep you busy, from swimming and sunbathing to fishing and kayaking, Bunche Beach is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Sunshine State.

Bunche Beach was once home to the Bunche Park Hotel, a popular tourist destination in the 1920s. The hotel was destroyed by a fire in 1926, and the beach was named after its former proprietor, Robert Lee Bunche.

In the 1950s, the county built the Bunche Park Pier to serve as a fishing spot for locals and tourists. Today, the pier is open to visitors and continues to be a draw for anglers.

23. Blind Pass Beach

Blind Pass Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located in St. Pete Beach, Florida. This beach is perfect for those who are looking for a quiet and relaxing day on the beach.

It is a great spot for shelling, swimming, and relaxing. This beach is considered to be one of the top 10 beaches in the country by TripAdvisor.

It is best to go to this beach during the week because the weekends tend to get very crowded. It is also recommended that you go early in the morning so that there are fewer people on the beach.

The beach is located behind the Sandpearl Resort. There is parking available for $5 for the day.

24. Hideaway Beach

Hidden away on a secluded island, Hideaway Beach is known for its soft white sand and crystal clear waters.

This tropical paradise is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Isla Del Sol’s annual Hideaway Beach Bash welcomes the return of summer with an afternoon full of food, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

If you love Cuban sandwiches, award-winning Cuban rum, and mojitos, get ready to have your taste buds tantalized at the Cuban Street Food Festival!

Sample delicious and authentic Cuban street food, browse the marketplace, and explore a variety of vendors while enjoying live music.

25. Gulfside City Park Beach

Gulfside City Park Beach is a beautiful place to spend a day in the sun. With its white sand beaches and gentle waves, it’s no wonder this park is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.

I love to take my son here to play in the sand, collect seashells and build sandcastles. You’ll find a playground area nearby with lots of shade for the kids.

You’ll find restrooms, showers, and picnic tables at this beach. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months, and there is a fee to use the park’s services. Parking fees vary by season.

26. South Lido Park

South Lido Park is a scenic nature reserve in Florida that offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of the Sunshine State.

The park is well known for its miles of white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, which make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Visitors can also explore the park’s forests, marshes, and creeks, or take a walk on the nature trail.

The park has several picnic areas, and visitors can also enjoy a casual meal at the picnic pavilion. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sundown.

The park is divided into two sections by Lido Island Drive. The first beach access lot; the marina; the observation tower; the nature trail; and the picnic areas.

27. Dog Beach Park

The Dog Beach Park in Florida is a great place for dogs to run and play off-leash. The park has a large area for dogs to run around in and a pond for them to swim in.

There are also picnic tables and benches for visitors to use, and the park is open from sunrise to sunset. Indian Rocks Beach in Florida is home to the Dog Beach.

Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the park. The beach has a large parking lot with some shade trees. There are no restrooms or trash cans at the park.

28. South Jetty Beach

South Jetty Beach, located in the town of Fort Myers Beach, Florida, is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

With its white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s no wonder this beach is a popular tourist destination. If you are planning a day at South Jetty Beach, here is everything you need to know.

If you are looking for a beach where the water is clean and safe for swimming, South Jetty Beach is the place for you.

The beach is located along a jetty that protects the shoreline from dangerous ocean currents, providing a calm and enjoyable beach environment for swimmers and snorkelers.

29. Tarpon Bay Beach

Tarpon Bay Beach is located in the Tarpon Bay Marina, which is in the North Cape Coral section of Florida. It is a public beach that offers visitors a chance to enjoy the sun and the water.

The beach has a playground, a pier, and a fishing area. Tarpon Bay Beach is a great place to relax and enjoy the warm, sunny weather. Visitors can walk on the beach or sit on the pier and watch the boats go by.

There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach, so it is best to keep children within arm’s reach of an adult. The beach has restrooms, but they are only open during the summer months.

30. Cortez Beach

Cortez Beach is a world-famous beach located in southwestern Florida. The white sand and gentle waves make it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

The beach is also known for its beautiful sunsets. While there is a parking lot at the beach, it can fill up quickly on summer weekends. Street parking near the beach may also be limited.

Cortez Beach is a popular spot for snorkeling, with several underwater reefs just off shore.

The water is shallow enough that even those who aren’t skilled swimmers can enjoy the reef without fear of drowning.

Conclusion

It’s hard to decide which beaches are the best in Southwest Florida, but if you want a beach that has sand and water quality high on your list of priorities then give these six places a try. We hope this helps make your decision easier!