8. Captiva Island
Located across the causeway from Fort Myers, Sanibel-Captiva is known for its beaches and shelling. Captiva Island is at the end of the island chain and beaches are pretty much used mainly by guests at island hotels. There are three public beaches, with restrooms. Your day at the beach can be a little costly. There is a $9 toll on the causeway for non-locals and parking at the beaches is $5 per hour.
9. Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island sits off the coast from Bradenton. There are three communities on the island and the least crowded beaches are found at the north end. The beaches on the Gulf of Mexico are wide and white, and I’ve never seen them crowded, even on a holiday weekend. Most beach goers here are local residents or guests at hotels and bed & breakfasts on the island. The problem here is parking. There are no public parking lots by the beach.
