With white-sand bays, wildlife reserves and oceanfront resorts, Sanibel Island is a holiday destination of choice. Celebrated for its natural beauty, this island off the west coast of Florida has 15 miles (24 kilometers) of beach, mangrove forests and coral reefs teeming with fish.Sanibel Island is a city and barrier island, connected to the mainland by a tollroad. On this small island you will not be going anywhere in a hurry. You can rent a bike and follow the 22 miles (35 kilometers) of bike trails traversing the island. With very few hills, this is not too strenuous, but note that there are no streetlights after dark.On the beaches you can stand ankle deep in seashells. Take part in the “Sanibel Stoop,” a ritual for locals and tourists alike, which involves walking along the seashore to collect the shells washed up daily from the Caribbean and southern seas. Learn about the history and science of shells at Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Go snorkeling, paddleboarding or windsurfing to try some of the water-based activities on offer. To get a break from the beach, enjoy the events at the Big Arts cultural center, including jazz concerts and dance performances. For a slice of history, join a guided tour of Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and learn about local pioneer families.Over two-thirds of Sanibel Island is a designated nature reserve. Be sure to visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This undeveloped mangrove ecosystem is named after Jay Norwood Darling, a cartoonist who fought to protect the island from developers. Join a kayaking tour to discover the varied flora and fauna, including horseshoe crabs and woodpeckers. Visit the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife to see who takes care of the island’s injured birds and animals.Sanibel Island places a strong emphasis on independent stores and restaurants. A prime example is Bailey’s General Store. The Baileys, one of the city’s original families, have been running the store since 1899. If you decide to try your hand at fishing during your visit to Sanibel Island, some of the restaurants are willing to cook your catch.
Sanibel Captiva Island, FL
Where to stay in Sanibel Captiva Island
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Sanibel Isles
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sanibel Isles and surrounding area, you can visit Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way.
![Periwinkle Way featuring cycling as well as an individual femail](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/496000/496031-periwinkle-way.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Beachview Country Club Estates
If you're spending some time in Beachview Country Club Estates, Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.
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Gulf Shores
When in Gulf Shores, you can plan a visit to Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Captiva Chapel By the Sea, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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Shell Harbor
Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Sea School.
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Sanctuary
While Sanctuary might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach.
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The Dunes
When in The Dunes, you can plan a visit to Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
![Sanibel Island Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17300000/17298900/17298818/e307d9df_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 25, 2024
![South Seas Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/40800/40732/ac1f9b4d_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2024
![Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/180000/170800/170769/24a52d40_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 7, 2024
![Island Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1509800/1509747/57dffb5c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2024
![FULLY RESTORED! Rare Walkout Condo On Sanibel Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/19000000/18970000/18969300/18969272/7b8991e7_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2024
![Stunning Luxury villa "Sandpiper" across the street from the beach!](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/66000000/65730000/65729900/65729821/077e46a0_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
Reviewed on Jul 19, 2024
Popular places to visit
Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?
Bowman's Beach
Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.
Captiva Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Captiva Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Captiva. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Although nobody knows how many shipwrecks it’s prevented, this lighthouse has been a welcome beacon for over a century. Visit it on an island that’s noted for shell collecting.
Sanibel Island Northern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Northern Beach during your trip to Sanibel? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area, or enjoy its biking trails.
Periwinkle Way
The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.
Things to do
2-hour Tiki Pub Sunset Experience in Fort Myers Beach
- Sanibel Island Southern Beach
- Bowman's Beach
- Captiva Beach
- Sanibel Island Lighthouse
- Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
- Periwinkle Way
- Turner Beach
- J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Jensen’s Marina
- Sanibel Island Golf Club
- Sanibel Sea School
- Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
- Dunes Golf and Tennis Club
- Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
- Captiva Chapel By the Sea
- Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens
- Alison Hagerup Beach Park
- Bailey - Matthews Shell Museum
- McCarthy's Marina
- Gulfside City Park
- Castaways Marina
- Woodring Beach
- Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
- BIG Arts Center
- Sanibel Historical Village and Museum