Bowditch Point Park
50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers, FL, 33931
The 17 acres (7 hectares) of Bowditch Point Park are split in a way that pleases beachgoers and nature lovers alike. The majority of the land is a dedicated preserve, while nearly half was developed for recreation. This edge of Estero Island looks out to San Carlos Bay and the Bunche Beach Preserve, and when low tide comes, it’s an inviting time to comb the sand for shells.
The basics
You’ll wave to Bowditch Point Park when taking a guided kayaking eco-tour, sunset sail, or the ferry to Key West. A pelican catching fish, a wedding on the beach, and family barbecues are the “buzz” of this relatively peaceful beach. The bayside is quieter, which is better for relaxed wildlife viewing, while the Gulf side is where the sunbathers and wave riders go. Damage recovery from Hurricane Irma means some facilities may be temporarily closed, and wearing beach shoes is recommended.
Things to know before you go
The beach is accessible from the parking lot to the Gulf.
Be sure to obtain a saltwater fishing license before casting a line from shore.
Birders, bring your binoculars: This park is on the Great Florida Birding Trail.
How to get there
Bowditch Point Park is in Fort Myers Beach, which is on Estero Island and accessible from downtown Fort Myers by taking San Carlos Boulevard south. There are two paid parking lots as well as free boat slips. Buses 410 and 420 stop at the entrance to the park, though you can walk there from the shoreline if you’re staying at a Fort Myers Beach hotel.
When to get there
There’s no bad time to visit Bowditch Point Park. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays see peak crowds, with vacationers arriving in the summer and snowbirds coming in the winter. The park’s northern tip has panoramic views of the bay, ideal for sunrise and sunset viewing (which coincides with its operating hours). Note that the free day docks are limited to 10 boats, so arrive early to snag a slip.
Archaeological sites and wildlife sanctuaries near Bowditch Point Park
The park’s nature preserve is far from the only serene spot on Estero Island. The Matanzas Pass Preserve, located 3 miles (5 kilometers) east, is a 60-acre (24-hectare) wildlife sanctuary on the Matanzas Pass that has a walking trail. Not far from this preserve is the Mound House Museum, the site of a 2,000-year-old shell mound and other Calusa artifacts; here you’ll also find the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, guided kayak eco-tours, a pier, and arts and crafts demonstrations.
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