Sanibel Island is just a 30-minute drive from Fort Myers in southwest Florida. There are so many incredible things to see and do on the island. With stunningly beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and natural wonders worthy of being on a postcard, there is no shortage of things to keep you and your family entertained and fulfilled on your next vacation to the Sunshine state.
As you drive over the Sanibel Causeway, you’ll immediately feel a sensation of bliss and relaxation sweep over you like a warm blanket. While Fort Myers is a bustling tourist destination with lots of traffic, Sanibel Island’s two-lane roads are laid-back and lined with lush vegetation, wildlife preserves, and quirky restaurants.
If you prefer to explore Sanibel Island on bicycle – which we highly recommend – you can always leave the car parked and make use of the region’s extensive bike trail system. Many residents and visitors prefer to get around in this manner, and most of the island is accessible via bike.
As opposed to some of Florida’s other popular vacation destinations like Destin and Miami, you wont find giant high rises and flashing lights on Sanibel Island. Life here is all about taking it easy and slowing down. And when you enjoy Sanibel’s beaches, you’ll be pleased to find that they aren’t littered with cigarette butts and plastic water bottles. We’ve had the pleasure of exploring many of Florida’s top oceanside towns, and Sanibel Island is by far one of the cleanest we’ve found.
Sanibel is known for being a well-preserved and heavily protected Gulf Coast Barrier Island. Besides being easily accessible via bicycle or automobile, it’s also an area that is easy to get around on foot, boat, or even kayak.
There are many unique shops, boutiques, galleries, and spas to visit and the dining options are plentiful as well. We’ll be sure to clue you in on what some of the best restaurants and cafes are on the island, so make sure you stick around for the whole video. Besides good eats, however, we’ve come up a list of what we can confidently say are the best attractions on Sanibel Island. So, sit back and relax and let us tell you why you need to add Sanibel to your travel bucket list.
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
While man-made structures and installations are often quite impressive, nothing quite beats the intrinsic beauty and diversity of what Mother Nature has given us.
This wildlife refuge is the premier destination in the Sanibel area for seeing wildlife and the wonders of nature up close and personal. The refuge’s visitor center is open to the public and won’t cost you anything to visit, which is great if you’re traveling on a visit.
Here you will learn all about the ecosystem and the native plant and animal life of the region while also learning the backstory of the refuge’s founder, Jay Norwood ‘Ding’ Darling. Interactive and informative displays, floor-to-ceiling windows, and all of the latest wildlife spotting info will clue you in on the ins and outs of all things nature related on Sanibel Island.
If you still have a few things you’re curious about though, you can always ask one of the friendly and knowledgeable rangers on duty just about any nature-oriented question you might have. They are a wealth of knowledge and are always eager to assist you in your quest for information.
Once you’re ready to actually get out and see the refuge in all of it’s glory, you can take a guided 90-minute tour riding an open-air tram. Your guide will be a certified naturalist who knows just about everything there is to know about the refuge’s resident bobcats, birds, otters, and gators. If you prefer to explore solo, you can always take your vehicle on the same route that the tram takes.
There are also four hiking trails on site, which are all worth taking. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can even paddleboard or kayak through the lush mangroves. Rentals are available at the gear shop, or you can always bring your own.
If you’re an avid birder, you’ll want to bring your binoculars. And for all of you anglers out there, the refuge also offers several phenomenal fishing spots.
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park
This historic 112-foot Lighthouse is visiblefor miles. You can find it by heading out to the eastern tip of the island. The lighthouse dates back to 1884 and is built on a pristine white-sand beach. In fact, this beach is perhaps one of the finest on the island.
The beach has two main sections wrapping around from a central point. One faces out towards the Sanibel Causeway while the other, which is far longer and larger, faces the Gulf of Mexico.
The park has facilities and amenities like showers, restrooms, picnic tables, and large shady spaces. Over at the Sanibel Fishing Pier, you can cast your line out in hopes of snagging some small fish. If you’re aiming to visit the pier or lighthouse, park in the northern lot. If you’re strictly interested in soaking up some sun on the beach, park at the southern lot.
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Bowman’s Beach
This beach is famed for it’s abundant and beautiful unique seashells. If you put in a little bit of legwork, you might even discover a few rare ones. If you’re hoping to find a gem, locals recommend wading out into the water at about waste-deep. Then, you’ll want to dig your feet into the sand and feel around for the shells. Obviously, it’ll help if you bring a pair of water shoes with you for a little bit of protection.
Besides shelling, Bowman’s is also a great place to swim or work on your tan. Since the park has picnic tables, BBQ grills, and ample shaded areas, it wouldn’t hurt to hit up the local grocery store before heading to the beach to stock up for a day of rest and relaxation. If you’re traveling with children, there is also a playground in the wooded area adjacent to the beach.
The Mad Hatter
Located on the northernmost tip of the island, just a stone’s throw away from the bridge that leads to Captiva Island, is this fantastic beachside restaurant. With it’s incredible views and delicious menu items, this is without a doubt one of the best dining options in the Sanibel area.
It’s located on the shores of Blind Pass Beach and is a lovely place to witness a sunset while enjoying a dinner you won’t soon forget. The restaurant’s interiorrestaurant’s interior is just as unique as it’s location is. Drawing inspiration from Alice and Wonderland, The Mad Hatter is adorned with vibrantly bold colored walls, intriguing art, and stained glass.
Start your meal off with a scrumptious starter like the goat cheese pillows. For your main course, we recommend giving the pan-seared black grouper a go. To wrap up your meal, sink your teeth into the Mad Hatter’s signature espresso crème brulee.
Gramma Dot’s Saloon
If you find yourself in the southern tip of the island and find yourself a bit peckish, give Granmma Dot’s a try. It’s located on the water in the Sanibel Marina, not far from the lighthouse. They’re open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and prices are affordable.
There is ample indoor seating but if weather permits, we highly recommend asking for a table outside. But regardless of where you get a table, the service is fast, friendly, and professional, and the food is downright amazing.
Gramma Dot’s lunch menu offers things like fresh-caught seafood sandwiches, salads, fries, and their famed Homemade New England-style clam chowder. Come dinner time, you can order items like Mahi Mahi, Shrimp, and Grouper. They also have a stellar drink menu featuring craft beer and a wide range of spirits and cocktails.
If you’re not feeling seafood, no worries! There are plenty of steak and chicken entrees on the menu as well, but make sure you leave yourself plenty of room for dessert because their Captain’s Key Lime Pie is worth writing home about.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
After spending some time out at the beach sea-shelling, you might get curious about what sorts of creatures created and lived in all of those beautiful shells. Well, this museum is a great place to have all your shell-related questions answered. They have more than 30 exhibits that showcase shells from both the Sanibel area as well as shells from all across the globe.
Over at the Record-Breaking Shells display, you can see a giant Goliath Conch. Trust us, this is one seashell that will blow you away. To say that it lives up to it’s name is an understatement. Besides shells, the museum also has a few live tanks where naturalists work with animals. The tanks are set in a classroom-like setting where visitors can get a chance to participate in fun and engaging ways.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
If you need to get out of the sun for a bit and enjoy a bit of air conditioning, head on over to this museum to learn all about Sanibel’s storied past. It’s located in the central part of the island and features an extensive collection of artifacts, relics, and oddities related to Sanibel’s history. You’ll be taken on an informative journey covering the earliest days of human habitation in the area when the Calusa Native American’s called Sanibel their home. You’ll then learn all about the Spanish colonial area, the pioneer settlers of the 1800s, and Sanibel’s modern development.
The museum is comprised of 9 historic buildings dating back to the late 19th century, including an old schoolhouse and post office. They have all been carefully restored to their original splendor. Inside, you’re find a wealth of fascinating items of historical significance accompanied with informative displays that give you a bit of their history.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Nature Center
After you’ve paid a visit to the National Shell Museum, head on over to this nearby Nature Center. Here you will get a chance to learn about the ecosystem of Sanibel while walking along the Sanibel River and raised boardwalks that sit just about the wetlands.
There are four miles of boardwalks that are laid out like a maze. As you explore, you’ll frequently see animals like wading birds, gators, turtles and snakes. Indoors, you can find aquariums, detailed maps, and educational displays that provide all sorts of info about the local wildlife.
So, are you ready to book your flight yet? If you’ve never been to Sanibel Island before, then you’re in for a treat. Even if you have already visited the area, there is so much to see and do that it definitely warrants a second trip.
What are you most excited to see or do on your upcoming vacation to Sanibel Island? Let us know in the comments.
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As always, thanks for watching, and Happy Travels!