Public beach with services

Hello, our family of 3 will be staying with family in Estero, 25min from the gulf. Hotels are ~$300 for day passes. Are there good public beaches, fort Meyers/bonita with services? Restrooms, food, etc?

Hi there,

If you're staying in Estero and looking for public beaches in the Fort Myers or Bonita Springs area that offer services like restrooms, food, and other amenities, you're in luck! There are several great options that are family-friendly and accessible. Here are some recommendations:

  • Fort Myers Beach (Lovers Key State Park) - Lovers Key State Park is a beautiful beach located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. It offers restrooms, food concessions, and plenty of parking. It’s less crowded than some of the more tourist-heavy beaches, making it a great spot for families. You can also rent kayaks or paddleboards here.
  • Bonita Beach Park - This is a public beach with easy access and a variety of amenities including restrooms, picnic tables, and a concession stand. The beach is great for swimming and walking, and it’s a popular choice for families looking for a relaxing day at the beach. There’s also plenty of parking.
  • Fort Myers Beach (Times Square area) - The Times Square area of Fort Myers Beach is where you'll find lots of shops, restaurants, and beach services. The beach itself is well-equipped with restrooms, snack bars, and rentals for things like umbrellas and beach chairs. This area is a little busier but has lots of family-friendly options for food and activities.
  • Bowman's Beach (Sanibel Island) - While a little further from Estero, Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island is a lovely spot with public restrooms, picnic tables, and plenty of parking. It’s more peaceful than the beaches closer to Fort Myers Beach, and it’s known for its shelling opportunities.

Other Considerations:

  • Parking: Most of the public beaches in the area will charge a small parking fee, but it’s usually reasonable (around $2-$3 per hour). For the more popular spots, especially during the busy season, it's good to arrive early to get a parking spot.
  • Food and Snacks: While many of these beaches offer food concessions, if you're looking for a wider variety of food, you might want to head to the nearby towns or beachside restaurants for lunch or dinner. Fort Myers Beach has several good options right on the beach.

In conclusion, you don’t need to spend $300 for a day pass at a hotel when there are great public beaches with amenities in the Fort Myers and Bonita Springs area. Enjoy your time at the beach!


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