Located at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, this is the first beach visitors pass once they have crossed the causeway from the mainland. The beach itself is large, wrapping around the point with its longest section facing the Gulf of Mexico.

The park includes not only the soft-sand beach but also the Sanibel Fishing Pier and a historic lighthouse. The fishing pier is a popular place for locals and tourists alike and is used not only for fishing but also for sightseeing.

The park is also home to a nature trail that winds via a boardwalk through the surrounding wetlands, home to some of the island’s unique wildlife. The lighthouse, built in 1884, stands 112 feet tall and is still in use today. Unfortunately, it is not open to the public, and can only be admired from the ground.

Although its location lends to large numbers of shells washing up, they are often picked off quickly, leaving only the most common varieties.

There are two parking areas: the northern one is best for visits to the pier and the southern one is most convenient for beachgoers. Paid parking for 152 cars ensures you’ll likely get a spot, except on the busiest of days. The park offers basic amenities, including picnic tables in a shaded area, barbecues, restrooms, and outdoor showers.

The section of the beach on the point near the lighthouse and facing the causeway has been badly eroded. The best place to set up your beach gear is farther south and west. If you want to avoid the traffic chaos at the end of the beach day as everyone exits the island, this is the best beach to visit.

This beach is a favorite due to its more natural appearance. No condos or hotels are in this area, only unobstructed views northwest along the coastline. Of all the beaches on Sanibel, you’ll have the best chance of securing a parking spot here, and if you are day-tripping, this should be your first choice. Lee County has provided 220 paid parking spots well back from the beach in two parking areas.

Be prepared for a five-minute hike across a bridge and over the dunes to reach the sand. The beach itself is several miles long, providing ample space to spread out. If you’ve brought your canoe or kayak, a launch is available.

Bowman’s Beach Park offers a fine assortment of amenities, including picnic tables, barbecues, showers, restrooms, a playground, and changerooms. There are no vendors here, though, so be sure to bring your lunch and plenty of water. If you’ve packed a picnic lunch, sheltered tables are available in a shaded area with a playground nearby.

Dedicated shellers will find Bowman’s Beach a treasure trove once you stray from the stretch of sand closest to the trail to the parking lot. The sand stretches for miles, and the entire area north of the entrance is devoid of development. There is also a nature trail that runs along the ridge above the beach, with periodic trails that lead down to the water.

Tarpon Bay Beach, also sometimes simply called Sanibel Beach, is another mid-island public beach facing the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is a bit of a hidden gem. Not many people seem to find it, and some are scared off by the relatively long walk to the water from the parking area. Chances are you’ll be able to snag one of the 76 paid parking spots, many of which are nicely shaded.

So, if you don’t mind a bit of exercise in exchange for access to a spectacular beach, this is the place for you. Visitors will find the showers and restrooms at the entrance to the beach path, as well as a bike rack.

The trek to the beach is easy thanks to a brick-paved walkway from the parking lot. Along the way, you will find picnic tables and benches set back in shady areas. The beach itself doesn’t have any shade, though, so be sure to bring your sun umbrella.