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Bowman's Beach

Sanibel Island, FL
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Type: Beaches
Traveller Description: Bowman Beach is the perfect place for sunsets.  There are picinic tabeles and bathroom facilities. You wouldn't be able to see it from Lighthouse... more »
Useful Information: Activities for young children, Activities for older children
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453 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    276
    128
    40
    7
    2
Date Rating
Southwest, USA
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

Let's get the negatives out of the way first. You have to pay a $6 fee to cross the bridge and then you have to pay for parking. Bowman's beach is a several minute walk from the parking area. The shoreline drops off quickly and you can't wade out into the water very far. The redeeming quality of this beach... More

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Morristown, New Jersey
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Great for Sunsets, sunbathing, and swimming. There are far less Shells than other Beaches, which makes it easier to go swimming. Big Beach and plenty of room to spread out. There are changing areas and bathrooms, but the bathrooms close before sunset, so if you go there for the Incredible Sunset, use a restroom before you arrive.

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See 3 more reviews by tjpomeroy for Sanibel Island
Sassenheim, The Netherlands
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
33 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

White sand, lovely walk from the parking lot to the beach crossing water. No shade, so if you need it bring an umbrella. No food or drink facilities at the beach. There are dressing rooms, showers and clean toilets. $2 parking. There are some picnic tables in the shade, and there is a soda machine. Tip: Bring your own drinks,... More

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Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013

I love the walk to Bowman's Beach over the estuary. Have been lucky enough to see manatees in there. And as a beachcomber, Bowman's has slightly different shells from some of the other beaches.

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See 2 more reviews by soamist for Sanibel Island
St. Louis, MO
Top Contributor
65 reviews 65 reviews
20 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

This beach certainly deserves its reputation. So many beautiful and different sea shells that you feel like you are in a sea shell shop with all the different varieties of shells right there at your feet. Be sure to take shoes with you to the beach because there are so many shells, it makes walking difficult. New ones are constantly... More

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See 7 more reviews by ThomasTCat for Sanibel Island
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

We just got back from visiting Bowman's Beach and loved it. Very pet friendly. Just beautiful, go have fun and take your pet!!!

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Marinette, Wisconsin
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

This is a very nice big sandy beach. There is limited parking at $2/hour so get there early. It is about a 5 minute walk to the beach but it is worth the walk. There are bathrooms and changing stations.

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Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This is where my brother was married. The beach was white sand and water went on as far as the eye could see. What a beautiful location for a wedding!!!

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See 2 more reviews by jamiemlynn for Sanibel Island
Lake Placid, New York
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This beach is on the west end of Sanibel and the sunset view can be the best. Has parking, restrooms, and often is not as crowed as some of the others. It is a little bit of a walk to the beach but the view is worth it.

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See 5 more reviews by mtviewin2011 for Sanibel Island
Lincoln, NE
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

I recently got married on Bowman's beach in the evening. Although the sunset goes quickly, it is truly amazing to watch. You cannot pick a better beach on the Island to watch the sunset. From Bowman's beach, you are surrounded by nothing other than sand, water and sky...AMAZING. I really enjoy the pathway from the parking area to the beach.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Lynn M for Sanibel Island

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