What Sanibel Beaches Are Open After Hurricane Ian?
The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here’s what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.
For a detailed look, watch the video at the bottom of this post that we filmed of the beaches in February.
Open Sanibel Island Beaches (2024)
1. Blind Pass Beach on Sanibel Island
Blind Pass Beach, which is located on the northern end of the island, is open for visitors.
This beach has a more secluded feel than some of the other beaches on Sanibel, and it’s a great spot for shelling and birdwatching. There are 29 parking spots.
Address: 6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by scanning the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
2. Bowman’s Beach Park on Sanibel Island
We’re thrilled to report that Bowman’s Beach, one of our all-time favorite spots on the island, is open once again!
This wide, sandy beach is perfect for families, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sunshine. There are restrooms, showers, and picnic tables available. There are 220 parking spots.
Address: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by scanning the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
3. Gulfside City Park (Algiers) on Sanibel Island
Gulfside City Park, located near the center of Sanibel Island, is another great option for beachgoers. This beach has plenty of parking and facilities, including restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. There are 46 parking spots.
Address: 2001 Algiers Lane Sanibel Island, FL 33957
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by scanning the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
4. Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel Island
Lighthouse Beach Park, located on the tip of Sanibel is a truly beautiful place to visit.
You can catch a glimpse of the lighthouse if you look to your left as you come across the causeway. The lighthouse lost a leg to Hurricane Ian but she is still standing and awaiting your visit!
Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by scanning the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
ANOTHER NOTE: The Sanibel Fishing Pier is still CLOSED due to damage from the hurricane.
4. Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel Island
Tarpon Bay Beach is another beach located near the center of the island. This Sanibel beach is a great spot for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The beach has restrooms and outdoor showers. There are 76 parking spots.
The water is calm and shallow, making it a great spot for beginners to try out their water sports skills.
Beach Address: 111 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Public Parking Address: 205 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by scanning the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
BONUS SECTION: Open Captiva Island Beaches 2024
The breathtaking Captiva Island beaches have also made a triumphant return!
So, grab your flip-flops, sunglasses, and beach towels because it’s time to soak up the sun and revel in the beauty of Captiva Island.
1. Alison Hagerup Beach on Captiva Island
Alison Hagerup Beach is a popular beach located at the end of Captiva Island. This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and peaceful surroundings.
There are 40 parking spaces & portable restrooms. The parking fee is $25 for 2 hours or $40 for the day.
Handicap spots are NOT free.
Address: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Alison Hagerup is the only beach on Sanibel & Captiva that uses a different payment system. You pay to park at Alison Hagerup through an app called ParkMobile.
Download the ParkMobile App in the App Store or Google Play.
2. Turner Beach on Captiva Island
Turner Beach is known for its stunning sunsets, picturesque views of the Gulf of Mexico, and abundant wildlife.
There are 25 parking spaces, restrooms & an outdoor shower.
The parking fee is $5 per hour payable through a mobile system. You access the system by snapping the QR code or by texting the code # found on the information sign.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO physical machines to input cash or a credit card. Payment is through the mobile system only.
Parking is free with a valid handicap permit.
Address: 17200 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
How Much is Beach Parking on Sanibel?
Parking is $5.00 per hour. You must pay 7 days a week/24 hours a day. There are no off-peak discounts.
How Do You Pay To Park at the Sanibel Beaches?
Use your mobile phone to text the code that is on the information board in the parking lot. A site will come up to enter your payment information.
You must use a credit card to pay.
You can also scan the QR code and click the link.
In the past, you had to come back to the parking meter to add more time. Now you can add more time whilst sitting on your beach towel!
Visit the City of Sanibel website for more detailed information.
Can You Pay for Sanibel Parking With Cash or a Credit Card?
The short answer is no. There are no physical machines to input cash or a credit card.
The only way to pay is via your mobile phone.
Is there Wi-Fi at the Sanibel Beach Parking Lots?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi at the beach parking lots. The Wi-Fi can be used to access the parking payment system if you do not have a data plan.
The one exception is Lighthouse Beach Park. The parking lots at Lighthouse Beach DO NOT have Wi-Fi.
PLEASE NOTE: The Wi-Fi can be temperamental so don’t rely on it. We have AT&T as our carrier and had trouble accessing the Wi-Fi at the Tarpon Bay parking lot (UGH!)
Permit-Only Sanibel Island Open Beach Accesses
In addition to the public beach accesses, there are five permit-only accesses open.
1. Bayview Park (located north end of Bailey Road) – 10 spaces (A or B permit)
2. Beach Road access – no defined parking spots but approximately 13 spaces (A or B permit)
3. Bock Peace Park (located north end of Dixie Beach Blvd) – 6 spaces (A or B permit)
4. Nerita Street access – no defined parking spots but approximately 6 spaces (A or B permit)
5. Sanctuary Overlook – 2 spaces (A or B permit)
The above accesses can be used by permit holders only. Permits are obtained by going in person to the Sanibel Recreation Center.
HERE is the Sanibel Beach parking permit application.
“A” permits are for Sanibel residents/property owners and cost $14 per year.
“B” permits are for non-Sanibel residents/non-property owners and cost $300 per year.
Map of Sanibel Island Beach Accesses
The official City of Sanibel beach access map is HERE.
Where to Stay on Sanibel & Captiva?
Would you love to stay on Sanibel or Captiva? We have compiled a list of open hotels & resorts on Sanibel and Captiva.
Which Restaurants are Open on Sanibel & Captiva?
List of open Sanibel restaurants
List of open Captiva restaurants.
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We can’t wait to show you the REBUILDING of the Islands & to WELCOME you back!
-Nick, Lori & Max
About The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast
The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast is your portal to all things island! Follow us on this fun journey as we discover interesting parts of history, talk about local events and recent island changes, and interview local residents and business owners! We hope to cover major attractions such as the beaches, the museums, the outdoor activities, and more! It is our hope to bring a unique voice and perspective to this wonderful area of South West Florida, building a supportive community foundation where we can all share thoughts and ideas. We would love your feedback and, suggestions for future interviews, questions you may have or, quirky island stories lesser-known!
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If you enjoyed this podcast, check out the following links:
Shopping on Sanibel & Captiva, shopping on the Island is fun and unique, check out all the stores!
Services on Sanibel & Captiva, you never know when you might need a mechanic, a bank, or a realtor!
Dunlop Road, check out the other cool spots on Dunlop Road next to the farmers market!
Sanibel Public Library, explore the library right next to the farmers market!
