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Bowman’s Beach Named One of the Top 10 Secluded U.S. Beaches
Bowman’s Beach, one of Sanibel Islands most popular public beaches and the most isolated, has been named one of Shermans Travel’s Top 10 Secluded U.S. Beaches. The City of Sanibel maintains Bowman’s Beach in its natural state. Sanibel Island is renowned as a world-class shelling and birding destination. Bowman’s Beach is located near the west end of Sanibel.
To get there from the Sanibel Causeway: Take a right on Periwinkle Way to Tarpon Bay Road. Turn right, head north to Sanibel-Captiva Road where you turn left. Follow Sanibel-Captiva road until you see the Bowman‘s Beach sign, turn left to Bowman Beach Road for approximately 1/10 mile and turn right into the public parking area. Parking is $2 per hour, strictly enforced. There are some large spaces for RV parking there also.
There is a short (less than 5 minute) walk along a boardwalk, scenic trail, and across a brackish and fresh water bayou, by means of a wood footbridge. You have an opportunity to see different kinds of wild life as you cross over Clam Bayou. Most days you could observe fish jumping from the water, perhaps a night heron resting in the water by the mangroves, or a white egret standing at the top of a dead tree near the water. Take your camera!
The beach is wide and there are not usually many people there. But, it really doesn’t matter because you have miles of beach available. The shelling is like all other beaches on Sanibel. Sometimes there are lots of shells, sometimes less, but it‘s doubtful you would leave empty handed.
It’s a great place to spend the day on the beach and have a picnic. There are plenty of tables and grills placed in shady areas so you can get out of the hot sun. There are also pay phones, bathrooms, showers, changing rooms, a play ground, pavilions, hiking trails, and bike racks. The trail to the beach is wheelchair accessible. You can easily turn a day here into a relaxing adventure.
The public can reserve a pavilion or schedule a beach wedding at Bowman’s Beach by calling the City Manager’s Office at (239) 472-3700.
