5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Fort Myers, FL (2023 Update)
Updated on
Fort Myers, Florida is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States. The state is loaded with wildlife, unforgettable scenery, and an abundance of outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating. But what about dog-friendly beaches?
Luckily, there are a few dog-friendly beaches in the Fort Myers area where you can take your dog to enjoy the water. In this article, we’ll guide you through five beaches that allow dogs. We’ll mention beaches in Fort Myers or close by so that you know all the beaches where you can take your canine pal for a fun day on the beach.
Top 5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Fort Myers, FL
1. Lee County Dog Beach/Bonita Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 14436 Bonita Beach CSWY, Bonita Springs, FL 34134 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to Dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | Free |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Dogs can roam off-leash
- No restrooms available but does have a portable toilet
- Doggie station available for rinsing your dog
- Don’t forget to pick up after your pooch
2. Lighthouse Beach Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 24 hours |
| 💲 Cost: | $5 parking |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Only 17 miles from Fort Myers
- Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, barbecue grills, a shaded pavilion, and a fishing pier
- Dogs must remain on a leash
- Don’t forget to clean up after your dog
- Bring your own waste bags
3. Gulfside City Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | $5 parking |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Dogs must remain on a leash
- Heads up: you are required by law to clean up after your dog
- Picnic tables, wash stations, restrooms, and grills available
4. Bowman’s Beach Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeWn198ObIk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd., Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| 💲 Cost: | $5 parking |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Recognized by U.S. News Travel as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world
- Features several miles of secluded white, sandy beach
- Amenities include picnic tables, portable toilets, bike racks, a shaded playground, outdoor showers, barbeque grills
- Don’t forget to clean up your dog’s waste
5. Bowditch Point Park
| 🗺️ Address: | 📍 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33931 |
| 🕐 Open Times: | Dawn to Dusk |
| 💲 Cost: | $2 parking |
| 🐕 Off-Leash: | No |
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times
- Features 17 miles of shoreline
- Handicap accessible
- Offers shaded picnic tables, restrooms, changing facilities, and concessions
Conclusion
We hope our article helps you to know where to take your doggie for a fun day at the beach in the Fort Myers area.
One important thing to remember when taking your dog to any beach is to pick up your dog’s waste. You’re also advised not to bury waste in the sand due to kids digging in the sand, and some places we’ve mentioned require you, by law, to pick up after your pooch. Always remember to bring waste bags and dispose of them in the receptacles. Let’s keep all dog-friendly beaches exactly that: dog friendly!
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: swaddytalk, Pixabay
