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Welcome to Cape Coral – where sun-kissed shores and beautiful blue waters beckon travelers to indulge in the ultimate coastal escape. Located in southwest Florida along the Gulf of Mexico and the Caloosahatchee River, Cape Coral boasts a treasure trove of stunning beaches.
Whether you want to bum on the beach, search for sea glass, or experience the thrill of watersports, there’s a beach for that! From iconic stretches of sugar white sand to hidden gems on nearby islands, here are some of the best Cape Coral beaches.
Yacht Club Beach (Cape Coral Beach)
Although it’s not a natural stretch of sand, the Yacht Club Beach (also known as Cape Coral Beach) is one of the best beaches in Cape Coral. It’s located right in town along the Caloosahatchee River and boasts a large array of facilities.
The soft sand is perfect for a lazy beach day, but once you tire of the sun, you check out the fishing pier, the free racquetball courts, the heated community pool, or the public boat launch. There’s even a beachfront restaurant if you get hungry while soaking up the sun.
Bowman’s Beach Park – Sanibel Island
If you don’t mind traveling a bit outside of Cape Coral, there are several barrier islands boasting great beaches less than an hour away. Bowman’s Beach Park is a local favorite, thanks to its uncrowded shores and acceptance of leashed dogs.
You will have to walk a bit to get to this secluded spot – about ten minutes from the parking lot. Although it is a bit out of the way, there are still some great facilities here, including a shaded playground, BBQ grills, bike racks, picnic tables, and restrooms with outdoor showers.
Sanibel Island Beach – Sanibel Island
As one of the top-rated Cape Coral beaches, a trip to Sanibel Island Beach is a must. Due to strict development laws, the island is still centered around nature, and you can feel the peacefulness best on Sanibel Island Beach (facing the Gulf of Mexico).
The water is crystal clear, and the calm breeze means that the conditions are perfect for swimming or simply wading out into the water. Unsurprisingly, this is a popular spot, so check out some of the other beaches on the island if you’d like a more laid back experience.
Turner Beach – Captiva Island
A bit further north sits Captiva Island, home to the lovely Turner Beach. Perched along the southern tip of the island along the Gulf of Mexico, Turner Beach is one of the best Cape Coral beaches for watching the sunset.
The beach is also a popular spot for anglers, with plenty of great fish nibbling in these waters. If you want to swim, make sure to do so further down the beach, away from the swift currents near Blind Pass Bridge. Once you’ve had enough of the beach, you can visit one of the many bars and restaurants nearby.
Bonita Beach – Captiva Island
Situated on Captiva Island, Bonita Beach is the perfect combination of sand and shells. It’s also a true hidden gem, so you won’t have to contend with large crowds while enjoying your beach day.
The white sand and crystal clear water make this the perfect spot for all the classic beach day activities, whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or snoozing on the soft sand. Unlike some other uncrowded beaches in the area, the facilities at Bonita Beach are top-notch. There are lifeguards on duty, clean restrooms, showers, and changing rooms.
Dog Beach – Long Key
If you’re searching for the best Cape Coral beaches you can enjoy with your pooch, check out the aptly named Dog Beach located on Long Key. This sandy strip is pet friendly, so you can let your dogs splash in the water and trample through sand off-leash.
The water is calm and shallow, and there are some great facilities including free parking, restrooms, and canine showers. Be sure to clean up after your dog so this place remains clean and relaxing for your next visit.
Lover’s Key State Park – Lover’s Key
For years this remote beach park was only accessible by boat, making it a favorite amongst sweethearts looking to get a little alone time. Today, it remains a local favorite, though now you can easily access the beach with your car.
The beach is still mostly undeveloped, however, and it has retained its clandestine and romantic charm. There are some great views of Cape Coral from the beach, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some local wildlife like manatees, bald eagles, dolphins, or marsh rabbits. Spend the day here swimming, kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the incredible scenery with your loved ones!
Barefoot Beach – Bonita Springs
Soft, powdery sand and calm, clear waters make Barefoot Beach one of the top Cape Coral beaches. The pristine shoreline is surrounded by the 342-acre Barefoot Beach Preserve, a safe haven for many different bird species and other wildlife like the gopher tortoise and other marine life.
You could easily spend hours ambling along the unspoiled shoreline, cooling off in the pristine water, or hunting for shells amidst the soft sand. Note that there is a $10 parking fee here that goes to the Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Fort Meyers Beach – Fort Meyers
Located about half an hour south of Cape Coral, Fort Meyers Beach is a popular stretch of sand known for its beautiful white sand, large fishing pier, and great outdoor restaurants along the beach.
This area has that small town, old Florida feel that appeals to visitors and locals alike, and while the beach is far from quiet, it’s still worth checking out. You can visit Lynn Hall Memorial Park (located along the beach front), walk along the historic beach pier, go fishing, try some thrilling water sports, or simply indulge in classic beach day activities as you watch the world go by.
The beach sits right next to Times Square – a popular area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops – perfect after a full day in the sun!