2 Lee County beaches named among best on Southern Living magazine list

Fort Myers Beach earned rave reviews from Southern Living magazine and was listed No. 1 on the 7 Best Beaches on Florida's West Coast.
Fort Myers Beach earned rave reviews from Southern Living magazine and was listed No. 1 on the 7 Best Beaches on Florida's West Coast.

The accolades keep rolling in for our beaches in Southwest Florida.

The latest plaudits come from Southern Living magazine which listed its 7 Best Beaches on Florida's West Coast this week.

Two Lee County beaches are on the list — Fort Myers Beach and Boca Grande. Those beaches are listed No. 1 and No. 2 respectively on the list, which was published on July 30, 2022.

Southern Living is ranking beaches all along the west coast, starting with this first batch on the south end of the state.

"There are some incredible beaches dotted along the west coastline," Southern Living said in its story. "Even better, for the most part these beaches boast powder-soft, sugar-white sand and clear, turquoise water that sets the scene for an idyllic day at the beach."

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Here is what the experts at Southern Living had to about its two favorite Lee County beaches:

People visit the Fort Myers Beach pier on Thursday, August 12, 2021.
People visit the Fort Myers Beach pier on Thursday, August 12, 2021.

Fort Myers Beach

"Fort Myers Beach spans the entire length of the seven-mile Estero Island on which it sits, flanked by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Matanzas Pass to the east. It's a water sports enthusiasts' dream destination! Snorkeling, swimming, stand-up padding, and kayaking are all enjoyed in the calm, warm waters, and shelling is a favorite pastime when strolling the sugar-white sands."

Southern Living recommends a "beachfront stay" at the Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina and "beachfront eats" at the Pierside Grill and Famous Blowfish Bar, which The New-Press wrote about in this story.

A beach access on Boca Grande.
A beach access on Boca Grande.

Boca Grande

"Get away from the crowds with a visit to the beaches that line Boca Grande. Accessible only by a toll bridge, the island has a quiet, exclusive feel where most people get around by foot, bicycle, or rented golf cart. Take an early morning beach walk, and you may not see anyone other than the birds and dolphins who make the island and its waters their home."

Southern Living's recommended stay: The Gasparilla Inn & Club

Southern Living's recommended place to eat: South Beach Bar & Grille

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Best Southwest Florida beaches: 2 Lee beaches on Southern Living list