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
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.
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.
Gulf Shores
When in Gulf Shores, you can plan a visit to Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Jensen’s Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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 Dunes Golf and Tennis Club.
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.
Gulf Shores
While there might not be top attractions in Gulf Shores, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bowman's Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
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Popular places to visit
Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?
Bonita Springs Public Beach
Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Bonita Springs Public Beach during your travels in Bonita Springs? Make time to visit the area's shops, or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.
Boca Grande Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Boca Grande Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Port Charlotte - Charlotte Harbor. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.
North Captiva Island Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at North Captiva Island Beach during your trip to Captiva? While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
Lynn Hall Memorial Park
Walk over the water on a long pier that’s popular day and night for the breeze and fishing.
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.
Things to do
Guided Kayak Sunset Tour in Pelican Bay at Fort Myers Beach
Jet Ski Rental in Fort Myers Beach
- Sanibel Island Southern Beach
- Bowman's Beach
- Sanibel Island Lighthouse
- Captiva Beach
- Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
- Periwinkle Way
- Turner Beach
- J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
- Jensen’s Marina
- Sanibel Sea School
- Dunes Golf and Tennis Club
- Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens
- Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
- Sanibel Island Golf Club
- Bailey - Matthews Shell Museum
- Alison Hagerup Beach Park
- Gulfside City Park
- Captiva Chapel By the Sea
- Castaways Marina
- McCarthy's Marina
- Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater
- Woodring Beach
- BIG Arts Center
- Schoolhouse Gallery
- Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation