Whether you’re looking to do some swimming, shelling, water sports or just work on your tan, Sanibel has some of the best unspoiled beaches in the world! Our beaches are not just beautiful they are filled with history and local lore which add to the magic of Sanibel.
Located mid-island is a city-run beach called Gulfside City Park. This park is located on Algiers Lane just off Casa Ybel Rd. This park has many amenities such as restrooms, showers, barbeque areas and ample parking. This park also has a rich history dating back to early 1950 when a wealthy couple from Boston, Lathrop and Helen Brown, purchased the 30 acres now known as “Algiers Beach". This 1000 feet of waterfront was a gem on the Gulf of Mexico and Mr. and Mrs. Brown were excited to build their future dream home on this exquisite piece of land. Instead of building a conventional home, they purchased a Mississippi River ferryboat named the “Algiers” and had it converted into a houseboat with fancy finishes such as terrazzo floors, a marble fireplace, a swimming pool and a reflection pond off the boat.
A canal had to be cut to place the boat on the desired location on the 30 acres. After the house boat was firmly on land the rising water level caused the canal to be filled back in with sand. Even though that was not the Brown’s plan, they were pleased.
Unfortunately, the Browns never lived in their houseboat because of the death of Lathrop Brown in 1959. Helen Brown then returned to Boston and the City of Sanibel purchased the boat and the land in 1979. In 1982 an auction took place to sell the contents of the ferry and what was left was burned and the land turned into what is now the beautiful Gulfside Place “Algiers” park. Today you can find the captain’s wheel, anchor and the ferry’s bell on display at the Sanibel Historical Museum.