Sanibel’s Award-winning Bowman’s Beach
Several miles of secluded white sandy beach with plenty of room to play, relax, or gather shells. U.S. News Travel Recognizes Bowman’s Beach in the Top 10 Best Beaches in the World and was recognized by Travelocity as one of the Top 25 Beaches in the United States!
Bowman’s Beach is located off Sanibel-Captiva Road just past J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge.
This Sanibel Island beach is a bit of a hike (about 10 minutes) from the parking lot to the beach so bring a beach cart or wagon if you have a lot of gear or little ones. Follow the marked trail through the wooded area over the footbridge and dunes. Bring water and picnic supplies or snacks as there are no concessions available other than a vending machine with water and soda. Read our blog article about beach safety, Florida Sunshine Survival Tips or sunscreen protection.
Boman’s Beach Amenities
Bowmans Beach amenities include parking, bike rack, shaded playground, BBQ grills, picnic tables, outdoor showers, and restroom facilities (portable toilet). Leashed pets are welcome on Sanibel Island’s beaches providing you pick up after them. Please don’t bury pet waste…children like to dig in the sand as much as pets.
A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. There is no fee for Florida residents.
Parking at Boman’s Beach
Parking is available at a rate of $5 per hour. Lee County Annual Parking Stickers are accepted.
If there is no parking available at Bowman’s try the Tarpon Bay Road beach access. Located mid-Island at the south end of Tarpon Bay Road. There is dedicated handicapped parking spots at the access and a parking lot on the east side of West Gulf Drive on Tarpon Bay Road – watch for the brown Beach Parking sign. The parking lot has adequate space for recreational vehicles. There are restroom facilities at this beach access.
Or try the Algiers Lane beach access in Gulfside City Park. Located mid-Island on Algiers Lane and Casa Ybel Road and known as Algiers Beach by locals. You may also bike to this beach access. The beach faces south so shelling can be excellent on this flat wide beach. Amenities include parking for a fee (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), nature trails, BBQ grills, picnic tables, and restrooms. Leashed pets are allowed. Owners must clean up after their pets. There is also an old cemetery which can only be accessed via the bike trail.
