So far this week we've shown you the best beaches for avoiding crowds, fishing, shelling, and for dogs. But in our 'Taste and See Southwest Florida' beach week list for today, we want to tell you some of our favorite beaches.
CHRIS SHAW: BONITA BEACH
Bonita Beach is like a checklist of great things my family loves to do at the beach. You've got the crystal clear, blue water. You've got the white sand. You've got enough space. You know it's not always crowded. There's enough space to get out and play. Water sports are there. You can play volleyball on the beach of you wanted.
DANI BECKSTROM: TIGERTAIL BEACH
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is by far my favorite beach in Southwest Florida. It has everything you need, from relaxation to adventure. Tigertail Beach is a public beach with a rental stand for whatever you might need that day: beach toys, umbrellas, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards...you name it.
If all that activity worked up an appetite, there's a snack shack on the beach to keep you going.
If you're lucky, you'll catch a pod of dolphin playing just off shore.
Parking is just $8, so you can be there all day long.
JANE MONREAL: BOWMAN'S BEACH
If you don't want to make the drive to Marco Island, head out to Sanibel Island and visit Bowman's Beach. Jane just spent last weekend there, and she saw kiteboarders, sunbathers, and windsurfers. There's a lot to see and do as far as activities go there, but if you don't want any of that and just want to chill on the beach, that's great too.
And of course there's the world-class shelling.
The facilities are great; the restrooms and showers are all right there.
And what a beautiful dive over to the island.
STEPHANIE SUMMERS: BAREFOOT BEACH
If you're talking about destinations, this one has the entire country talking: Barefoot Beach State Preserve just south of Bonita Springs. Not too long ago, it was ranked the 2nd best beach in the entire nation.
The white sugary sand, the teal waters, and a stretch of sand long enough that you can have your own private tropical oasis. And who doesn't want that?
And get there early because wildlife is also flocking to the beach. You're going to have some tortoise friends that compete for a parking spot.
