Captiva Beach


Besides looking directly out onto heart-melting Gulf sunsets, Captiva Beach has lovely sand and is close to several romantic restaurants. Arrive early if you want to park in the small lot, or come by bike.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Bowman's Beach

4.58 MILES

Bowman's Beach is the quintessential Sanibel beach, a bright dollop of coast with soft white sand, supplied with a playground and excellent facilities. It…

3. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

8.23 MILES

Like a mermaid's jewelry box, this museum is dedicated to shells, yet it's much more than a covetous display of treasures. It's a crisply presented…

4. Sanibel Historical Village

9.21 MILES

Well polished by the enthusiasm of local volunteers, this museum and collection of nine historic buildings preserves Sanibel's pioneer past. It gives a…

5. Cayo Costa State Park

11.3 MILES

Slim as a supermodel and as lovely, Cayo Costa Island is almost entirely preserved as a 2500-acre state park. While its pale, ash-colored sand may not be…

6. Lighthouse Beach

11.93 MILES

The most photogenic of the beaches, Lighthouse Beach sports Sanibel's historic metal lighthouse (1884) on the eastern tip of the island. There's also a T…

7. Bowditch Point Park

14.47 MILES

At the island's northernmost tip, Bowditch is a favorite with families and picnickers. The small parking lot ($2 per hour) fills up fast, so come early…

8. Gasparilla Island State Park

14.57 MILES

This parks centers on the restored, historic Boca Grande lighthouse, which was a beacon to mariners since 1890. The interior has been converted into a…