Bowman's Beach


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’s remote in the sense that it rarely feels crowded, except perhaps at the height of tourist season. Alphabet cones, angel wings, lightning whelks and horse conch shells all glitter on the powder. Excellent views to the west make for magical sunsets.

'No nude sunbathing' signs are meant to dissuade scofflaws from doing just that at the distant west end.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

4.03 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…

3. Captiva Beach

4.58 MILES

Besides looking directly out onto heart-melting Gulf sunsets, Captiva Beach has lovely sand and is close to several romantic restaurants. Arrive early if…

4. Sanibel Historical Village

5.24 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. Lighthouse Beach

8.63 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…

6. Bowditch Point Park

11.52 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…

7. Fort Myers Beach

12.15 MILES

Fort Myers Beach is long, long, long. The southern end is dominated by condos, with very little public access. The low-key middle has a large number of…

8. Cayo Costa State Park

15.76 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…