Your Top 5 Fort Myers Beaches for Family Photos (With Time & Parking Tips!)

Planning a family photo session in Fort Myers? With its powder-soft sand, palm trees, and famous golden sunsets, Fort Myers has no shortage of beautiful beaches perfect for timeless portraits. But not all beaches are created equal—especially when you’re wrangling toddlers, strollers, or trying to avoid the crowds.

As a local Fort Myers photographer, I’ve tested out nearly every beach—and I’m sharing my top 5 family-friendly photo locations, complete with time-of-day tips and parking info to make your shoot as stress-free as possible.

🏖 1. Bunche Beach Preserve

📍 Location: 18201 John Morris Rd, Fort Myers, FL
🚗 Parking: Paid lot on-site (bring cash or card)

Why I love it for families:

Bunche Beach is a local gem! With wide open sand, natural mangroves, and calm water, it offers a quiet, peaceful vibe. It’s perfect for families who want those “barefoot at sunset” photos without too many distractions or beachgoers in the background.

🌅 Best Time to Shoot:
Golden hour (1 hour before sunset) for dreamy backlight and reflections on the water.

👪 Family Tip:
There are no bathrooms nearby, so plan accordingly with young kids.

🏝 2. Lovers Key State Park

📍 Location: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
🚗 Parking: $8 per vehicle (state park entrance)

Why I love it for families:

It’s a nature-lover’s dream—secluded, scenic, and full of dunes, shells, and wildlife. This beach is perfect for candid, storybook-style family photos. Plus, the trails and boardwalks make for beautiful variety before you even hit the sand.

🌅 Best Time to Shoot:
Late afternoon to golden hour. Earlier in the day tends to be hot and crowded.

👪 Family Tip:
There’s a tram to the beach—give yourself extra time if you’re bringing little ones or gear!

🐚 3. Sanibel Causeway Beaches

📍 Location: Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel, FL
🚗 Parking: Free along the causeway with beach access points

Why I love it for families:

These beaches offer a more relaxed setting without the tourist buzz. You get 360° water views, swaying palm trees, and plenty of open sky for those dreamy wide-angle shots. Great for larger family groups, too.

🌅 Best Time to Shoot:
Sunset for breathtaking water-and-sky backgrounds. Mornings work well if you want calm, cooler weather.

👪 Family Tip:
No restrooms, but easy to pull up close to the sand—so fewer steps for little legs!

🌴 4. Fort Myers Beach (Lynn Hall Memorial Park)

📍 Location: 950 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
🚗 Parking: Paid lot near the pier (fill up quickly)

Why I love it for families:

If you want classic white sand + turquoise water vibes, this is your spot. You’ll also find beach playgrounds and lots of energy. Ideal for families with older kids who love to run, splash, and play.

🌅 Best Time to Shoot:
Weekday evenings to avoid crowds. Golden hour or early morning for best light.

👪 Family Tip:
Busy during weekends—arrive early to park. Bathrooms and restaurants nearby for after-session snacks.

🌊 5. Bowditch Point Park

📍 Location: 50 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
🚗 Parking: Paid lot onsite (often less crowded than downtown)

Why I love it for families:

This is a hidden gem at the north tip of Fort Myers Beach. It’s more tranquil, with gentle waves, walking trails, and shaded picnic areas—great for kids who need a break between poses.

🌅 Best Time to Shoot:
Late afternoon into sunset. Gorgeous golden light pours in across the water.

👪 Family Tip:
Bathrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers make this spot super kid-friendly.

📸 Bonus Tips for Perfect Family Beach Photos

• Dress in light, neutral or coastal colors (think white, beige, soft blues)—they pop beautifully against the ocean.

• Avoid busy weekends or holidays to beat crowds and parking stress.

• Pack snacks, wipes, and a towel. You’ll thank me later.

• Don’t stress perfection. The best beach photos are often candid and joyful—let the kids explore!

🌅 Ready to Book Your Family Beach Session?

If you’re dreaming of joyful, sun-soaked family photos in Fort Myers, I’d love to help you capture them. I offer mini and full sessions with guidance on the best time, beach, and outfits for your family.

👉 Let’s start planning your beach shoot today!