The country’s most famous seashell-hunting destination, Sanibel and Captiva Islands on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast offer an array of beaches that goes far beyond its famous pastime, casually dubbed Sanibel Stoop and Captiva Crouch.

I know; I live here. And I go to the beach as soon as possible.

However, I long ago stopped picking up handfuls of seashells every time I walk down the beach. Now I only take one when I want to remember a special occasion or a beach highlight. More likely, when I’m at the beach, I pursue a different activity and choose a certain beach specifically for its attributes and its connection to that activity. Because I’m a resident, I usually choose the so-called “resident sticker beaches” when I just want to relax. More on that later. But if I’m taking my son surfing or looking for a sunset party, I have other options.

With approximately 20 miles of sandy shoreline on both islands, which are each connected by a small bridge at Blind Pass Beach, Sanibel and Captiva make selecting the right access a choice best left to local knowledge. So here I am, to offer you my beach-choice wisdom gleaned from 4 decades spent on – in my opinion – Florida’s best beach islands. Check map of the city of Sanibel City Parks for assistance in locating locations.

Note: Most beaches charge parking fees of $5 per hour.

1. Ideal for shelling

So let’s go. Where is the best shelling on Sanibel Island? How I like to answer this question: the beach where you are. The islands’ up-and-down stretches of sugar sand collect mounds of seashells no matter where you go.

Of course, fewer people at the beach reduces competition from bombers, but at low tide shells abound on all of Sanibel Island’s gulf beaches, especially Captiva to a lesser extent. Because the southern end of the island takes an unusual east-west turn, it more effectively captures imports from the southern seas.

That said, I have a secret to share, and it’s called the beach at Island Inn, a historic resort town in Sanibel. What’s so special there? This is where the Bailey-Matthews National Seashell Museum on Sanibel hosts its daily one-hour beach tours ($7 to $15 each, advance reservations required). So you get an expert lesson with your picked treasures.

Pro tip: If you are not a guest or paying participant of the Beach Walk, you can still access the resort beaches on foot or by bike. Although access and parking may be private, all beaches on the islands are public.

2. Ideal for sunrise

Due to Sanibel Island’s twisted profile, it’s one of the very few (if any) islands in Florida where you can get a good sunrise and sunset waterfront view from a beach. The eastern beaches have the best view of the sun rising behind Fort Myers Beach far to the south. A few of our “resident sticker beaches” to the east, like the one at the end of Donax Street, are uncrowded and ideal for making the most of your morning coffee with a sun salutation. Vehicle parking is restricted to those who live here. Buy an annual car vignette. Pedestrians and cyclists can use the Donax access free of charge; something of a local secret.

Pro tip: Sticky beaches lack restrooms and other facilities, so plan accordingly.

3. Ideal for bird watching and nature

The easternmost of the eastern beaches is open to the public and one of the most popular in Sanibel. Lighthouse Beach Park features its namesake structure circa 1880s, plus more amenities than most other beaches on the island. Keen birdwatchers have realized that its position at the end of the island makes it a resting place for birds landing after long overseas flights. Especially in the fall and spring, the fallout – when the birds literally fall on the beach, exhausted from their trip – warblers attract the crowds of binocs in flocks. Part of Greater Florida Bird and wildlife observation trail, it’s also a good place to spot raptors overhead and shorebirds on the beach; as well as rabbits, gopher tortoises and other land animals along the nature trail. The trail travels from the gulf side to the bay side, where a fishing pier attracts a different breed of wildlife seekers. In the summer, mammoth sea turtles and tiny plover birds nest on the Gulf beach; volunteers rope and guard the nests.

4. Ideal for picnics

The causeway on Sanibel Island fills up, especially on weekends, with people spending the day picnicking, barbecuing, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and partying. Along Causeway Islands Park, the ease of parking as close as possible to the sands makes setting up camp and arranging picnic tables ultra-practical. The beach borders two islands in San Carlos Bay on both sides of the causeway road. It is also a popular place for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Pro Tip: Causeway Islands Park is undergoing a restoration and beautification project through June 2024. Parts of the parks will close intermittently, but one side of the road or the other will be open for recreation throughout the project .

5. Ideal for revenge stranding

Another resident beach (go on foot or by bike if you don’t have a sticker), Bayview Park is on the leeward side of Sanibel Island. There’s something so satisfying about pausing at this relatively unknown beach access and watching the traffic on the Sanibel Causeway as you relax carefree in the sun, lulled by the gentle lapping of the waves.

6. Ideal for water sports

The passes at the ends and between the two islands attract the attention of adventure beach lovers due to their fast-moving waters. Currents drive fish into the gulf and contribute to wave formation. Turner’s Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva Islands, is the hottest of the fishing and surfing hotspots. Anglers line up along the Blind Pass Bridge all day and also cast from the shore. Surfers arrive on the beach when the storms bring the best breakers. The parking lot is small, so get there early and avoid sunset time which is the busiest.

Pro tip: Whitewater can make swimming at the pass dangerous, especially for young children.

7. Ideal for swimming

To avoid tricky passing currents, choose a park in the middle of the island like Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel for the safest swimming. The bottom is gently sloping here – another bonus. Parking at this beach is a bit of a hike, but you can drop off passengers and gear near the sand before parking.

Pro Tip: Besides the causeway beaches, this is the best place for RVers to park and swim.

8. Ideal for families

Another beach in the middle of the island, Gulfside City Park also offers safe swimming conditions for the little ones, as well as other bonuses for families. Tables and a pavilion provide picnic areas, and trails take you off the beach to explore local wildlife and a historic pioneer cemetery. Near the car park, an exhibition interprets shells, sea turtle nests and other beach natures. Locals call this park Algiers Beach because a historic eponymous paddle steamer once ran aground here as a seaside home.

9. Ideal for stepping into your footsteps

Sanibel Island offers a full day’s walk with its over 15 miles of mostly unbroken beach. Bowman’s Beach at the northern end of the island offers the best access to kick your beach walk into high gear. For starters, the Gulf of Mexico is 600 paces from the parking lot, across three bridges and an estuary. Also, before you get to the beach, you come across other trails, including a fitness trail with workout stations. Once you reach the gulf, turn either left, down to Tarpon Bay Beach, or right, for a shorter walk to Blind Pass. Whichever direction you take, the landscape is 100% natural and clear of houses and resorts on other beaches.

Pro tip: For Blind Pass – go at low tide to keep your feet dry – count about 5,000 steps one way.

10. Ideal for romance

Newly reopened in November 2021 after an over $18 million project to widen the beach with more sand, Alison Hagerup Beach Park always inspires hand-holding, smooching and vows of eternal love. Parking and access are at the door of the exclusive, closed South Seas Island Resort at the north end of Captiva Island. It faces west, so the relative seclusion and Instagram sunsets contribute to the romantic value. You feel deliciously cut off from the rest of the world once you cross the bridge to Captiva. Gated houses with names such as Hakuna Matata and Lazy Dayz are surrounded by vegetation along the winding road leading to a scenic stretch that runs along the seaside. Just past Captiva’s quirky little mall, Alison Hagerup, formerly known known as Captiva Beach, is the perfect place to take selfies for two and look for the green flash as the sun peeks over the horizon.

Pro tip: Arrive well before sunset to reserve a parking space.

11. Best for Sunset

South of Alison Hagerup, the beach of the mythical ugly duck The restaurant offers the same direct sunset views, but something just as important for end-of-day toast: food and drink. A mighty island tradition for over 35 years, “The Duck”, as locals call it, parodies a British pub atmosphere, but with a second bar and additional outdoor seating facing the gulf. Live music often adds to the festive atmosphere.

Pro Tip: The Mucky Duck parking lot is reserved for guests, so at least plan some drinks on the terraces. At sunset time, you can also order aperitifs on the self-service terrace.

For more information on beach activities in Florida, check out these articles: