The Bonita Beach parking closure will change how residents and visitors reach the sand this fall. Lee County is closing parking and amenities at Bonita Beach Park, Beach Access #1 and Little Hickory Island Beach Park for Hurricane Ian restoration, with most projects expected to take approximately 11 months.

The beach itself will remain open. Bonita Beach Park’s closure begins September 8, 2026, while nearby Beach Access #1 remains available until November, when its parking lot will also close for construction.

For locals who count on these spots for family beach days and sunset visits, that means a significant change heading into season. Here’s what to know—and how to reach the sand without parking at the beach.

Bonita Beach parking closure dates and locations

How long will Bonita Beach Parking Closure Last?

Lee County’s September 2 announcement says most projects will take about 11 months. Its project tracker estimates late-summer 2027 completion for the combined Bonita parks restoration, weather permitting. An exact reopening date for Access #1 has not been announced; the November closure should not automatically be interpreted as lasting until November 2027.

What repairs are planned at Bonita Beach?

The county’s project tracker identifies boardwalks, pavilions, showers, landscaping and parking lot restoration across the three locations. At Bonita Beach Park, crews will repair the existing restroom and county office building. At Little Hickory Island, the restroom buildings will be replaced.

The original design scope also addresses sidewalks, picnic and shade areas, utilities and drainage, with accessibility requirements incorporated into the work. These are Hurricane Ian repairs intended to restore damaged facilities; the records reviewed do not establish that the project adds more parking spaces or increases the number of showers.

The county says the timing follows the lengthy process of securing federal funding reimbursement.

Where to park during the Bonita Beach parking closure

Free parking is available at 3300 Bonita Beach Road SW, where beachgoers can request a ride to the beach. Lee County recommends LeeTran’s ULTRA On-Demand service for Bonita beach trips. Think of it as a public minibus you request when needed, with pickup and drop-off within a designated service area.

How to ride LeeTran ULTRA to Bonita Beach

1. Park for free at 3300 Bonita Beach Road SW. The county’s designated pickup location is in the shopping-center parking lot at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Bonita Beach Road.
2. Request your ride. Download the ULTRA On-Demand Transit app through LeeTran’s website, or call 239-533-8726, option 7. Enter your pickup and beach destination, and confirm the drop-off serving the open pedestrian access.
3. Watch for your pickup. The app supplies an estimated arrival time and vehicle tracking. Service is first-come, first-served, so allow extra time.
4. Plan your return. Request another ride back to the shopping center. Current Bonita service runs 7 a.m.–8 p.m. daily, with the last trip request at 7:30 p.m. Check holiday exceptions and service updates before leaving.

Cost: $3 per ride—$6 round trip per paying passenger. Pay through the app, by phone or with cash onboard. LeeTran currently advertises code BONITARIDE for a single $1.50 ride; check availability when booking.

Packing and children: Each rider may bring two carry-on-sized bags; ask about bulky beach equipment before traveling. Children under 5 need an adult-provided child seat. One child age 6 or younger rides free per accompanying paid adult.

Already within the ULTRA service zone? You can request a pickup there instead of driving to the shopping center.

Other Lee County beach parking closures and construction

On Fort Myers Beach, Bowditch Point Regional Park also closes September 8, with no parking and pedestrian access along its south side near Pink Shell. Repairs include buildings, boardwalks, picnic areas, trails and parking; dredging is also planned.

Lynn Hall Memorial Park, under construction since April, is expected to reopen in late April or early May 2027 with an elevated restroom, accessible boardwalks, picnic shelters and a 146-space parking lot, including 10 motorcycle spaces.

For those heading to Fort Myers Beach, the county recommends free parking at 11101 Summerlin Square Drive, then Route 490 to Crescent Beach Family Park, approximately every 30 minutes. Fares are 75 cents each way or $2 for an all-day pass. Route 410 continues along the island to Lovers Key.

Before your next beach day, check Lee County Parks’ project updates and LeeTran’s current service information.

To stay up to date on the Bonita Beach parking closure, as well as new-business openings, upcoming events, and more, join our newsletter!

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