Let us know about your favorite stretch of sand on our beloved barrier islands? Why do you like it?

My favorite beach on Sanibel is Bowman's Beach. The actual beach itself is a bit of a walk from the parking area, but there is no development on the beach at all - it's just you and nature. The shelling is fantastic, probably the best on the island. There's a huge, natural osprey nest in the parking area. Also pelicans and dolphin sightings on the beach regularly. It's beautiful.

On Captiva I like the beach just out back of the Mucky Duck restaurant. You can get a guiness and sit in adirondack chairs while a band plays outside the restaurant. As the sun goes down there is usually a crowd on the beach who applaud the performance the way they do in Key West.

I like Blind Pass, right in between Sanibel and Captiva. It's a good walking beach, easy parking and a nice place to watch the sunset.