People looking to purchase a home in Estero might be surprised to learn that there’s no public beach access. For some that’s a deal breaker. But hear me out on this one. There’s a good reason there’s no beach access.
Estero’s coastal areas belong to Estero Bay Preserve State Park. This protected land isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for you too. Come hurricane season, you’ll be glad that there’s a buffer between you and Mother Nature.
So just how far is Estero, Florida from the closest beach? Luckily, not too far. Because we’re sandwiched between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers, we only need to hop in the car to find that idyllic stretch of sand.
While there’s plenty of beaches to choose from, Bonita Beach stands out as the clear winner. Not only is it one of the easiest beaches to get to, but you’ll also find parking, bathrooms, and other amenities that you won’t necessarily get at other access points.
So keep scrolling to discover the best beach near Estero. And make sure to save a visit for Estero’s magnificent coastline as well.
Location
Parking & Fees
Restrooms & Showers
Concession Stands
Rentals
Pets
More Beaches Nearby
1. Bonita Beach Location
First off, there’s something you should know. A twenty minute drive in the summer can easily become an hour-long schlep once season starts. As you can see from the map, the drive can range anywhere from 25 – 50 minutes on a Saturday morning in mid-November.
Expect that drive to get longer in January and February. If you live further east on Corkscrew like I do, make sure you find a good podcast.
No matter where you’re coming from in Estero, you have 2 routes at your disposal:
- via I-75
- via US-41
From there, it’s a straight shot down Bonita Beach Road.
2. Parking and Fees at Bonita Beach
The reason Bonita Beach is more popular than Barefoot Beach farther south is its close proximity to parking. You can park right at Bonita Beach Park and not have to haul your cooler a million miles.
Just make sure to get there before 10 a.m. – especially on the weekend – because spaces fill up fast.
Paying is easy. It’s only 2 bucks an hour, and you pay right from your phone. Lee County parking stickers are not accepted, so be prepared to shell out the cash.
3. Restrooms and Showers
You’ll find porta potties in the parking lot at Bonita Beach, but for those of you who would rather die than use a porta potty (like the author of this blog post), I’ve got two options for you.
- The ocean
- Doc’s Beach House
Words to the wise: If you are going to use Doc’s, make sure you make a purchase — even if it’s just a beverage at their souvenir stand.
As far as showers go, there are no actual showers or foot showers since Hurricane Ian. It takes a long time to recover from hurricanes. In fact, sometimes it takes years. So for now, bring a towel to wipe off your feet and expect to vacuum your car when you get home.
4. Sips & Bites at Bonita Beach
While you won’t find concession stands at Bonita Beach, you can swing by Doc’s Beach House. For those looking to grab a quick bite or a drink, head to the souvenir stand. You can also enjoy a sit-down meal indoors or al fresco dining at beachside tables (don’t worry, there’s shady umbrellas too).
Prices are reasonable, if you consider the fact that you’re eating on some of the most coveted real estate on earth.
Of course, you can always choose to bring a cooler and enjoy your own sips and bites. Just remember, the farther you walk down the beach, the longer you have to carry that cooler.
5. Bonita Beach Rentals
You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs from Bonita Jet Ski & Parasail just down the road. However, they do not take reservations, so you’ll want to get there early to snag any supplies you need.
P.S. When it comes to umbrellas and chairs, it’s full-day rentals or nothing. But hey, it’s the beach. Might as well stay awhile.
Chaise lounge chair = $11.00
Beach umbrella = $22.00
You can also rent the following beach rentals:
- Jet skis
- Paddle boards
- Bicycles
- Kayaks
6. Pets
As a cat owner, I’m used to having to leave the fur babies at home. Sadly, you dog-owners must learn to feel my pain. Most of the beaches in Southwest Florida do not allow dogs, including Bonita Beach.
If you absolutely have to bring your pet, you’ll want to head to the Bonita Beach Dog Park. Just stand warned, I’ve heard through the grapevine that people don’t always pick up after their pups. Not exactly an idyllic beach experience.
7. More Beaches Near Estero, FL
Interested in exploring other options? Make it a full-day adventure and dig your toes in the sand at the following spots. Just remember to check their websites in advance. Some beaches are still recovering from Hurricane Milton.
- Naples Beach
- Lowdermilk
- Miramar Beach
- Clam Pass
- Vanderbilt Beach
- Barefoot Beach
- Little Hickory Beach
- Lovers Key Beach
- Fort Myers Beach
