Best Beach in southwest florida?

Question

I'm heading to the west coast this weekend and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which beach is the best over there. Ive searched the net but still no help. My options are between Naples beach, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel or Captiva. Something in that area. I'm looking for somewhere that's perfect for just laying out and relaxing, but also having the option of some shopping or dining around.

Answer 1

Sanibel Island hands down! I just got back from there in Oct. We go every year and I love the place. Wonderful small island with beautiful beaches and wonderful blue water. They also have the best shelling in the world. You will find so many wonderful and colorful shells here. There is also good shopping on the island, you will find several unique stores, and there is something for everyone. The little shops are tucked in everywhere. Another thing I like about Sanibel is there are no fast food chains or anything like that. Except for a very small out of the way DQ, but hey the locals have to get their ice cream from somewhere. The weather is perfect there right now, not to hot and not to cold. There are so many wonderful restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva. You will not be disappointed. Try the Green Flash, the Lighthouse Café, The Bubble Room, The Hungry Heron, and of course the island favorite Cheeburger Cheeburger. There are so many more wonderful restaurants I could go on. No matter where you choose you will not be disappointed. Be sure to check out the Ding Darling Nature Center for some awesome views of the local wildlife. Just as an FYI Sanibel Island is a nature preserve so when you are on the wonderful bike paths just um keep an eye out for gators. They also live there but they do not cause much harm. Just be aware. There is also a great outlet mall in Fort Myers which is not far away, the outlet mall is on the way into Sanibel and you can get some awesome deals there. They have everything. You can stay on Sanibel and ride a bike or drive to Captiva they are that close. Captiva is smaller than Sanibel, however it still is beautiful. I just like the feel of Sanibel better. There is one stop light, and be prepared for the island life, because that is what you will find on Sanibel, they move at their own pace. Here are some good websites for Sanibel; I use them before we go each year:
http://www.sanibelisland.com/
http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/
http://www.sanibelcaptiva.com/
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/

Have a great trip!

Answer 2

I personnally llike the Sanibel and Captiva island beaches of this area.

Answer 3

naples naples naples. tons of stuff to do and it's sooo beautiful.