Looking for a unique beach escape for the day? Barefoot Beach Preserve Park is located about a 20 minute drive from both Ft.Myers and Naples. You access Barefoot Beach Park by driving though a winding street surrounded by palm trees stretching up to the clouds, and a gorgeous residential area. This is perhaps the most unique entrance to any park area I have ever encountered.
As you reach the entrance way, an $8.00 entrance fee is required, which secures your parking for the day. First work of warning, drive slowly! The Barefoot Beach Preserve consists of 342 acres of natural land, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast. They are also the home of the Gopher Tortoise. These giant creatures can be seen crossing the roads, taking up parking spots, and yes, are even known to park under your cars!
Once you’ve found the perfect parking spot grab your gear and head to the beach. Hope you remembered an umbrella because there is no shade to be found on this unique piece of waterfront. 
My family and I were amazed by the number of people, all soaking up the Florida sunshine, admiring the many species of birds roaming the beach, and doing some shelling. However shelling on this beach is just for fun. It is asked that no shells be removed from the beach. Also worthy of note; although the beach itself is called Barefoot, we found it a little tough on the feet! There were places where you had no choice but to walk upon the thousands of shells laying at your feet. Never before have I seen so many shells and pieces of coral all in one place.
During our afternoon we what we saw birds running on the sand, flying fish jumping out of the water and an entire school of Dolphins playing right out in front of us. Wildlife abounds at Barefoot Beach.
There are public wash rooms are available as well as a concession stand. Want to learn a little something while at the beach? Throughout the year, Parks Rangers offer a number of programs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park including lectures and interpretive programs. “Park Rangers educate the public about the importance of the environment and wildlife in Southwest Florida. Subjects include a guided walk through the preserve, where visitors learn about the many habitats in the preserve as well as flora and fauna. Rangers also provide a free recreation guide where they take visitors to look at the natural history of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, some of which reside at the preserve.” For information on Park Ranger programs call the Ranger station at (239) 591-8596.
My tips: Pack a cooler, your umbrella, camera and sunscreen and plan at least half a day for Barefoot Beach Preserve Park. Definitely worth the price of admission.
Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach Road off Bonita Beach Road
$8 entrance fee per car
Hours: 8 a.m. until sundown
What a nice place to visit.
It all sounds so wonderful place it all sounds so amazing,what a great experience.
Barefoot Beach Preserve Park sounds marvellous, what a great place to visit. I’d love to participate in a tour with the Park Rangers.
I live about 30 mins from there and my mom’s condo is within walking distance to Barefoot Beach, definitely a fun way to spend a sunny day 🙂 If you’re ever in the area again, let me know! 🙂
That looks really gorgeous!
looks like alot of fun
Stephanie, you are really talented photographer, i like your style
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing. The hubby and I are always looking at seeing wildlife in their natural habitat. This place looks perfect for us and for $8 buck you so can not go wrong!
I also loved that you can pack a picnic and truly make a day of it!
Sounds like a great place to visit. I can’t imagine seeing those tortoises walking around.
There are even signs warning visitors to check under their cars before they drive away. Those giant Tortoises are everywhere!
Sounds like a truly unique experience and lots of fun!
It was a great way to spend an afternoon!
Wait, are those peoples HOUSES on the way in? I want to go!
They are! I believe some are owned and some are for rent. I imagine it would be a great place to spend a week and explore the area.
Giant turtles at the beach?? My girls would LOVE that!
LOL You really can’t go wrong with giant turtles!
I’m ashamed to say that this beach is 20 minutes from my house and I’ve never been!!! I know-I should be punished. I swear, I’ll get there one day.
A few weeks ago, we had a gopher tortoise in our yard; he was so darn cute!
The biggest appeal of the beach was to see the wild life we hadn’t ever had the chance to see before. Ohh and the people watching was pretty fabulous! Still worth the trip 🙂
I think you’ve been to more places in the U.S than me! So I know who to contact when I luck up and take another trip. 🙂
Happy New Year to You and Your Family!
LOL It’s warmer down there, so Hubby and I keep heading south! 🙂