Barefoot Beach

Barefoot Beach Preserve boasts an easily accessible gorgeous white-sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico, where you can spend time sunbathing, picnicking, or swimming in the warm and clean gulf waters.

Neither crowded nor too much commercialized, it’s a lovely quiet destination for a one-day beach trip to stay away from the stressful city and enjoy the Florida sun and sea with your nearest and dearest. At dusk, Barefoot Beach also becomes a good shelling spot. If you happen to be here in the evening, don’t miss a spectacular sunset!

Location and Access

Barefoot Beach Preserve is located at 505 Barefoot Beach Boulevard. The drive to the beach will take you through an amazingly beautiful neighborhood. The entrance fee is $8 and there is a conveniently located parking lot within a short walk from the beach area.

Parking is ample but anyway it’s better to come early during high season (each year the beach becomes more and more popular). Be aware that the parking meter accepts only credit cards. There is a nice boardwalk connecting the parking lot and the beach. The open hours are from 8 a. m. to sunset.

The beach features a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk, shower and restroom. Also, you can borrow a wheelchair on the beach for free.

Dog Policies

Unfortunately for dog owners, pets are not allowed at the beach. Nevertheless, service dogs are welcomed.

Facilities

Barefoot Beach Preserve features numerous outdoor showers and clean restrooms. If you’re planning a picnic, you can make use of the dedicated picnic areas with tables. If you don’t bring your own food, there a small snack bar offering hot dogs, chips, sausages, and ice cream.

There are on-site kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rental services to shake up your trip with some water sports.

Sand and Water

The sand is white and soft, with plenty of shells, bringing real joy to children and shell collectors. However, it is recommended to have your footwear on and bring water shoes, because the shells can be sharp to walk on.

The water is clean, warm, and shallow, which is great for visitors with small children. There are no lifeguards on duty, so please exercise caution and watch your kids all the time.

Wildlife

There are lots of different birds to watch. On a one-mile nature trail, running through the sand dunes, you can spot gopher tortoises and nesting sea turtles in the summer months. There is also a chance to see dolphins, manatees, crabs, sea stars, and snails.

Driving Time

• 50 minutes from Fort Myers, FL
• 1 hour 10 minutes from Port Charlotte, FL
• 2 hours 20 minutes from Miami, FL

Hotels and rentals

If you're considering staying for one or even a few nights, there are plenty of options available near the beach. Chose your preferred accomodation type and your favourite room provider:

• Nearby rentals from VRBO.
• Nearby rooms and properties from Booking.com.

Beaches nearby

Additionally, there's a number of beaches near Barefoot Beach which you can visit:

• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Beach (1 mile)
• Vanderbilt Beach (3 miles)
• Bonita Beach (4 miles)
• Lovers Key State Park Beach (6 miles)
• Fort Myers Beach (10 miles)