Destinations along the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean offer the region a wide selection of activities including everything from swimming to boating to crabbing to viewing wildlife. 27, while Avenue C is No. North Florida’s Fort Walton Beach often gets overlooked for the more well-known Gulf Coast beaches further south, but its pristine sands, emerald waters and nearby golf courses and family-friendly attractions are a favorite for regular visitors in the know. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park offers 300 RV, tent, and rustic cabin sites with access to the beach. From the aquamarine waters of Barafundle Bay to the rugged mountainous landscape of the Murlough National Nature Reserve, we care for 780 miles of spectacular coastline around England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Where can you park near the beach? We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Here are the best beaches near Fort Myers to suit all your swimming, kite-surfing, fishing, and boating needs. Find out which beaches in the Sunshine State made our must-see list. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Huntington Beach, California on Tripadvisor: See 44,281 traveler reviews and photos of Huntington Beach tourist attractions. Call ahead if you’re interested in arranging a kayak tour. It’s a great choice for an outdoor family getaway. Around 100 beaches are speckled around the harbor and along the coast, both north and south of the Harbour Bridge. Find the best Places to Visit near you on Yelp - see all Places to Visit open now. And you can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants for more entertainment after a day on one of the best beaches in Fort Myers. Visit the Jacksonville Beach website for more details. On the other hand, there’s a trolley stop here, so you don’t have to drive. Travel Smarter! 1. For instance, Mango Street is No. Its ample opportunities for shelling, swimming, birding, and boating make it one of the very best beaches near Fort Myers. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Visit the Currituck Outer Banks, where wild horses roam free, fewer crowds, & family friendly beaches are unspoiled. Beaches Family Travel's Best Travel Planning Kailua Beach Park, Kailua, HI A favorite beach for many on Oahu, Kailua Beach Park boasts turquoise blue waters, plenty of free parking and lots of family-friendly water activities, like kayaking and boogie boarding. Less than 5 … Our unmatched beaches boast beautiful barrier islands and bays dotted with majestic lighthouses, fishing villages and scenic views. Here are our top 5 beaches in Adelaide. There are several public parking lots near the beaches making it easy to find a spot and enjoy your day. [viator_tour destination=”5196″ type=”3-mod” tours=”5698ADWEST,36657P1,5698HALFWEST”]. Discover Delaware beaches . Learn more about all of the amazing fishing options throughout Jacksonville. The reports are subjective (no measurements taken, just an estimate) and designed to indicate to the beachgoer which beach may be more preferable to visit at a particular time. Many professional sandcastle artists compete at annual events that allow them to show off their skills and creative […] Read Article 2. Foodies won’t want to miss a visit to Mayport Beach’s historic Fish Camps for the freshest seafood and a taste of our famous Mayport Shrimp! Among the 23 state parks located on lakes or rivers, eight offer Arkansas beaches. New York State has some of the best beaches anywhere, with a perfect stretch of shoreline for just about everyone. Soak up the sun and dip into a little local history at the Beaches Museum, where exhibits include historic photography, artwork, and exhibits preserving the area’s unique culture. 22 miles of wide, uncrowded beaches are the doorstep to the perfect surfer towns. Over years of traveling the California Coast to visit beaches, we have discovered so many amazing places and also some strange things. Visit Jacksonville Explore other popular Public Services and Government near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers. The beaches are just a short drive from Downtown Jacksonville and each beach offers a unique personality and community. Haulover Beach. 34. Start planning your OBX vacation today! Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available here, as are restrooms and a concession stand. Groomed and landscaped, this beach park in Fort Myers is located at the bottom of Matanzas Bridge, making it easy to find. FLORIDA'S WEST COAST BEACHES. "Down the Shore" means there's something for everyone. Because it was difficult to get to (you used to need a boat to get there), only those who craved extreme privacy made the effort—thus the name. It features parking, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and water fountains. In addition, this Fort Myers beach is accessible from the parking lot for people with disabilities. We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Read more about all the things to do in Jacksonville and see if there are any big events or festivals happening while you’re here. The best beaches in Fort Myers—and in nearby Fort Myers Beach—are some of Florida’s most beautiful. Take a look at photo gallery of Florida's Best Beachfront Hotels. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. A day at the seaside is hard to beat. Venice Beach, closer to downtown, has colorful lifeguard stands, a pavilion with shaded tables and a café, loads of parking, and bathrooms. Beautiful Beach Sunrises . Follow us across social media on YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at editor@smartertravel.com! Fort Myers Beach, on Estero Island, is easily one of the region’s best beaches, sharing a name with the city itself. 10 Strange Things Found on California Beaches. An ideal option for wildlife lovers, history buffs and anglers, Huntington Beach State Park features more than 2,500 acres to explore. Top 25 Beaches — United States Yeah, we wish we were there, too. Memories never wash away . Yes, charcoal and gas grills are permitted on Jacksonville and Atlantic Beaches, so don’t hesitate to get cooking. Beach Travel Tips Browse Listings. The park also boasts 15 miles of bike trails, a freshwater lake, a playground, sports facilities, kayak and bike rentals, and more! Street names correspond to the numbers. And they’re all so different, from idyllic white-sand beaches to wild black-sand beaches. Surfing is another favorite Jacksonville past time and you can find local experts to coordinate surfboard rentals and lessons for you. Possibly the most isolated beach in the region—and certainly one of the most intriguing beaches near Fort Myers—Lovers Key State Park has a lovely mythology. Here you'll find some of the world's top-rated beaches, creating a year … We have reviews of the best places to see in Huntington Beach. You can fish, hike, boat, kayak, surf—on both the … Along the causeway to Sanibel Island, Causeway Islands Park is one of the best beaches near Fort Myers. It's certainly the best-known and oldest officially recognized public one. For beginners, Atlantic beach is a great option because the waves are good year-round and there’s plenty of room to ride. Learn to fish on the waterways of Jacksonville and find your newest hobby! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. This beautiful stretch of sand and water has many public access points, while others are private, belonging only to hotels. All Rights Reserved. Explore even more dining and nightlife choices on our website. You can bring your best friend with you on your beach trip! It’s also the easiest to access. There are several public parking lots near the beaches making it easy to find a spot and enjoy your day. Best Rock Arches at California Beaches The preserve is located one mile south of Matanzas Pass Bridge. Newton Park is a historical beach run by the city of Fort Myers Beach. If you are looking to do more than just relax with a favorite beach read, there are plenty of options for staying active while at the beach. It’s fronted by 400 feet of pure, white sand Gulf beach. Find out everything you need to know about hitting the beach during your trip to Jacksonville. Remember, dogs must be leashed at all times. Enjoyable Matanzas Pass Preserve is a 60-acre sanctuary that earns its spot on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. In this New Jersey beach town, you can admire Victorian mansions, climb the Cape May Lighthouse, tour the nearby breweries or wineries, or visit the animals at the Jersey Shore Alpacas farm. Formerly the home of Jim and Ellie Newton, who were associates of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and other high-society industrialists of the era, the property’s Seven Seas cottage is available for special events. Even if you don’t have a pup, watching dogs frolic in the waves is so joyful that it makes this stretch of sand deserve to be on any list of the best beaches near Fort Myers. Explore other popular activities near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers. Kids aren’t the only ones who love building sandcastles at the beach. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. A 10-acre stretch of sand that’s known for being extremely windy, it comprises two islands: “A,” which has parking, and “B,” which has restrooms. These are all local favorites. Have you ever explored a cav… 1. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. From craft breweries and family dining, to fresh seafood and upscale restaurants and clubs, you will have tons of options to choose from near Jacksonville, Atlantic, and Neptune Beaches. The sand is fine, soft, and white, and littered with shells, sand dollars, and driftwood. We wanted to share pictures and stories about […] Read full post . Dogs are allowed on the beach at any hour from October 1st through March 31st. Visit the Jacksonville Beach … Regularly rated as one of the best beaches in the United States, the climate at Clearwater Beach is mild and warm throughout the year. The city’s four main beaches are Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Mayport Beach, and Atlantic Beach. There are a couple of amazing surf spots in Jacksonville. Haulover may very well be the pearl of Florida’s nude beaches. Crescent Beach Family Park is a 2.25-acre waterfront park in Fort Myers Beach. The public beaches in and near Fort Myers don’t open until 7 a.m., close at dusk, and don’t allow pets unless otherwise specified. The sand is fine, soft, and white, and littered with shells, sand dollars, and driftwood. Clearwater Beach is a popular spot for watersports, snorkeling, parasailing and jet skiing, and the beach is only 2 hours from downtown Orlando. Part of tidal wetlands on San Carlos Bay, this highlight among Fort Myers beaches is a sandy stretch that pairs tidal flats with mangrove forest. Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Find the best Beaches near you on Yelp - see all Beaches open now. Among New Jersey's most treasured prizes are the white-sand beaches that draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and families each year to enjoy the surf, sand, sun, fun and excitement of the famous Jersey Shore. Melbourne's bay beaches are a terrific place to spend some time outside, whether you're keen on swimming, wading, beachcombing or just relaxing on the sand. In fact, the beach and park do more than just provide a beautiful backdrop—they offer a ton of amenities, including a fishing pier, food concessions, picnic and grill areas, restrooms, a bike rack and a decently sized parking lot. Dog Beach has shower stations to rinse canines off before leaving, as well as a portable toilet for humans, but not much more in the way of facilities. Many of these access points have parking nearby. Ireland: 6-Nt, Upscale Trip w/Air, Castle... Lowest Cruise Rate: 7-Night Alaska Cruise... Round-Trip Business Class Flights to Europe, 10 Best Cheap Places to Eat in Fort Myers. Los Angeles is home to upscale restaurants, bars, and entertainment, as well as art and cultural institutions, while San Diego features a sprawling wild-animal park and a zoo that's regularly ranked among the best in the world. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Washington, DC is a few hours drive away from several beaches. Start planning your beach vacation in Jacksonville. The city of Fort Myers Beach is responsible for maintaining the public paths from Estero Boulevard to the Gulf beaches. Manasota Key has four beaches: Manasota Attractions Beach. Dining Beach. The only vex for travelers and locals can be picking the best destination. Many of the best beaches in Southern California are in between San Diego and Los Angeles. You can find more information and tips on helping sea turtles thrive here. Here are the best sandy, surfy spots you can reach in less than two hours from London. Relax at a range of beautiful beaches in Sydney, from tranquil bays in Sydney Harbour to some of Australia’s best surf beaches.There are world-famous Bondi and Manly, well-kept secret beaches, and lovely secluded beaches in Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park. It’s probably not the first thing you think about when you think about Jacksonville, but it should be! It’s also part of the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail. Southern Delaware Itinerary . We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. With 1,100 miles of navigable water, Jax has more shoreline than any other city in the nation. Here are 10 additional beach options that don't often make the short-list for Atlanta's residents, but they are definitely worth a visit. There is no license required and the pier is wheelchair accessible and offers a bait and tackle shop as well. Narrow beaches line both the gulf and bay sides of the causeway. Manasota Key. Yes, many visitors enjoy fishing on Jacksonville Beach Pier. Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018. Enthusiasts who take advantage of these sands are kitesurfers, paddleboarders, kayakers, those in search of convenient places to launch and ride the waves, and those simply looking for some of the best beaches near Fort Myers. Just be sure to remove your charcoal from the beach after your cookout. Stop off for sandwiches at the nearby grocery store on your way in, then spend the whole day enjoying the sun on one of the best beaches near Fort Myers. Places to Stay Trip Ideas. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pack your swimsuit and come splash the summer away on an Arkansas beach or swimming hole. Today, this barrier island, one of four that make up the state park, is a two-mile stretch of sand that you can access by boardwalk or tram. Yes, there are multiple public restrooms and outdoor shower locations available. Its family-friendliness is just part of what makes one of the best beaches in Fort Myers; there’s also picnic tables, a pair of beach volleyball courts, restrooms, and a parking area with four access points to the sand. During high season, this Fort Myers beach is packed. Yes, there are multiple public restrooms and outdoor shower locations available. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Sign up for our free newsletter. Who said that humans should have all the fun? In fact, this beach in Fort Myers is part of a 10-acre preserve that’s on the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. For more expert breaks, or to watch local surfers tear it up, head to Huguenot Park, or find “the poles” at Hanna Park, or the fishing pier at Jacksonville Beach. This service provides beach conditions reports from select beaches along the Southwest coast of Florida and the Florida Panhandle. Family-friendly Glenelg is our most popular metropolitan beach. The North Carolina coast comprises 300 miles of barrier-island beaches, each with its own unique vibe and variety of things to do. Billed as one of the world's longest nude beaches at 7.8 kilometers long, Wreck Beach is actually a series of sandy strands, pebble flats and rocky outcrops wrapped around the end of Point Grey. Visitors are likely to see sea turtles during nesting season, which runs from early May through late October. (800) 733-2668. Orange County has both large […] Read Article 3. Here's a guide to the top dog-friendly beaches. These beaches near Fort Myers also accessible by water, so if you’re already out boating or fishing, pull up for a picnic. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 100 North Laura StreetSuite 120Jacksonville, FL 32202U.S. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. But fear not. Glenelg Moseley Beach Club, Glenelg. The park also has a concession stand where you can rent everything from bicycles to beach chairs, as well as a boat ramp for launching kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and more. Just hop on the tram from the city and get off at Moseley Square, just metres away from the water at Glenelg Beach. Are there restrooms and showers available? Probably the most popular beach in Fort Myers, Lynn Hall Memorial Park is right next to Times Square, north of the Matanzas Pass Bridge. From the beaches of Los Angeles and San Diego to the fog of San Francisco and skiing at Lake Tahoe, California is as diverse as any state in the union. These are DeGray Lake , as well as lake Catherine , Charles , Dardanelle and Ouachita , Village Creek , Woolly Hollow , Crowley's Ridge , and Jacksonport on the White River. Looking for a great beach near London? © 2021 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Encircled by three harbours, we’ve got 3,700 kilometres of coastline – which means hundreds of Auckland’s beaches are within easy reach. Beautiful beaches near you. White sand, rugged coastlines, the works — these are the beaches that travelers say are the world's best. When it comes to Tampa Bay, picturesque scenery and an average of 361 days of sunshine each year create an ideal setting for those ready to explore and discover new treasures. That said, there are plenty of amenities here, helping to make it one of the best beaches in Fort Myers: parking, restrooms, picnic areas, food concessions, even a canoe and kayak launch. Take a paddleboard out for a spin, go diving amongst beautiful reefs and marine life, or rent a beach cruiser and ride along the water’s edge. Whether you intend to hike the trails through the mangrove and oak hammocks or launch from the landing, take time to explore the Gulf beach that provides picture-perfect views of Estero Bay. While there are no concessions at Crescent Beach Family Park, it’s a short drive from here to Times Square. Finally, near Caspersen is Sarasota County’s only dog-friendly beach, Brohard Paw Park. It’s ideal for those who long to sit quietly and scan the area for birds and wildlife, commune with nature, read, or sketch. To get here, head north of Matanzas Bridge on Estero Boulevard; between Lynn Hall and Bowditch Point, you’ll start to see banners flying from poles with the access numbers. And check out the best places to stay on each beach. Before heading to the beach this summer, check Beachsafe for the latest updates. Kick off your flip-flops and get ready to sunbathe on these amazing beaches in Florida. Beach . These mark the entrances from the road and are replicated by signs on the Gulf side. It sits on a welcoming wide strip of sand north of Bal Harbour, centrally located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and is ranked regularly among the Top 10 nude beaches in the world. In addition to its natural attractions of sun and sand, this Fort Myers beach features Estero Island’s most comprehensive amenities, including Fort Myers Beach Pier, which is a licensed fishing pier with a bait and gift shop; picnic shelters and grills; outdoor showers; food concession stands; canoe and kayaking launch points; volleyball courts; and restrooms with changing facilities. If you are lucky enough to see sea turtles or nests on the beach, keep your distance and do not disturb them. Dog Beach is where canines can run, splash, and play off leash. The best beaches in Fort Myers—and in nearby Fort Myers Beach—are some of Florida’s most beautiful. Check out even more pet friendly travel tips here. From April 1st through September 30th, however, dogs are not permitted on the beach during peak hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Jacksonville’s beach communities are very walkable and offer plenty of shopping and dining options to explore too! 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