Are the beaches in Florida open after Ian?

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.



In 2026, the beaches in Florida are fully open following the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian in late 2022. While the immediate aftermath saw significant debris, structural damage to piers, and erosion in Southwest Florida—specifically in Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva Islands—the recovery efforts have been monumental. By early 2024, most major public beach access points were restored, and by 2026, the shoreline infrastructure, including many iconic boardwalks and beachfront hotels, has been rebuilt to higher storm-resistance standards. Travelers visiting Lee County will find that the sand has been renourished in many areas to combat the 2022 erosion. However, visitors might still notice some "new" landscapes, as much of the older coastal vegetation was stripped away and replaced with native sea oats and mangroves that are still maturing. It is always wise to check local county websites for specific "No Swim" advisories related to temporary water quality issues after heavy rains, but for all intents and purposes, the beaches of Southwest Florida are back in business and welcoming tourists.

People Also Ask

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

MORE DETAILS

Although there has been a tremendous amount of clean-up done, most public beaches throughout Fort Myers, Sanibel, and Captiva Island are still currently closed. Beach access currently is limited to Gasparilla Island State Park, Blind Pass Beach Park, and Tarpon Bay Road Beach access area.

MORE DETAILS

The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

MORE DETAILS

Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

MORE DETAILS

Visitors of Fort Myers Beach can see the town is in the process of recovery, as onlookers can still see destroyed structures, debris and abandoned areas. The resilient residents of Fort Myers Beach are still in the process of rebuilding following Ian.

MORE DETAILS

Fort Myers Beach is open and inviting travelers to support our community after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Many of our restaurants, attractions, activities, and accommodations have reopened and are ready to welcome guests back to our beach town.

MORE DETAILS

An aerial picture taken on September 30, 2022 shows the only access to the Matlacha neighborhood destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in Fort Myers, Florida.

MORE DETAILS

The Fort Myers Beach pier, among other landmarks, was destroyed last year by Hurricane Ian. Now, there are plans to rebuild the beloved pier. Digital renderings of a new pier were presented by Allen Shanosky and other dedicated Fort Myers residents during the Wednesday night town council meeting.

MORE DETAILS

By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

MORE DETAILS