ESTERO ISLAND
Where
Estero Island, a seven-mile-long sliver of paradise that’s home to Fort Myers Beach, offers a whopping 29 public beach accesses, many which have public parking and are ADA accessible via mobi mat or ramp. Here’s a map of the accesses. The island also boasts beach parks that include Lynn Hall Pier and Memorial Park, Crescent Beach Park, and Bowditch Point Park. Bowditch is among the finest, and located at 50 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931.
Vibe
Connect with nature on a white sand beach. At popular Bowditch Park, you can expect to see beachgoers relaxing under candy-colored umbrellas; pelicans diving into the surf; and often, dolphins arcing out of the water just offshore.
See, feel
Bowditch Park encompasses 17 acres on the northernmost point of Estero Island, a finger of pristine sand sandwiched between the Gulf of America and the bay. The beach is a wonder of soft, white sand and shallow, emerald-hued water. While the water is usually calm, winds, tides and offshore systems can cause conditions to be rough.
On or near the beach
Bowditch invites you kick back and perfect your tan; cool off with a swim; or take a stroll by the waves. A designated Great Florida Birding Trail site, Bowditch Park promises views of Snowy, Piping and Wilson’s plovers, as well as a multitude of terns and gulls that cruise the beach. The occasional Bald Eagle joins the Ospreys soaring overhead. Fishing is popular, either on the Gulf or on the back bay, where tranquil waters and luxe boats traversing the bay provide a tropical ambience. Refresh with a picnic or venture into nearby downtown Fort Myers Beach for a meal by the water.
Accessibility
Bowditch Park offers accessible parking (which is free). One of the portable restrooms is ADA accessible.
Facilities
You’ll find portable restrooms at Bowditch Park. Bring everything you need: water, food, sunscreen, insect repellent and the like, as the park’s facilities aren’t open at this time.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Bowditch offers 63 parking spaces. Here’s where you can find more information about parking, which utilizes a mobile pay system. Accessible parking is free.
