Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Port Charlotte, FL

Cayo Costa Island has seven miles of beautiful beach located at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, west of Pineland. A...

Cayo Costa Island has seven miles of beautiful beach located at the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, west of Pineland. A popular place for bird watching and shelling. Open year round dawn to dusk. Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat ­ contact Tropic Star of Pine Island at 239-283-0015 for ferry reservations.

Hours: Year round 8am-sunset

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

CAPTIVA ISLAND. A popular pick for Fort Myers vacationers, this public beach is located on the northern tip of Captiva...

CAPTIVA ISLAND. A popular pick for Fort Myers vacationers, this public beach is located on the northern tip of Captiva Island. While slightly more crowded than most area beaches, it's one of the best places for sunbathing and people watching. Beach-goers also flock to this spot to comb the five-plus miles of shoreline for shells. It's widely regarded as one of Southwest Florida's most romantic beaches, so expect to see plenty of couples enjoying the sunset, too.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

SANIBEL ISLAND. This public beach is popular with the area's young romantic-types, especially at sunset. Located between...

SANIBEL ISLAND. This public beach is popular with the area's young romantic-types, especially at sunset. Located between Sanibel and Captiva, the park includes public restrooms and a paid parking area.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

Payment Methods: Cash Only

SANIBEL ISLAND. This quiet county park, situated off Sanibel-Captiva Road, offers a nice respite from the area's more...

SANIBEL ISLAND. This quiet county park, situated off Sanibel-Captiva Road, offers a nice respite from the area's more congested beach areas. Bowman's Beach is located well off the main road, giving it a certain "undiscovered" feel when you arrive there, and this translates into excellent shelling and great photo opportunities at sunset. The park features picnic facilities and public restrooms.

Hours: Sunrise-sunset

Payment Methods: Cash Only

SANIBEL ISLAND. Though the Sanibel Lighthouse isn't open to visitors, there's still a lot to do on the island's southern...

SANIBEL ISLAND. Though the Sanibel Lighthouse isn't open to visitors, there's still a lot to do on the island's southern tip. For starters, the beach there is among the finest in the area, whether you're looking to spend the day lazily sunning on the white sand or scouring the shallows for shells. Explore the wetlands around the lighthouse using the designated nature trails and boardwalks ­ and be sure to keep your camera handy, as the area is ripe with good chances for a snapshot or two. The beach also features a small pier for fishing and indoor restroom facilities.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

Payment Methods: Cash Only

FORT MYERS BEACH. Located at the "Beach," this popular family destination boasts one of the area's most well...

FORT MYERS BEACH. Located at the "Beach," this popular family destination boasts one of the area's most well known attractions: Fort Myers Beach Pier. The pier was formerly known as "Pelican Pier," as it was home to several feathered individuals. The park's beach area appeals to a wide range of beach-goers, from sun-bathers and swimmers to volleyballers and fisherman. Indeed, Lynn Hall's the place to head if you are looking for a fun, activity-filled day at the beach. The park offers public restroom facilities and bathhouses. Metered parking.

Hours: Daily 8am-Sunset

SANIBEL ISLAND. Located on Sanibel Island's southern coast, this small beach area may not attract the crowds that other...

SANIBEL ISLAND. Located on Sanibel Island's southern coast, this small beach area may not attract the crowds that other stretches see, but those willing to find Tarpon Bay Road are in for quite a sight when they get here. Calm, clear water that's ideal for swimming, wide expanses of soft white sand, and great opportunities for shelling help make this beach a true diamond in the rough. Public restrooms and plenty of parking.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

LOVERS KEY. Aptly named Lovers Key, whose access point is between Black Island and Bonita Beach, is one of Southwest...

LOVERS KEY. Aptly named Lovers Key, whose access point is between Black Island and Bonita Beach, is one of Southwest Florida's loveliest (and most secluded) state parks. The beaches here have retained much of their original splendor and, for the most part, show few signs of man's interference. In addition, the islands and the waters surrounding them are home to an abundance of wildlife, including roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits bottlenose dolphins and West Indian manatees. Take the time to do a little exploring while you're here since the park's approximately 700 acres offer prime opportunities for shelling, picnicking, sunbathing and swimming Please note, there are no lifeguards on duty at this park.

Hours: Daily 8am-sunset

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

BONITA SPRINGS. This public beach is easily accessible from the main drag and offers a number of convenient facilities...

BONITA SPRINGS. This public beach is easily accessible from the main drag and offers a number of convenient facilities and perks, including public restrooms, picnic areas, water sports rentals and, just a short walk away, the legendary Doc's Beach House (a restaurant and bar that's been a fav of beach-combers for several years now). Be advised: If you plan on driving to the Bonita Beach, its parking lot tends to fill quickly on the weekends.

Hours: Daily Sunrise-Sunset

Payment Methods: Cash Only

BONITA SPRINGS. Occupying some 300-plus acres, Barefoot offers a varied natural landscape that can seduce and captivate...

BONITA SPRINGS. Occupying some 300-plus acres, Barefoot offers a varied natural landscape that can seduce and captivate everyone from sun worshippers to hikers to animal-lovers (it's not uncommon to run across a Loggerhead, in fact). Shielded from surrounding development by dense growths of mangroves and hemlocks, Barefoot Beach manages to escape the traffic and large crowds that other beaches usually see, making this one of the area's true treasures for those seeking a quiet, peaceful day on the Gulf. That's not to say that Barefoot is free of any and all modern convenience, as those with children will be happy to note that the park has public restrooms, showers and even concessions.

Hours: Daily 8am-Sunset

Payment Methods: Cash Only