We've got a great list of the top beach picks that are sure to satiate your sunshine and sand quotas for any given day of the week.

Sanibel is gifted with the distinction of being one of the world's greatest barrier islands. The unique east-west orientation is a geographic recipe for great beaches and the plethora of treasures that are just waiting to be discovered.

Each beach has it own special "personality," and the best advice is to get to know all of them for yourself. Most beaches have you covered with parking by the hour and food options, so be sure to bring a couple extra bucks.

Bowman's Beach This is probably the island's most popular beach. It has medium sand quality with great shelling. Amenities include picnic tables, a pay phone, bathrooms and bike racks. This is the only beach with barbecue grills so pack your own food and drinks for your day at this secluded beach. So secluded, in fact, that you won't find any hotels here. Just $3 to park via an automated system. Learn more »

Bunche Beach This bay beach is no good for swimming. What draws people here is that it's uncommercial and not closely watched. Dogs are popular here, although they're not allowed on county property. Most of the property is private and has been used for years by the public. The county does own the small lot, where parking is hassle-free and cost-free. A good beach for catching rays without aggravation. No bathrooms. Learn more »

Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach It's called Algiers by the locals because of the old steamboat of the same name that once was pulled ashore to be a house. It's a wonderful spot for picnics. Tables are shaded by a grove of trees. Boardwalks offer comfortable access to the beach. This beach is a well-kept secret, hard to find but worth it. Offers restrooms and paid parking. Learn more »

Lighthouse Park Beach A real family affair. Although the beach is long, people won't find too much width. Medium sand quality, good shelling. Clear view of the Gulf, with large shade trees by the parking area to chill under. There's a little shell-and-animal-guide hut en route to the historic lighthouse/bathroom area. It offers explanations of objects you'll find. The nature trail is wheelchair-accessible, and the fishing pier has been remodeled. Check it out. Around the corner from the beach and just beyond the bathrooms, people will find a smaller beach. They can see the Sanibel Causeway pretty well from there - nice Kodak moment. The Fun Time food wagon usually is parked in the lot until 4 p.m., selling crackers, hot dogs and ice cream. Paid parking is fairly plentiful. Drinking alcoholic beverages on the pier is not allowed. Learn more »

Sanibel Causeway Beaches The long, thin stretch of beach starts just before the toll gate and continues along the causeway. It's fun to watch the windsurfers, boats and dolphins, but don't expect a nice, soft beach to sit on. Take a chair. Water's shallow. Fishing's good. Bathrooms are available. Learn more »

Tarpon Bay Road Beach Features lots of parking - even for large vehicles - although the lot is a tad far from the beach. High sand quality, good shelling. New restrooms. An ice cream truck occasionally swings by. Learn more »

Turner Beach Water gets deep quickly and there can be a strong undertow. Best advice: Move farther down the beach away from strong currents by the bridge. Good fishing from the beach and on the rock jetty there. Great place for sunsets, romantics. Parking is no longer free. Pay 75 cents an hour; about 20 spots. Good sand quality and a nice beach thanks to 1996 renourishment project. Bars and restaurants are across the street nearby. A really nice spot for shelling is at Blind Pass beach just before this one, other side of the bridge. Parking is 75 cents an hour there as well, or accessible by walking across the bridge. Learn more »