Beaches in Cape Coral, FL
Searching for the best beaches in Cape Coral for your next day trip or vacation? Well, you are in the right place! I think that Cape Coral’s beaches capture the easygoing spirit of Southwest Florida. Soft sands here are a dream, along with warm Gulf breezes, and endless sunshine.
This is exactly why I decided to share my favorite beach stops around Cape Coral so that you can use my guide as an inspiration to plan your own vacation. Trust me, you'll quickly get inspired to kick back and join in on the laid-back coastal living along with the locals. In my guide I describe the beaches that we absolutely loved on our two week road trip. I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
Lovers Key - 35-minute drive from Cape Coral
This is one of my favorite beaches for a weekend getaway on the Florida Gulf Coast. I love how it feels wild, with natural beauty all around and fewer crowds than some of Florida’s busier beaches.
We left Naples in the morning and drove just under an hour north. The Gulf glimmered between high-rises and mangroves until the road narrowed onto Estero Island. I instantly thought our journey was worth it!
My favorite part is the pristine stretch of sand on Lovers Key (Google Maps pin). Dolphins often play offshore. Sunsets are some of the most magical I’ve ever seen.
I found Lovers Key State Park to be one of the best beaches in Cape Coral.
Couples will love how romantic this spot is. It’s no surprise it has long been considered one of Florida’s most romantic beaches.
What I loved best:
I love how the picnic areas and pavilions make it easy to spend the whole day here, combining beach time with relaxing meals in the shade.
Captiva Beach - 1 hour from Cape Coral
Chris and I both absolutely love Captiva Beach, and have been many times. This is one of my favorite beaches near Cape Coral for a peaceful week-long vacation because it always feels like an escape into paradise.
I think Captiva Beach is one of the best spots in Southwest Florida for watching sunsets. The horizon seems endless, and the colors were absolutely stunning.
The drive takes you past sea-worn cottages, narrow roads framed in hibiscus, and heaps of palm.
What I love most is the calm atmosphere, which makes it perfect for a romantic stroll.
My favorite thing to do here is to hunt for seashells along the shoreline with my son.
You can go for a swim in the warm water. Enjoy paddle boarding, or simply floating while soaking up the sun.
Captiva Beach feels underrated compared to the more popular Sanibel spots, which makes it even more special to me.
For a family getaway, the wide sandy shore gives kids plenty of space to play, while parents could relax under an umbrella.
What I loved best:
I love how the charming village of Captiva is just steps away, with cozy restaurants and shops to explore after a day on the sand.
Barefoot Beach - 40-minute drive from Cape Coral
We started the day with a cool drive about 40 minutes from Cape Coral toward Barefoot Beach near Bonita Springs, already feeling like a weekend getaway dream.
Once we parked close to the preserve area, the salty air hit us first and it instantly felt like the best experience.
Walking along the boardwalk through the sea oats was magic. The sand was soft and white and honestly one of the most amazing beaches I’ve seen in Florida
We dropped our towels, kicked off the shoes, and just stood there for a minute because the Gulf views were spectacular.
Later Chris, our son and I walked along the shoreline collecting shells, which was my favorite and such a family-friendly thing to do.
At one point we spotted dolphins in the distance which felt unusual and exciting, like the absolute best surprise.
We grabbed snacks and had a small picnic near the heaps of dunes, thinking this beach is truly an underrated Florida gem.
Staying until sunset was a brilliant idea because the colors over the Gulf were the coolest thing ever.
What I loved best:
My personal highlight werew amazing cakes with lobster sauce at The Bubble Room on Captiva where are refueled for lunch.
A downside? There was a parking fee for non-residents.
Sanibel Island Bheaches
These beaches are some of the best I’ve ever experienced near Cape Coral!
I love how the soft white sand stretches for miles. It creates such a romantic backdrop for sunset walks (of course!). It's also a family-friendly space for kids to play.
We left Lovers Key in the late morning and drove about an hour south, crossing the causeway that seemed to float above the Gulf.
Sanibel is world-famous for its shells, so I recommend doing that first. Head to Bowman’s Beach which is quiet.
Lighthouse Beach, with its historic lighthouse and fishing pier is also a standout.
I find Tarpon Bay Beach to be one of the most underrated. Its peaceful charm and spacious shoreline won me over.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park
This is one of my favorite beach spots when I want a relaxing weekend getaway.
Located right next to Fort Myers Beach Pier, it has one of the best family-friendly atmospheres on the Gulf Coast.
We left Sanibel on our road trip in the morning and drove less than an hour north, crossing the Matanzas Pass Bridge into Fort Myers Beach.
I love that there are picnic tables, grills, and shaded areas, which make it perfect for a casual lunch after swimming.
The park has clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and plenty of parking, which makes it one of the most convenient and underrated beaches near Cape Coral.
You can walk along the pier at sunset for unforgettable views. Kids can enjoy the sandy shoreline and calm waves while parents appreciate the park’s easy amenities.
What I loved best:
For me, Lynn Hall Memorial Park is one of the best beaches in Cape Coral, FL because it's peaceful and unique!
In addition, being right in the heart of Fort Myers Beach means I can easily stroll to restaurants and shops after a day in the sun.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, we've found that buying the America the Beautiful Pass is cost effective.
