Most enticements to explore a beach contain numerous references to the popularity, crowds and shops found along the sands. Bowman’s Beach is something different altogether. This beach, located on Sanibel Island along a road of the same name offers something very rare in Florida: a secluded beach. This beach has all of the things that make beaches in Sanibel so popular but has a decidedly more laid back feel to it. On this beach, one will not feel that they’re in one of the most bustling tourist areas in the nation.

On Bowman’s Beach, one will find none of the development that characterizes most seaside resorts. In fact, the other development on the island isn’t even visible from this beach. One will have to walk to the beach from the parking area. The entire journey is about one quarter of a mile and will take visitors across a wooden bridge that spans an expanse of fresh water. There are literally miles of beach to explore in the immediate area. They are of white sand and, like most of the beaches on Sanibel, they are full of shells. The shelling is particularly good on this beach after a storm has passed through.

Getting to Bowman’s Beach is not particularly difficult, though it does feel miles away from anywhere. Sanibel-Captiva Road—popularly called “San-Cap” on the island—has signs that advertise the beach starting around mile 4.8. The Bowman’s’ Beach Road is about a tenth of a mile long and terminates at the beach’s parking lot. On the beach, guests will find barbecues, picnic tables, showers, telephones, restrooms and other amenities. There are RV and camper spaces in the parking lot. The beach is open from 7am to 7pm and parking incurs a charge of $2 per hour.