Which Beach?? for us (Cape Coral, Fort Myers: rentals, college, live in)

[jdl711]

So we live in cape coral and have been to the yacht club beach and like the quiet times there but the water isnt so great, and it does get busy as well.

where else would be good for us and the little ones
need a quieter area for the kids to play

without the expensive ferries as well...

thanks
josh

[Samiamnh]

Bowditch beach is totally peaceful even on busy weekend days.....nice calm water and great for kids....trouble is,you have to pay to park and it's a bit of a walk......guess that's why it's peaceful,but no better place to pack a lunch and bring the kids.

[mnpedwards]

Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel - unfortunately you'll have bridge tolls & parking fees both places. Couple of bucks an hour for parking, another couple for the CC bridge, and 6 bucks to get onto Sanibel. (You must be newcomers to CC?)

[jdl711]

not new comer but
new permanent residence
ft myers and sanibel i knew of just thought there were more local spots or less known etc. thanks

[pinda]

I realize that Bonita Beach is a distance for you but the beach is not that crowded even in season on gorgeous days I felt fortunate to find a parking space each time. It costs $2.00 an hour. If you feel it is too crowded right by parking, all you have to do is walk about a block or so down the beach and it is empty. They have vendors, restaurants and boat and such rentals available too. When our family comes to visit, that is where we are going. I hear Barefoot Beach is beautiful too, I believe $6.00 parking.

[twobums]

I've probably mentioned this before but here goes ~ many families pay the $6 toll to Sanibel then park on one of the causeway beaches all day long. It is quite a deal when you consider the last pull off area before the C span has rest rooms on both sides plus there are grills and picnic tables. There might also be an outside shower.

It is common to see large family groups there with beach umbrellas, tents, floats, fishing gear, kayaks, and all sorts of beach gear, cooking on the grill, splashing in the surf and having a wonderful time.

The sunset from the right side, headed to Sanibel, is incredible.

Parking right by the beach is very convenient.

All that for $6 a day is great!

[Crane's Rooster]

Lover's Key State Park, great secluded beach for families. Also try Captiva beach. Great water and sand like Lighthouse beach in Sanibel minus the crowds.

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by pinda

I realize that Bonita Beach is a distance for you but the beach is not that crowded even in season on gorgeous days I felt fortunate to find a parking space each time. It costs $2.00 an hour. If you feel it is too crowded right by parking, all you have to do is walk about a block or so down the beach and it is empty. They have vendors, restaurants and boat and such rentals available too. When our family comes to visit, that is where we are going. I hear Barefoot Beach is beautiful too, I believe $6.00 parking.

It depends on what section of the Cape someone lives on, because it's such a large city. However, I lived very close to Barefoot Beach and it took me 45 minutes to drive up Bonita Beach Road to route 41 to Ft Myers, take a left on College and cross the Cape Coral Bridge and go north on Del Prado for a few miles. Sometimes I'd drive to Colonial and then go south on Del Prado. (I used to go to a doctor near Coralwood) Of course the time of day, the traffic and the season makes a big difference.

Barefoot Beach is very nice and there are bathrooms, changing rooms and showers. I always liked it better than Bonita Beach because it's quiet, very clean, and not too crowded, but the entrance fee is $6.

However, at $3.50 a gallon, a road trip to Bonita or Sanibel might be quite costly when you add on an entrance fee or a bridge toll.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by justNancy

It depends on what section of the Cape someone lives on, because it's such a large city. However, I lived very close to Barefoot Beach and it took me 45 minutes to drive up Bonita Beach Road to route 41 to Ft Myers, take a left on College and cross the Cape Coral Bridge and go north on Del Prado for a few miles. Sometimes I'd drive to Colonial and then go south on Del Prado. (I used to go to a doctor near Coralwood) Of course the time of day, the traffic and the season makes a big difference.

Barefoot Beach is very nice and there are bathrooms, changing rooms and showers. I always liked it better than Bonita Beach because it's quiet, very clean, and not too crowded, but the entrance fee is $6.

However, at $3.50 a gallon, a road trip to Bonita or Sanibel might be quite costly when you add on an entrance fee or a bridge toll.

I think it is now $8.

[nhkev]

a little bit farther but siesta key in sarasota is a great beach, no tolls and as I remeber parking was free. The absolute best sand I have ever seen., No shells like sanibel has, so if you have kids that like to find stuff I would recommend bowmans beach.