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    Cayo Costa State Park

    4.3 (35 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Will H.

    This place is one of Florida's last untouched treasures. I feel in love with Cayo Costa a few years ago when my parents bought a place in Cape Coral. My dad took us all out on the boat and over to Cayo Costa. When we came upon it, it literally looked like a deserted island. The sand is white and there's a deep brush off the beach. The island is located west of Pine Island and Cape Coral, and north of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. West of Cayo Casta is nothing but the Gulf of Mexico. There is actually no way to get to the island other than boat. You can use your boat of course, or you can take a ferry over. During high times, the ferry can be packed and usually has a lot of older individuals looking to hunt for some sea shells. This place is great if you're looking for shells. Tons of em. I've seen some starfish there too. If you find one, please don't take it, let it live it's life. Anyway, if you do take it, it'll smell like death a day or two later. You don't want that. We usually dock down at the southern point of the island. You'll want to be aware of the different navigational channels in the area because there are some sand bars out in the water. We have docked on the Gulf of Mexico side before, but the last couple times the waves were too hard to do so, so we it on the other side of the island. There are a few houses on the island, but for the most part it's just sand and trees. It's just a really neat place to spend the day and take in all the beauty. Don't be surprised if you see stingrays swimming in the water or hawks and eagles soaring in the skies. I've personally never camped there, but would love to. WARNING: There are small, little plants that are up by the tree line. Don't go up there. Stay buy the water unless you are on a trail. The little plants have barbs on them that are SUPER sharp and will not only stick into your skin, but they are like an arrow and when pulling them out it hurts even more. You have been warned.

    The beach at 10am before the masses arrived.
    Tara J.

    We arrived to Cayo Costa by private water taxi at about 10am on Friday, July 3. There is a $2 entrance fee to get into the park (bring cash, as there is no change given), and then a tram will transport you to the other side of the park to the beach. Once we arrived to the beach, about a 5-minute ride, it was as if doves flew. It was gorgeous and unspoiled! I imagined it to be like some deserted beaches in the Caribbean, and it wasn't quite like that, but it was definitely unspoiled. The water was warm, and although it wasn't clear, the sand felt amazing through my toes! There are no services offered at the beach (except restrooms), so be sure to bring your own chairs or umbrella if you need shade. Since we arrived via private water taxi, we just had water, towels, and sunscreen. If we'd planned to stay longer than just a couple of hours, we probably would've wanted our beach umbrella. Many boaters pulled up and anchored there while we were enjoying the beach, and the Cayo Costa ferry arrived around Noon when the place became very busy and no longer very relaxing. It was nearly time for us to leave anyhow, but it's a tidbit of info for anyone planning for some quiet time -- go first thing in the morning, and plan to leave by Noon. It became so packed when the ferry passengers arrived, that people were stacked so close to each other, and it just was no longer a respite in the sand. Nevertheless, I will return again and again!

    E J.

    We went to Cayo Costa State Park over the Columbus Day weekend.Stayed overnight in a tent campsite.It was great! Cayo Costa is a beautiful,unspoiled,rustic South West Florida island in the Gulf of Mexico. The rangers at the park were friendly and helpful. Campsite was clean. Restrooms were clean-make sure you bring a flashlight,because there is no electricity in the restrooms and that been said there are no lights after sunset. Cold water showers-not so bad if you stay there between April and October. The beach was beautiful, very few people. Most of the time it felt like we had the whole island to ourselves:) Great hiking trails,kept clean. Noseeums were pretty bad, at sunset and sunrise.Nothing will keep them away but you can protect yourself if you stay dressed-covered head to toe- or if you keep moving they can't bite you. Overall we had a great time and we will definitely be back on this beautiful island!

    I mean it when I say COVERED

    Tent camped 2 nights ($50) and it was simply magical. We took the Tropic Star ferry ($60 round trip/person) to the island which was 1 hr each way and was very nice. Saw some dolphins. The park has a gift shop with lots of supplies, food, etc. You can buy ice, firewood, rent bikes and kayaks. You then get onto the tram which is a truck pulling trailers that take you 1 mile over to the other side of the island where the campground and cabins are. The tram runs several times daily so you can go back to the store and dock easily. Each campsite has a fire pit and picnic table and the beach is a short walk away. Being on a secluded island surrounded by nature, water, and stars was so refreshing and everything is so peaceful. The portable water, bathrooms, and outdoor showers are a short walk down the path. The only downside are the noseeums (tiny black bugs that bite)! Come during the winter or fall, wear long sleeves and pants, cover yourself in repellent, and maybe even make sure your tent nets are bug proof. We came home COVERED in bites and itching furiously for days. Would not come here during the summer because the bugs are even worse and the heat will probably be miserable. Come prepared and enjoy! It was a wonderful experience!

    Enjoying an afternoon on the beach... just us!
    Mónica D.

    What a beautiful romantic weekend getaway! Thank you my love for all the thoughtful planning and preparation. Looking forward to future trips!

    Site 5. Choose a site that is NOT on beach side. Better shade.
    Jessica K.

    Tent camped 2 nights at site #5. When I go back I will choose a better shaded spot that is not on beach side. No sites are actually on the beach so the site map can be a little misleading. We sat on the beach for two days. That's it. I didn't sleep well because around 9:44 each night the wind picked up and it was loud and knocked my tent around. The noseeums were insane and chased us into our tents after the sun went down. The natural beauty is what I loved. Magical.

    Kady G.

    My family and I went to Cayo Casta yesterday as a beach day. We rode the Tropic Star ferry out which was about a 30 min ride to the island. The staff on the ferry and the employees on the island were very nice. We were given a tran to ride to the other end of the island and back. Besides it being secluded with no real crowds, and also being an actual an island only assessable by boat, I would say it's like any other beach. It was beautiful and a little more wild life than most.

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    7 years ago

    Had a pleasant stay in a cabin here. But I heard bugs are bad in summer. We didn't have any issues but don't plan to try in summer.

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    5 years ago

    This is why I rate Cayo Costa 5. 2 Manatees to boot. I've only visited during the day, no overnights.

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    Cayo Costa State Park Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Cayo Costa State Park

    When we visited 2/3 years ago and the rats were out of control. It was bad enough to keep us away. Has it gotten any better?

    We anchor in Pelican Bay and visit the Park during the day. We've never seen any rats. Mosquito's at sunset in January are pretty thick though

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    Review Highlights - Cayo Costa State Park

    Walking the beach, shelling, swimming, exploring the island, kayaking - it was all fabulous.

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    Gasparilla Island State Park

    Gasparilla Island State Park

    4.7(14 reviews)
    3.6 mi

    Shelling Alert - there are lots of reasons to visit this State Park the sand and water here is…read moreabsolutely gorgeous and this beach presents a great shelling opportunity if you're into that, although the amenities here are somewhat limited due to the last hurricane that came through but this park is still worth the price of admission and they have made lots of progress restoring things. We drove here from Myakka River State Park where we are camping for a few weeks being we had never visited the two lighthouses here and rumor has it that the water is warm and clear and the long stretches of beaches are covered in beautiful seashells everything we were hoping for was true. We spent an amazing few hours here walking the beach and exploring the many walking trails that wind throughout the park. We always pack a cooler when planning these excursions and the sun and temperatures today proved that it would be needed. We love the Florida State Park system and hold an annual pass to support the park but also to save a few dollars and for the convenience since we try and visit as many park as we can while traveling across the state. This is a park that we definitely plan on returning to when in the area, it is a little off the beaten path which is part of the attraction, the crowds were very manageable and we found parking at the lots along the causeway without issue and found lots of large beautiful unbroken shells oh yeah we'll be back...

    This park locate at the southern tip of the Boca Grande Island. The park has two light house. One…read moreis very tall. The other is small house with a light on the roof. The taller light house is at the middle of gulf Blvd. there is parking next to it. The house light house located at the southern tip. The beach accessible surrounding the end of parking. There is a fees for the parking. Car or golf cart is $3 and bicycle is $2. They only have pay station. The entire park is good and small wave. They do have fresh water wash off and restrooms facilities. No pet allow on beach.

    Photos
    Gasparilla Island State Park
    Gasparilla Island State Park - Gasparilla island

    Gasparilla island

    Gasparilla Island State Park - Lighthouse

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    Lighthouse

    Bowman's Beach - I'm pretty sure my birthstone is a seashell.

    Bowman's Beach

    4.0(166 reviews)
    15.5 mi

    We drove from Lakeland--about 2 hours and 40 minutes, mostly straight highway--and it was totally…read moreworth it for a perfect day trip. Even if you're a few hours away, don't hesitate. If you love shells, beach walks, wildlife, or sunsets--this place is magic. Arrival & Parking: We arrived around 10 AM on a Tuesday in November and had no problem finding parking. The lot is bigger than some reviews claimed--easily fits 40-50 cars--and I noticed there was also a secondary parking lot nearby. At the entrance, there's a pay station where you can pay by the hour (card or phone). Super easy, and you can extend your time right from your phone. You even get a 15-minute alert before your time is up--so helpful! There are clean restrooms and outdoor showers right near the parking area. From there, you follow a walking path toward the beach, and you cross a bridge over a little river. Look in the water--there were manatees swimming! We also saw turtles, pelicans, and other birds along the trail. Such a beautiful start. On the Beach: Once you step onto the sand, it feels like you're in a shell collector's dream. Just like all the YouTube videos and blog posts--you really do find beautiful shells everywhere, especially medium and small ones. The beach is large--both in width and length--so even though there were a lot of people, it never felt crowded. Everyone had plenty of space to relax. Dogs are allowed on leash (we brought ours), and we saw several other friendly dogs too. Bring water for them--it gets hot fast. There is no natural shade on the beach. Trust me--bring a pop-up tent or canopy and a rolling beach cart if you have one. We had a big lay-down tent and it made a huge difference. If I go again, I'd definitely bring a rolling cart for our gear. Things You Absolutely Want To Bring (Mandatory): -Zinc sunscreen (Florida sun is no joke--even in November). -Water shoes or sturdy sandals (shells in the water can be sharp). -Bug spray (my friend got sand flea bites, I didn't--but it's possible). -Lots of water and snacks for you and your dog (heat + humidity = quick dehydration). -A spray mister bottle to spray my dog. I was worried about heat exhaustion. So glad I brought him, though! He had the best beach day EVER. -Tent or shade structure. The sun and humidity was intense, even for November. I wouldn't ever go with a tent. -Blanket to sit on -Wet wipes for hands -Rolling beach cart if you're carrying gear. Would have been helpful. -Cooler, food, towels, sunglasses. Facilities & Environment: The property is very well maintained--clean bathrooms, multiple shower areas to rinse off sand, trash cans everywhere (please use them--everyone else seemed to be doing a great job keeping the beach clean, which I appreciated). Everything felt thoughtfully designed. Departure & Sunset Experience: After spending the day shelling, walking, and relaxing at Bowman's Beach, we drove all the way to the end of the island (about 15-20 minutes) to watch the sunset--and I HIGHLY recommend doing the same. The sunset looked just like California (I'm from the Pacific coast)--gold, peach, purple, pink, and soft cotton candy blues, all reflecting on the water. You can literally watch the sun melt straight into the ocean. It was breathtaking. Final Thoughts: Bowman's Beach is peaceful, beautiful, full of shells, wildlife, and space to breathe. It felt like a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're there for a day trip or a full vacation--go prepared, bring shade, water, sunscreen, and let the day work its magic. 110% worth the drive. DREAM SHELL TRIP!

    Bowman's Beach is a beautiful beach on the tip of Sanibel Island that's left greatly untouched by…read morehuman hand. You'll also definitely get your steps in here as the parking lot of property ~.5 miles to the actual beachfront & water, disclosing walking around to stake out a spot. The biggest reason to come here is for the shelling, which can be fortuitous during the right time of year and even the right area on the shoreline. Honestly, were it not for the shelling it probably wouldn't be a beach I'd come back to. It's nice, of course, but doesn't have that gorgeous cerulean water and ultra soft sand that some of the gulf coast beaches are known for. It does have a lot of amenities on the walk between the parking lot & beach shore, such as bathrooms & changing rooms, rinse stations, a picnic area, educational signs, and even a playground. You also have to pay for parking- and the lot has quite a lot of parking, but if you don't get there early enough on the wrong weekend it could still be tough to find a spot.

    Photos
    Bowman's Beach - Beach line

    Beach line

    Bowman's Beach - Looking for dinner

    Looking for dinner

    Bowman's Beach

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    Manasota Key Beach - Pic from white elephant

    Manasota Key Beach

    4.6(44 reviews)
    25.7 mi

    We visited Manasota Key Beach this past weekend and only stayed for a little while because it was…read moregetting so incredibly packed. We were lucky enough to find parking pretty quickly and close to the walkway to the beach. We started walking towards the beach and as soon as we got out of the mangroves, we saw how busy it actually was. It was tricky finding a spot on the beach, but we did a little down the way. The water was still freezing, even though it was super hot outside and people of course were looking for shark teeth everywhere. I found a few teeth until my shifter broke and decided to stay for a little longer and then headed towards Siesta Key. It was so busy as soon as we left someone filled our spot. It is a beautiful beach and definitely worth a trip if you haven't been.

    This local beach is one of my favorites. When you want the convenience of amenities such as a…read morerestroom, water fountain (with filtered water bottle refill feature), showers to clean off sand after, and a short walk to the beach from the parking lot this is the spot. I enjoy the nearby adjacent parking as well as the facilities here. The walkway/concrete surrounding the building is embedded with sharks teeth of varying sizes and even a few megladon teeth! Speaking of sharks teeth, I always find a good amount at this beach which I enjoy. I like the vibe here and I look forward to my days spent here. I will continue to patronize this beach.

    Photos
    Manasota Key Beach - Very packed!

    Very packed!

    Manasota Key Beach
    Manasota Key Beach

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    Captiva Beach

    Captiva Beach

    4.1(20 reviews)
    10.5 mi

    About a half hour drive on the causeway from Ft Myers to this remote but lovely beach. Enjoy the…read morescenic drive with blue-green gulf waters and lovely private homes hidden behind palm trees and lush tropical vegetation. Sea shells all over- so much fun! You see folks absorbed in finding one after the next pretty ones! But when you get to this paradise, be ready to pay a more for public beach parking. If you can find a spot! Not easy. Patience is a virtue! As of today, late August 2021, the price is $25/2 hours or $40/day. Nothing in between, like 1 hour or by the half hour. Pay by cash or credit card and display your receipt on the dashboard. I saw park services vehicle in the area. Don't get a ticket. There are no public restrooms, showers or food service. Prices are meant to keep out most ordinary citizens. Captiva is pricey, the playground for the wealthy for the most part. Private landowners enjoy private beach access. We enjoyed the shell-laden beach for two hours. It really is a beautiful stretch of beach. We drove back through Sanibel Island to the other area beaches, checking each one along the way. Most beaches on Sanibel offer parking at $5 /hour. Good for the common folk like us lol!

    Beautiful beaches on Captiva near South Seas. You'll get an amazing sunset here for sure. Parking…read moreis a tad easier up here because of the shops and restaurants. They filmed parts of sweet home Alabama up here as well. Because it's beautiful.

    Photos
    Captiva Beach - It's kinda like paradise here

    It's kinda like paradise here

    Captiva Beach
    Captiva Beach

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    Cayo Costa State Park - beaches - Updated May 2026

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