Bowditch Point Park
Bowditch Point Park
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
137 within 3 miles
Attractions
33 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
738 reviews
Excellent
461
Very good
217
Average
52
Poor
6
Terrible
2
6burghfan2017
Stafford, VA7 contributions
Jul 2022
The beach was really nice. There were lots of people there but didn't feel overly crowded. Be prepared to pay to park ($5) and you have a 1/4 mile or so walk from the parking lot to the beach entry. Only tiny little shells could be found.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BeIrie
West Allis, WI141 contributions
Feb 2020
We love going to Bowditch. You need get there early during”season “ for parking, but the beach is long and deep so there is plenty of room to relax, walk, or wander through the trails within the park. If you get there early enough to view the Key West Express leaving you will get a great show from the dolphins playing and jumping in the ferry’s wake.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherri D
Forest Lake, MN16 contributions
Jan 2022
This beach usually has less people than the area near the pier. It has gorgeous powdered sugar sand.
We took a leisurely walk to the pier and got ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery on the nearby street .
We even found several intact conch shells as we walked.
We took a leisurely walk to the pier and got ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery on the nearby street .
We even found several intact conch shells as we walked.
Written January 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AlphaRam
Broken Arrow, OK2,991 contributions
Nov 2020
We only used this park as a turnaround for Estero Drive after seeing the rates to park. From what we saw, it looked beautiful. However, since we were already renting a house at the beach, we did not feel inclined to pay for parking to see a beach a couple of miles down from our beach.
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JG3-777
Jacksonville, NC226 contributions
Feb 2020
Nice pavilion, parking is limited. Short walk to the beach. One person waited for 30 min for a parking spot, we had decided we would not wait, we were fortunate to have someone leave as we were driving out.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ellensadventures
Fort Myers Beach, FL23 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Bowditch Point State Park is a nice walk if you are staying South of Times Square. We walk the beach from the Ft. Myers Public Library Area.
This walk will take you past several hotels, condos, and toward the Times Square area where there are shops, & restaurants, and the Ft. Myers Beach pier.
Past the pier, heading toward Bowditch you will find the beach quite populated. You will pass some private beach homes, and the Pink Shell development.
Bowditch is well marked, and quite informative in terms of signage regarding birds, and other wildlife. We met a ranger there who was quite knowledgable.
There are public bathrooms that you can use, in addition to seating and boardwalk type of paths.
The trolly and tram both stop at Bowditch.
It’s a nice stop at the north end of the beach.
This walk will take you past several hotels, condos, and toward the Times Square area where there are shops, & restaurants, and the Ft. Myers Beach pier.
Past the pier, heading toward Bowditch you will find the beach quite populated. You will pass some private beach homes, and the Pink Shell development.
Bowditch is well marked, and quite informative in terms of signage regarding birds, and other wildlife. We met a ranger there who was quite knowledgable.
There are public bathrooms that you can use, in addition to seating and boardwalk type of paths.
The trolly and tram both stop at Bowditch.
It’s a nice stop at the north end of the beach.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cathy M
6 contributions
Dec 2021
Bowditch was an amazing surprise! We had scheduled family photos and they photographer chose Bowditch. We returned the next day to walk the shore. Oh my goodness....shells, starfish, manta rays, sun dollars and crawling around the driftwood made an excellent adventure. We actually returned 2 additional times, and it just kept getting better and better!!
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lou
10 contributions
Jan 2020
We took the free tram from Lani Kai to Bowditch. The park is beautiful, clean bathrooms and the beach is quiet and great to get away from the crowds. Plenty of great shelling! Bring your own blanket and umbrella - no beach rentals here. I didn't see any concessions either. Bring your own snacks and water. If you want a little out of the way beach location, this is it.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DeAnna
Louisville, KY78 contributions
Jun 2020
My family and I visited here on our last day of vacation last week and I am so glad we did! The beach is beautiful here. We didn't have much time, so it left areas unexplored, but what we did see, we loved. We spotted a star fish and three jelly fish while walking around the border of the shore. It was neat to watch the boats come in and out from the bay as well. Definitely a very neat area that screams a little more Florida and a little less attractiony. The restroom facilities were very nice as well. Great area for picnics. I believe the parking was $2/hour. We absolutely loved the short time we explored here and will definitely be going back to see the rest on our next trip.
Written June 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lindaofny
South Salem, NY266 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Lovely facilities on a white sand beach. There are restrooms and dressing rooms. Very clean and pleasant. There’s a free tram to take nearby residents to the beach. When we pulled up to the parking lot, there was a car waiting. The driver explained that she was in a line waiting for a space. Within 10 minutes, a car pulled out and we pulled into a space - very civilized.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dayle781
Marblehead, MA2 contributions
Are you able to recommend lodging in your area….the inn??
peakguy2016
Hartland, MI4 contributions
Can we bring our dog on a leash
Kathy C
30 contributions
Check out their website for the most up to date info...and contact details if you have additional questions. They don't allow links to be posted, so you'll have to Google the park name...sorry!
maycee_11
Cuyahoga Falls, OH6 contributions
Hi! One of the persons in our group will have a portable oxygen unit. No wheelchair. I'm curious how long the walk is from the parking lot to the gulf. We won't be walking about the park, just wanted to get some nice group photo's on the beach. Thank you!
Deb K
18 contributions
Not far at all..and lots of shad and benches!
Dyan007
Cortland, NY5 contributions
How are the beach conditions and red tide?
Deb K
18 contributions
Happily, we swam and snorkeled everyday of our vacation on Fort Myers Beach..No sign of red tide when we were there last week in September..We took many day trips to explore...Big Cypress..Barefoot Beach ..Sanibel..and all was good..Except on Sanibel, sadly, Lighthouse beach, my favorite for shelling, made us cough so we left..Still had a great day on Sanibel, JN Ding wildlife refuge was fine! Great day trip anyway!
Does it cost anythig to come there im real no robot
00vette48306
Rochester, MI1,266 contributions
As mentioned, just for parking. however the lot is very small. You might be better catching the trolley that comes in from several points in Fort Myers Beach. It seems to be roomy enough to carry all your great beach goodies. And you might save money if you're planning a whole day of it.
epaull
Baltimore, MD99 contributions
We're headed to Bowditch on a Friday in high season (February). What time (in the morning) should we get there to be able to park?
Gerry L
Chicago, IL121 contributions
I was there in November, when it was fairly crowded. I got to Bowditch around 1:30 and there were plenty of spaces. One other thing--I did call the park; you can Google their number & they can hopefully give you a better answer.
Joyce K
1 contribution
what time of year and day is it best to see turtles and dauphins?
justjoeyFtL
Fort Lauderdale, FL72 contributions
Hi Joyce, The best advise i can give you is contact the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (850).488-4676, or on the internet. They can tell you about the turtles, dolphins and manatees viewing and mating and viewing seasons and where they can be seen. Enjoy it's really a very beautiful place to go. TripAdvisor can assist you with Hotels, Restaurants and many Attractions.
Vinnie A
Sunrise, FL
Are dogs allowed on beach?
St_Augustine_Fan
Fort Myers Beach, FL109 contributions
Went straight to Fort Myers Beach web for answer, however, cannot post link due to html; just perform Google search using "lee county beach dogs allowed", and you'll be able to locate Fort Myers Beach webside with the info you requested.
Site provides info about Dog Beach and where dogs are allowed and not allowed.
Bowditch Point Park (Fort Myers Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bowditch Point Park
- Bowditch Point Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Bowditch Point Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Bowditch Point Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Bowditch Point Park:
- (0.31 mi) Bonita Springs Bungalow
- (0.33 mi) Private vacation home on Imperial River with Gulf Access Sleeps 4; 1 pet ok.
- (0.43 mi) River Waterfront with Tiki Bar & BBQ/ Fire-pit Area
- (0.43 mi) Beautiful 4 bedroom, 3 bath w/ heated swimming pool home 14 mins from the beach
- (1.71 mi) Hampton Inn Bonita Springs/Naples-North
- Restaurants near Bowditch Point Park:
- (0.01 mi) Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge
- (0.01 mi) El Gran Taco Loco
- (0.04 mi) Survey Cafe
- (0.19 mi) For Heaven Shakes
- (0.27 mi) Grandpa's Pizza