Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel Island, Florida, is the perfect beach to enjoy the sunset or a great sunrise, take a beach walk, look for dolphins and Pelicans, and hunt for shells.
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach Park is located right off of Periwinkle Way making it super easy to find!
There have been a lot of changes to Lighthouse Beach Park since Hurricane Ian swept over the island in 2022. If you haven't been to the beach park since before the hurricane you may be surprised to see the buildings gone and a lot of the greenery missing.
They are continually working on the area and facilities with a few of the parking areas still closed.
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🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
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Shells on Lighthouse Beach
When we visited Lighthouse Beach Park in August 2024 we found great shell piles and a ton of fun shells along the shoreline.
During our last visit we did not find very many shells after a couple of days of walking. This may have been due to the time of year, sand renourisment of the beach, or people got there before we did.
Sanibel Lighthouse
The icon of the beach is the historic Sanibel Lighthouse. It is 120 feet tall and was completed in August 1884.
Hurricane Ian swept away the two keepers' dwellings that were previously at the base of the lighthouse. 5 months after Hurricane Ian swept through causing damage to the lighthouse it was relit on February 28th.
In January 2024, the lighthouse received a new metal leg to replace the damaged areas from the hurricane. Repars the lighthouse were completed in August 2024.
This is one of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast lighthouses.
Why you will love Lighthouse Beach
- Outdoor showers to rinse off after a day at the beach
- Bike racks are available
- Great clean restrooms, drinking fountains
Things to know when planning a visit to Lighthouse Beach Sanibel Island
Address - 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Just follow Periwinkle to the end of the road and you will run into the parking lot for the beach park.
The Sanibel Fishing Pier, Lighthouse Tower area, and the West Gulf Drive Beach access (point 4) are closed.
Hours - Dawn to Dusk
Please confirm with the restaurant to ensure that the hours have not changed.
Accessibility - There is free handicapped parking in the beach parking lot.
Plus Size Seating - Bring your favorite beach chair
Dress Code/Suggestions - beach casual, prepare for heat and humidity! Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, shell bag
Bring BUG SPRAY For No-see-um bugs especially if you are visiting during the summer months! I ended up in urgent care due to the hundreds of bites I had during a visit in August.
Pets -
Parking - Paid parking 24 hours a day! You can scan a QR code on the parking sign or text FL2525 to 25023 to get a link texted to you for parking payment.
A or B Parking Permits Accepted or General Parking Fee of $5.00/Hour. (24 hours a day)
Finding parking spaces later in the day can be an adventure! We suggest arriving early if possible or planning time to circle the lot a few times. The small parking lot that is open is BUSY!
Safety - Please be aware of strong currents and beach warning flags if you decide to go for a swim, take a kayak or paddleboards out.
Sanibel Island Restaurants and Attractions nearby
Bel Bagel and Deli - Just down the street is a great deli perfect for grabbing a beach picnic.
The Magic Bus - Stop into Magic Bus for an ice cream or sweet treat after a hot day at the beach.
Wickies - Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with great food right down the road from the beach park.
Lighthouse Cafe - Great breakfast and lunch restaurant off of Periwinkle.
Tutti Pazzi - Delicious Italian restaurant you will want to try!
Sanibel & Captiva Island Tours
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views Rated 4.9 with over 370 reviews. A 1.5-hour cruise that passes the Sanibel Lighthouse at sunset with dolphin sightings along the way. One of the most consistently well-reviewed tours in the area.
Daytime Dolphin Cruise Near Sanibel Rated 4.9. Passes the Sanibel Lighthouse and Twin Sister Key, a secluded island only reachable by boat.
Private Boat Tour - Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel A private option for groups or families who want a more personal experience on the water.
Sanibel Captiva Island Moke Adventure Day Trip Rental Rated 4.9 with 16 reviews. A self-guided day trip around Sanibel and Captiva in a vintage electric Moke vehicle. A genuinely fun and different way to see the islands.
Check out all of the nearby tours here
Sanibel & Captiva Island Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.
Residence Inn Ft Myers Sanibel - Located right off the island is a great hotel with outdoor pool. Book here
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort - Right off the Sanibel Causeway this Marriott has great rooms, an epic pool and easy access to the island. Book here
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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