Southwest Florida Beaches: Warm, Undiscovered Fun

Southwest Florida is synonymous for its secluded locations, nightlife and culture but there is a more relaxed side to this tropical paradise. Stretching from the Florida Straits at the south, to the Gulf of Mexico on the west, the southwestern part of Florida offers a variety of quiet, secluded beaches located at many state parks in Florida. Whether you are a surfer wanting to catch a big wave or a shell collector looking to acquire something new, there is the perfect beach out there waiting for you.

If vacationing near the Gulf of Mexico side, consider visiting Cayo Costa State Park. This barrier island can be reached by taking a one-hour ferry ride to the island’s 2,506 acres. The park also has 7 miles of beaches, hiking and biking trails, and overnight accommodations in available onsite cabins. Cayo Costa is located at Boca Grande Pass.

Another park only accessible by boat ride is Egmont Key State Park, in St. Petersburg. This park of 380 acres contains a one-mile beachfront and a hiking trail, as well as a campground. In addition, Egmont Key has a lighthouse, which tour information can be found seasonally by visiting the Florida State Park’s website.

Moving in a more southerly direction towards the bottom of the state, the Ft. Myers and Naples areas contain some of the best beaches the state has to offer. In the city of Ft. Myers Beach, Lovers Key State Recreation Area has 712 acres, including 2.5 miles of beach access, hiking, biking and canoeing trails. Likewise, the city of Naples presents visitor to an awe-inspiring beach sunset at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Recreation Area. With boat parking available, visitors by land and sea can take part enjoying the park’s 166 acres, 1.2 miles of which is beachfront.

When planning your vacation, if you would like to visit more than park, or if you are planning a return trip soon, consider purchasing a Florida Park’s Annual Pass. These passes come in individual or family memberships, where families of up to eight people are admitted with one pass, and are valid for a year. Beaches are least crowded in September and October, which is also a great time to go shelling, especially after a tropical wave passes through the area. Many rare shells and artifacts have been known to wash up on the beaches, as strong gusts and tides blow them in. Whether you are into swimming, hiking or shelling, southwest Florida’s Gulf Beaches offer something for everyone at a very reasonable price.