Gulfside City Park

Category: Beaches

Sanibel Island beaches are believed to be among the most family-friendly in Florida, and Gulfside City Park beach is no exception. The beach's central location protects it from stronger ocean currents that are sometimes present on beaches at the tips of the island, and the sandbar makes for almost swimming pool-like conditions. Once done with swimming, take a short hike off the beach on the bike path, it leads to a historic pioneer cemetery that is inaccessible by car. The beach also has picnic tables shaded by large pine trees and a reputation of being a good shelling site.

This is good for families because the waters are safe and shallow and there is good shelling. Parking is $2 an hour. It's a little tricky to find, but that keeps it more lightly populated than some of the other Sanibel beaches.