If you are in search of the best beaches in Southwest Florida, we’ve put a spotlight on the Gulf Coast region. This is just south of St. Petersburg which contains the major cities of Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples.
Southwest Florida is known for having some of the best beaches in the world, famous for warm waters from the Gulf of Mexico and powdery sands.
The beautiful beaches on this list also include nature trails, mangrove forests, sand dunes, and other amazing landscapes.
Whether you are planning a day trip or a weekend away, you will find plenty to do in these captivating areas. Choose from hiking on a nature trail, fishing, kayaking, or even just relaxing at the beach!
10 Best Southwest Florida beaches
Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is located in Sarasota. It is one of the most popular beaches in Southwest Florida, and it is frequently ranked one of, if not the best, beaches in the country. Siesta Key is known for its powdery white fine sand, composed chiefly of ground quartz.
The waves are calm and relaxing, providing the picture-perfect image you might be searching for. Siesta Key offers many different things to do while there, like memorable yoga classes on the beach and charter services that let you go cruising in the Gulf.
Siesta Key Beach Address: 538 Canal Rd, Siesta Key, FL 34242
Don’t miss Authentic Tips for Visiting Siesta Key.
Lido Key Beach
Lido Key is just half an hour north of Siesta Key in Sarasota. Lido Key Beach is similarly immaculate and is known for its gorgeous sunsets and delicious seafood. It is the perfect place for shopping and dining in the area.
Catch a sunset cruise for a unique and beautiful view of the sun setting beyond the Gulf.
Lido Key Beach Address: 400 Ben Franklin Drive Lido Key, FL 34236
San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve
San Carlos Bay – Bunche Beach Preserve is a 718-acre natural wetland located in San Carlos Bay in Lee County. The preserve has a variety of different ecosystems within it. This includes mangrove swamps and beaches.
There is plenty to do at this great beach, including kayaking (rentals are available), bird watching, hiking, and fishing.
San Carlos Bay Address: Fort Myers, FL 33908
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Stump Pass Beach State Park is one of Southwest Florida’s beautiful state parks. It is a popular spot for nature lovers and a great place for shelling in the winter, with a stretch of beach where seashells and shark teeth commonly wash up.
In addition to shelling, the park offers a hiking trail with wildlife viewing opportunities. They also offer covered picnic tables to enjoy a packed lunch. The calm waters are ideal for sailing and kayaking.
For more information on this park, check out: Stump Pass Beach State Park.
Stump Pass Beach State Park Address: 900 Gulf Blvd, Englewood, FL 34223
Alison Hagerup Beach Park
Alison Hagerup Beach Park is located on the northern tip of Captiva Island. This is one of the amazing beach parks of Southwest Florida, known for its incredible sunset views. The park has a paid parking lot and offers beach access, public restrooms, and pavilions.
Lesser known than some of the other area beaches, Alison Hagerup Beach Park is a great spot for a relaxing, romantic ambiance.
Alison Hagerup Beach Park Address: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is a small island southwest of Cape Coral and Fort Meyers. The island has abundant things to do, from enjoying the stunning beaches to playing golf to exploring the wetlands and mangrove forest of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Ding Darling is part of the biggest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. At the refuge, you may see some species that call it home, like alligators, manatees, and tropical birds.
Paddleboarding and nature cruises are great options for seeing the many features this island is known for. Plus, it’s a great beach for shells.
Sanibel Island Address: Sanibel, FL 33957
Marco Island
Marco Island is a barrier island south of Naples. It’s known for its network of inland waterways.
At Tigertail Beach Park, you can go shelling, explore area tidal pools, or even rent a jet ski to cruise through its warm, clear waters. Bird watchers will enjoy the bird-watching tower in the park.
Marco Island Address: Marco Island, FL 34145
Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is a collection of barrier islands in Fort Myers Beach. The park has canals and lagoons you can travel via kayak rentals or canoe.
Additionally, there are trails to hike or bike, which take you alongside inner waterways and through maritime hammocks. Picnic areas are available to eat at. Plus, boating and fishing are always good options.
Lovers Key has a 2.5-mile beach off the Gulf, and as the name suggests, it is a romantic destination known for picturesque beachside weddings.
Lovers Key State Park Address: Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Anna Maria Island
Breathtaking Anna Maria Island is a barrier island south of St. Petersburg and northwest of Sarasota. There are plenty of things to do here, including many shops, spas, and restaurants to try, and parks and beaches to discover. Rent a golf cart so you can travel in style!
Check out Coquina Baywalk for a scenic walk on trails and boardwalks through mangrove tunnels. And don’t miss a meal at the historic Rod n Reel Pier.
Learn more about the white sand beach and general area in this guide to authentic Anna Maria Island Cortez Village.
Anna Maria Island Address: Holmes Beach, Florida 34217
Clam Pass Park
Collier County’s Clam Pass Park is known for its coastal habitats and its stretch of sandy beach. In addition, the park encompasses 35 acres and has a free tram that provides easy access to the beach.
One of the best things to do is to join one of the park’s guided nature walks to learn more about the plants and wildlife that call this area home.
Clam Pass Park Address: 465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103
Overall, you can not go wrong with any beach in Southwest Florida.
If you enjoyed this article on the top family-friendly beaches in southwest Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations in the region, check out these suggestions: