6 Top Dog-Friendly Beaches in Fort Myers, FL (2026 Update)
Want to catch some sun and sand? Fort Myers, Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches. But if you’re in the area with a four-legged friend, you’ll have to find dog-friendly places to visit. Luckily, we’ve done that extra digging for you! Whether you’re looking for a morning jog or a day playing in the surf, these beaches are sure to please.
Note: Since Hurricane Ian, some of these beaches may be temporarily closed. Please check with local authorities for an updated opening status.
The 6 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Fort Myers, FL
1. Bonita Beach Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 8800 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 34134 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free (On-site parking $2/hr) |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Great place to splash and play free!
- Only off-leash beach in Fort Myers
- Least crowded in the early morning hours
- It’s protected against rough waves and full of friendly pups
- Includes on-site showering station
2. Newton Park
| ️ Address: | 4650 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 |
| Open Times: | 5 AM–7 PM |
| Cost: | Free (Parking $3/hr) |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Enjoy playing in the sand and relaxing in the shade of a grass canopy at this beach
- Popular beach, with parking that fills up fast
- Make sure to keep your dog leashed and clean up any messes
3. Sanibel Causeway Islands Park
| ️ Address: | 19931 Sanibel Causeway Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| Open Times: | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Two artificial islands link Sanibel Island to the mainland in a long, skinny beach
- A great place to hunt for shells with your pooch
- Better for walking, not relaxing
4. Gulfside Beach
| ️ Address: | 2001 Algiers Lane Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise–Sunset |
| Cost: | $6 Island entry toll (On-site parking $2/hr before 7 PM) |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Beautiful, sheltered sandy beach
- Great place for nature walks! But keep your pup on an 8-foot leash or shorter.
- Wash stations, restrooms, and picnic tables available
- Gulfside Beach is home to endangered turtles and shorebirds—help your pup leave nests alone
- Stay hydrated—doggy water fountains are available.
5. Bowman’s Beach
| ️ Address: | 1700 Bowman's Beach Rd. Sanibel, FL 33957 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise–Sunset |
| Cost: | $6 Island Entry Toll (Parking $5/hr) |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Perfect for swimming, hiking, and picnics
- Bring plenty of water—this beach doesn’t have drinking fountains!
- Splash and play in the warm water
6. Lighthouse Beach Park
| ️ Address: | 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL, 33957 |
| Open Times: | 24 Hours |
| Cost: | $6 Island Entry Toll (Parking $5/hr) |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- A dynamic, rugged beach perfect for adventurers
- 32 acres of shoreline and hiking
- One of the less-crowded beaches in Fort Myers
Conclusion
If you and your furry best friend are in Fort Myers, we hope you check out one of these beaches! Whether you enjoy the off-leash fun at Bonita Dog Beach or have some leashed fun in the sun on one of the other beautiful beaches, there is always something to do! No matter where you go, don’t forget to stay hydrated, be respectful, and clean up after any messes.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash
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Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets . She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University.
Chelsea loves reading, writing, sewing, and board games. She's lived in half a dozen US states and two countries. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages.
