Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.
For plenty of space to spread out and de-stress, visit Bowman’s Beach, stretching across 50 acres (20 hectares) of white sand on Florida’s Sanibel Island. Even when surrounding beaches are crowded, Bowman’s Beach often has fewer people. Walk from the parking lot along a path and on a boardwalk over Old Blind Pass. Look down into the saltwater bayou to see birds hiding among the mangroves. You can also launch a kayak in this lagoon.
Continue for less than 10 minutes from the parking area to reach the beach. After crossing the bridge, decide which way you want to go along the miles of beach next to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Turn right to go the 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the end of Sanibel, where the next island of Captiva begins. Turn left toward the neighborhoods of Chateaux Sur Mer and Gulf Shores. Gaze out at the ocean to see sailboats and windsurfers.
Use the on-site bathrooms and showers. Kids can take a break from the sand and surf at the playground near the parking lot. Bring a container or two with you for collecting empty shells, a major pastime for many tourists and local residents.
Although there aren’t any food outlets here, tables are waiting for you to lay out your picnic in this beach setting. Tantalizing odors from food cooking on the beach’s barbecue grills blend with the warm salty air for very pleasant aromas.
The beach has special accommodations for people with mobility issues. Reserve beach wheelchairs in advance for free through the police department.
Drive to Sanibel in about 30 minutes from Fort Myers and Cape Coral on mainland Florida. Travel westward for another 20 minutes to read the Bowman Beach parking area near the western end of Sanibel Island. The beach is open during daylight hours and is free however, be prepared to pay the hourly parking fee.
Sanibel Island has often been ranked in the top 10 of Florida’s best beach areas. Bowman’s Beach is undoubtedly a major reason for this recognition.
