Lee Parks: Beach programs and events
Lee County Parks & Recreation invites visitors and residents to explore nature at beaches and shorelines.
Bowditch Point Park
Cast Iron Café at Bowditch Point Park – Open Daily!
Serving breakfast and lunch from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, the café offers a wide variety of snacks, food and drinks sure to please everyone.
Also available are kayak and paddleboard rentals, instruction, tours and sales. A variety of programs are offered such as “Get Fit Paddle Boarding”, kayak fishing, eco tours and much more. Several free nature and historical programs are also offered.
If fishing is your interest then stop by to rent or purchase some gear from our shop. We also rent items for your beach enjoyment such as chairs and umbrellas.
Whenever you’re in the area stop on by and visit!
For more information on the café please visit www.Bowditchpark.com or call 463-0300.
Bunche Beach
Low Tide Loafing at Sunset
Join a naturalist and leisurely explore the mud flats to see what mysteries the low tide uncovers, and enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset as well. Bring a camera, sun protection, shoes that can get wet, bug spray and drinking water. The next walk is scheduled for Tuesday, May 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. Meet at the picnic tables on the beach. The walk is free. There is a $1 per hour parking fee. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
Matanzas Pass Preserve
Mangrove Walk
Take an educational and inspirational walk through Matanzas Pass Preserve. Learn about the diverse plant community including a maritime oak hammock, transitional wetlands, and a mangrove forest. Walks are held each Thursday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance of Matanzas Pass Preserve, 199 Bay Rd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.
Exploring Ethnobotany
Learn how indigenous plants can be used for such things as food, shelter, medicine and clothing. Find out about the historical importance of some of Florida’s plants to humans. This program is offered the last Wednesday of every month 9:30 – 11 a.m. The next program is scheduled for May 25. This is a free walk and parking is free, but space is limited so come early. Meet at the entrance to Matanzas Pass Preserve located at 199 Bay Road, Fort Myers Beach. For more information visit our website at www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444.
Bowditch Point Park
Barrier Islands Guided Walk
Join us at Bowditch Point Park to learn the importance of the barrier islands, their unique ecosystem, and how they protect the mainland. Walks are held every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and every Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Explore the beachfront tropical hardwoods, coastal scrub and wetland plant communities. The walk is free. There is a $1 per hour parking fee. Bowditch Point Park is located at 50 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 533-7444 for more information.