Insider’s Guide To Sanibel Island
Table of Contents Show
“Life takes you down many paths but my favorite ones lead to the beach.”
Why Is Sanibel So Popular? It’s ATop 10 Beach In Florida
Have you dreamt of going on vacation with your family and wanted to visit a place where everyone can have a happy experience? Well, your in luck because Sanibel Island is real and a fabulous place to book your family vacation. My vacation guide will provide you with information about Sanibel Island, things to do, the best beaches, where to shop, and what hidden gems there are to visit.
Repeatedly voted in the top 10 for Best Beaches in Florida, Best Beaches in the U.S., and Travel and Leisure's #1 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches. There's a reason why this tiny island gets so many top accolades! Locals already know how unique the island is to view the stunning sunsets, explore the various outdoor activities and pristine beaches. Soak up the sunshine, go fishing or boating, try a bike tour, experience kayaking through the mangroves, and much, much more on Sanibel.
Where Is Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is near Fort Myers and the Tampa area of Florida. About 35 minutes from Fort Myers and 2.5 hours south of Tampa, situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida, is a beach lover's heaven. If you are flying into Florida, the closest airport to the island would be Southwest Florida International Airport, located in Fort Myers. The Tampa International Airport is the next nearest airport, with 2.5-hour drive south.
A hidden gem of a destination, Sanibel is near to a wide variety of wildly popular destinations for family vacations and couples getaways. Sanibel Island can be reached via a causeway which costs $6 and is well worth the price. Once you are on the island, enjoy the friendly and serene feeling as you start to unwind. The island has no street lights, and growth has been kept at a minimum, so you will not find it overcrowded and local businesses thrive here.
Sanibel Island Bike Trails
One of the best things about being in Sanibel is that biking is a great way to get around. Thanks to 22 miles of paved bike paths, it is easy to see the island as more native. The paved trails run the island's length, and it's super easy to get where you want to go. The paved paths are relatively easy for anyone to navigate.
Driving On The Island
Getting around by car is also easy. Just remember that parking is limited in certain popular areas. It may be challenging to find a parking spot (and some parking lots add up in cost). At the beach, you'll pay $5.00 per hour to park. It is nice having a car if you plan on visiting Captiva Island (just north of Sanibel, more on that a little later) or visiting other nearby destinations.
Ann’s Angle
Billy's Bike Shop - Billy's rental shop has been around forever! Billy's is the go-to place on the island for all your Sanibel Island bike rentals, scooters, beach equipment, and family-friendly surrey bikes. This shop has been around forever! Billy's is the go-to place on the island for all your Sanibel Island bike rentals, scooters, beach equipment, and family-friendly surrey bikes.
Sanibel Island To Do
What Is Sanibel Known For?
She sells seashells by the seashore. Sanibel Island is where she got those seashells from. Sanibel is known worldwide as a top shelling destination and one of the best beaches in Florida. In 2017 National Geographic Travel placed Sanibel Island 7th in their 21 Best Beaches in the World (they've won other awards as well, but you get the point).
The shape of the island curves into the sea, acting a bit like a shovel. The geography helps to scoop the seashells brought in by the Gulf of Mexico. Be on the lookout for over 60 varieties of shells! You may find conch, lightning whelk, cockle shells, and many more treasures walking along the Sanibel Island beaches. Who knows, maybe you will find some rare shells of Sanibel on your shelling expedition?
Ann’s Tip
Try the Sanibel Stoop- this occurs when it's low tide, and beachgoers are hunched over and staring at the sand and seashells. Bonus shelling tip is to bring a pail, bucket, or bag to hold the treasures as you enjoy your walk along the beach.
J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Ding Darling was established in 1945 and occupies one-third of the island. The Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is a prime spot for bird watching and great outdoor adventure. Outdoor activities available to explore are tram tours, biking, kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. They are four hiking trails as well. Enjoy riding your bike under the mangroves, or better yet, kayak Sanibel's mangroves, and check out the marine life, birds, alligators, turtles, and more!
Ann’s Angle
Visit this park and here's a friendly word of advice-they are closed on Fridays.
Best Beach On Sanibel Island
Bowman's beach is a pristine white sand beach with no hotels nearby. Here you can enjoy the serenity of finding a lovely spot with room to spread out. If you are looking for unusual shells, then this is your spot! This is easily one of the best shelling beaches on Sanibel Island. Bowmans Beach amenities include parking, playground, BBQ grills, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Sanibel Shell Museum
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is small yet is super informative with its exhibits and displays. Learn about the treasures you and yours found on the beach during your vacation here. The Record-Breaking Shells exhibit has some of the largest shells ever found on display.
In 2020 the Sanibel seashell museum opened a new addition. Explore the new Beyond Shells exhibits, including aquariums and touch tanks, featuring giant clams, octopuses, and one of the rarest shells to find the Junonia!
Ann’s Note
The Junonia shells are highly coveted among beachcombers. They belong to snails that live on the ocean floor, and their shells aren't likely to wash up on shore.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Sanibel's Lighthouse is located at one of the six public beaches on the island. The lighthouse was built in 1884 to help guide ships crossing the Gulf. A recent coat of paint has given the lighthouse an updated look. On the grounds nearby are a fishing pier and one of the best beaches for shelling.
Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Established in 1968 by Shirley Walter after building a much-needed facility to aid local wildlife. Each year the clinic helps over 3,000 animals intending to reintroduce them into their natural habitat. CROW has a Visitor Education Center with interactive and animal exhibits. Right now, you can view animals such as the American Alligator or a Softshell Turtle. If you have time, participate in one of the Wildlife Walks or sit in on a daily presentation.
Ann’s Angle
Check the website for days of operation. The second half of the year, starting August 1, they are closed on the weekends.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
A perfect way to see and experience a part of Sanibel's history. The museum offers a look into the island's history through photographs, exhibits, and presentations. The 10 buildings on the site date back to as early as 1896! Learn about the Calusa (kah LOOS ah) tribes that were indigenous to this area. The museum and village are open Tuesday thru Saturday, children under 18 are free.
More On The Calusa Indians
The Calusa were also known as the Shell Indians, being the first to collect shells and used them to make jewelry, utensils, and tools.
Best Shopping On Sanibel
Want to go shopping during your stay on the island? Then Periwinkle Place is the place to stroll to do some shopping, peruse galleries (buy pieces from local artists) and try some new restaurants. The grounds are lush and tropical (everything you would expect to find here). The parking lot can get packed here during the busy season. I recommend you ride your bike here-there is a nice flat bike path that leads here
Sanibel Island To Captive Island
Captiva Island is adjacent to Sanibel and a great day trip to explore this quirky and fun island. Captiva has some unique dining experiences compared to Sanibel. Visit Captiva for an evening, but I recommend spending most of your time on Sanibel.
If you want a delightful, silly, and totally kitschy dining experience, go to The Bubble Room. If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you will LOVE this place!
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass on Sanibel Island spans both islands (Captiva and Sanibel). This popular spot is a great beach to go shelling, fishing, and sunbathing. You may want to think twice before swimming here, though the currents can be strong here. This beach is near the Blind Pass Bridge, which connects the two islands.
Sanibel-Captive Conservation Foundation Nature Center (SCCF)
Located near the Shell Museum is this great nature center! Discover all about the various ecosystems and what SCCF is doing to protect the environment on the island.
Walk the boardwalks above the wetlands and experience Florida as it once was. Located on the property are a total of 4 miles of trails to walk and the potential sightings of turtles, snakes, alligators, and wading birds. Inside the center are displays, exhibits, aquariums, and a wealth of local wildlife information. Bonus children’s admission is free here.
Great Calusa Blueway
Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail is a water lovers' paradise! Named after the indigenous Calusas, the trails encompass bays, rivers, backwaters, and shorelines in Lee County.
Whether you are kayaking or on a paddleboard, the beauty of the water, mangroves, and wildlife will soothe your soul. You may see dolphins swimming and manatees on your adventure. Bird watching is easy to do here! From bald eagles to storks, you have the opportunity to see over 300 species of birds here.
Jerry’s Foods
Jerry's Foods is another island institution. Jerry's is part market, part cafe, and part shopping plaza. Get your gear to go picnicking, a day at the beach, some coffee, or to stock your kitchen with supplies.
Restaurants on Sanibel island
There are many fabulous restaurants to enjoy on the island. I definitely recommend that you partake in the fresh seafood at the local eateries-you will thank me later during your stay!
Over Easy Cafe is easily one of the best places for breakfast on the island. Breakfast is served all day. Open daily till 3:00 pm.
Lighthouse Cafe is the other best place to go for breakfast. Breakfast is served all day. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Sanibel Fresh is a unique spot with healthy fare. A fast and easy option to enjoy a tasty meal. Open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille offers Caribbean fare, fresh local seafood and is open for lunch and dinner. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere.
Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon is located at the Sanibel Marina. Come and enjoy lunch or dinner and enjoy a fantastic view—Dine dockside on freshly caught seafood (try the grouper!).
Joey's Custard is a fun place to enjoy award-winning desserts. Joey's has something for every palette-from a unique variety of ice cream flavors to frozen yogurt-this locale will make the entire family very happy!
Accommodations in Sanibel Island
Make your life easier - to view these and other excellent lodgings, click Sanibel Island Rentals and Hotels to book your next trip! Here is a small sample of terrific accommodations awaiting you:
Casa Ybel is a gorgeous property with beautiful rooms, hammocks on the beach, and a view to die for.
Sanibel Siesta on the Beach voted one of the best hotels on the island. Featuring 2 bed/2 bath accommodations.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa voted best full-service resort on the island seven years in a row. Restaurants on the property, as well as tennis and pickleball courts. Kid's activities available.
Island Inn voted best inn on the island; old Florida charm. A mix of hotel rooms, cottages, and luxury accommodations.
Seaside Inn offers newly renovated rooms, suites, and cottages.
Random Ann Moment
Sanibel Island is a fantastic destination for any type of holiday. Besides the above-listed things to do on the island, enjoy the quirky beach atmosphere that you can only get at very few places-sand sculpting at its finest! Yes, that's right-sand sculpting is a unique art form here on the island. Before traveling here, check out online to see if there will be an event or competition happening in the area. Even when there is no event going on, you can sometimes find that a creative local or traveler have created their own works of art out of the sand. If you are so inclined, take a walk in the early morning on the beach. Not only will you most likely find sand sculptures, but you may possibly see a dolphin or two swimming offshore.
