Sanibel Island, Florida, Guide

Until you’re a interest sheller, Sanibel Island flies delightfully below the radar. Positioned about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is legendary for its assortment of shells—particularly scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand {dollars}, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Because of its distinctive geography and curved form, Sanibel, along with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is without doubt one of the greatest locations on the earth for shelling. The island’s southern finish gathers the shells that make their approach to the Gulf from the Caribbean. 

“Sanibel Island is often generally known as the ‘Seashell Capital of the World,’ as there are greater than 400 species of shells that may be discovered on our seashores,” John Lai, the president and CEO of Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, tells Journey + Leisure. “That, mixed with the truth that 70 % of the island is in conservation—there aren’t any visitors lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, no franchises, and over 25 miles of motorcycle trails—makes this island a very distinctive vacation spot not simply in Florida, however the world.” Sanibel was additionally named to T+L’s record of 50 best places to travel in 2025, with editors noting its “exceptional comeback” following the devastation of Hurricane Milton in 2024. 

For native perception into one of the best issues to do, see, and eat on Sanibel, we tapped Lai in addition to Sam Ankerson, the manager director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. Lai has lived in Lee County, simply six miles from the Sanibel Causeway, for 40 years and has spent greater than 25 years engaged on Sanibel and Captiva, with most of his profession centered on managing resorts; he’s additionally the chairman of the board for Go to Florida. 

Ankerson, alternatively, is a relative newcomer to the realm, having solely lived on Sanibel for 4 years. Nonetheless, that offers him a recent perspective on what makes this a part of Florida noteworthy. “Sanibel Island is a kind of uncommon locations the place you possibly can really decelerate and take within the magnificence round you,” he says. “The seashores really feel untouched, the wildlife is all over the place, and there’s this nostalgic Outdated Florida appeal that’s arduous to search out nowadays. Whether or not you’re casting a line, recognizing dolphins, or trying to find the proper shell, there’s one thing particular in regards to the island that retains folks coming again.” 

Right here’s how one can plan your first, or subsequent, go to to Sanibel Island.

Finest Lodges & Resorts

Island Inn

“Island Inn is a Sanibel staple with over 100 years of historical past,” says Ankerson. Households flock to the property, which has beachfront rooms, cottages, and trip houses alongside 10 acres of Gulf shoreline. There are bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard leases; garden video games; and even a shell-washing station, plus weekly seaside walks with a marine naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium.

Sundial Seaside Resort & Spa

In case you’d moderately have a trip expertise at a “full-service beachfront resort with a number of eating and recreation choices,” in Lai’s phrases, ebook Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. “[It’s] newly rebuilt and affords studios and one- and two-bedroom suites which are totally outfitted with kitchens, residing rooms, and lanais,” he says. (“Lanai” is the Hawaiian phrase for a coated, open-air porch).

Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort

Love a lush panorama as a lot as shells? The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort has lots of of types of native and non-native crops across the property. Even non-guests come to see the spectacular gardens; public excursions can be found weekly.

Casa Ybel Resort

The 23-acre beachfront Casa Ybel Resort has all Gulf-facing suites with balconies, non-public entrances, and sandy paths to the shore, in addition to two on-site eating choices: Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill and the award-winning Thistle Lodge. The resort’s recreation facilities embrace biking, pickleball, and a full-service spa.

Finest Issues to Do

Get shell completely happy. 

You possibly can’t trip on Sanibel Island with out studying the “Sanibel Stoop,” often known as the “Captiva Crouch.” These alliterative nicknames describe the place assumed by novice and seasoned shellers alike: a bent-over posture that’s not superb for spinal well being, however is prime for recognizing and scooping up shells alongside Sanibel’s shoreline. You’ll typically discover guests shuffling round with buckets, luggage, and nets for his or her finds. There’s even the annual Sanibel Shell Show—developing on 89 years working—every March, when aficionados convene to point out off their wares and admire shell artwork and the spectacular collections of longtime shellers.

If you wish to know what all of the fuss is about, don’t miss the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium, which homes a formidable assortment of virtually 600,000 shells. After all, the shell outlets within the space are additionally a should. You’ll discover each form of reward, family good, and collectible on the market—all constructed from the realm’s well-known conchs, cockles, and coquinas.

Hit the seaside.

Whereas gastropods and bivalves are the primary draw of each Sanibel and Captiva, even non-shellers discover causes to get out on the sand. In style seashores embrace Bowman’s Seaside, which attracts windsurfers and sailors, and Blind Go Seaside, an off-the-beaten-path stretch between Sanibel and Captiva. 

Search out Sanibel’s hidden gems. 

Make sure to go away time in your itinerary to discover past the primary hits. “For a lesser-known spot, take a left on Periwinkle and head east to Seahorse Plaza, and also you’ll discover eats and treats inside strolling distance of the well-known Sanibel Lighthouse,” says Lai. “Select from The Bel Bagels & Deli, Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant, and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine whereas visiting Lighthouse Seaside Park. Different hidden favorites embrace The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club and the customer’s data middle, the second driveway on the fitting whenever you exit the [Sanibel] Causeway.”

It’s value noting Wickies and The Magic Bus had been created by the homeowners of longtime native favorites The Mad Hatter, which was misplaced to Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Island Cow, which was destroyed by a hearth earlier than the hurricane. The introduction of those new instantaneous classics not solely brings hope to Sanibel, however serves as a testomony to the group’s resilience and the unwavering ardour and dedication of native restaurateurs.

Benefit from the open air.

Outside actions on Sanibel aren’t simply relegated to the seaside. Don’t miss the 5,200-acre, wildlife-filled Sanibel Island portion of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the place guests can kayak, hike, bike, or drive by. “The Bailey Tract is a peaceable escape that many guests overlook. Managed by [the wildlife refuge], it’s a quieter spot with stunning surroundings, winding trails, and wonderful bird- and wildlife-watching, and it’s the proper exercise for these trying to expertise Sanibel’s nature past the seaside,” says Ankerson. The 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a canoe and kayak route, is a strong selection as effectively. 

There’s additionally fishing, golf, tennis, pickleball, water sports activities, arts and leisure, and bike, moped, and Segway leases. Lai recommends renting “a motorbike, golf cart, or Moke and visiting Sanibel Island’s Wild Mile that consists of the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Customer Heart, the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).”

Finest Purchasing

Periwinkle Place

Sanibel is the form of place you’ll need a couple of souvenirs from. “When you’ve gotten your fill of seaside remedy, our boutique outlets are the proper retail remedy,” says Lai, who recommends trying out the island’s largest retail plaza, Periwinkle Place. It’s additionally a great spot to separate up if a few of your get together desires to buy and a few have sportier pursuits: “You possibly can catch your favourite recreation and an awesome meal at Cheeburger Cheeburger or native favourite The Sanibel Grill,” he provides. 

Bubbly Latitude

“Bubbly Latitude is a must-visit spot for anybody in search of a enjoyable, curated number of residence decor and distinctive presents,” says Ankerson.

Finest Eating places

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

“For a laid-back, informal eating expertise, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is an area favourite impressed by the novels of writer Randy Wayne White,” says Lai. (Seaside learn, anybody?) “The restaurant is thought for its recent seafood, with the standout being its well-known Yucatan shrimp—daring, tangy, and full of taste.”

The Lazy Flamingo

The Lazy Flamingo, a southwest Florida custom, guarantees, “If our seafood had been any brisker, we’d be serving it underwater.” That is, partly, because of the truth that you possibly can herald your individual (cleaned and filleted) recent catch and have the kitchen prepare dinner it up blackened, grilled, mesquite grilled, or fried.

The Bubble Room

No matter you do, don’t go away with out stopping at The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, not too long ago reopened after a protracted hurricane-related hiatus. For years, it was well-known throughout Florida for its fabulous truffles and funky, nostalgia-fueled interiors—suppose Christmas meets the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bubble bread and sticky buns are served with each entrée, and the Orange Crunch Cake is a should.

Different Native Classics

You possibly can’t go fallacious at The Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market or MudBugs Cajun Kitchen. Cielo is a swankier spot for steaks and seafood, and Lai recommends Gramma Dot’s. “For a scenic meal by the water, I like visiting Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina, the place you possibly can watch the boats come and go; chat with Henry, the resident heron; and luxuriate in a scrumptious meal,” he says.

Ankerson has his personal recommendation for an important meal of the day: “Over Easy Cafe is an area favourite for a motive—it’s the go-to spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, serving up scrumptious, hearty meals in a welcoming island setting.”

Finest Time to Go to

On the subject of one of the best time to go to Sanibel Island, we’ve got excellent news: The climate is sweet year-round. January to April is peak season on Sanibel; as springtime hits, temperatures hover within the mid-70s, and snowbirds and shellers arrive in droves. “Are available early March for the Sanibel Shell Festival and the Sanibel Shell Show,” advises Lai. “The islands are buzzing with exercise and vitality round this time of yr, and the climate is ideal as all the time.”

If you wish to go throughout a quieter interval, think about the shoulder season in Could, when the water is heat and the solar is nearly all the time shining. In accordance with Ankerson, “One of the best instances to go to Sanibel are April, Could, and November. The seashores are quieter, the island has a extra relaxed really feel, and it’s the proper time to bike the paths, go shell looking with out the crowds, and soak within the island’s laid-back appeal whereas seeing the city the best way locals do.”

Summertime might be wet, particularly in the course of the Atlantic hurricane season, however the drier winter season comes with a disadvantage of its personal: The water is a bit too chilly to comfortably swim (at the least for Floridians). Nonetheless, Lai says holidaying on Sanibel is a good suggestion: “Come on the primary weekend of December for our annual Luminary Holiday Stroll occasion, after we line the primary roads with luminary luggage and the island is lit up in full show for the vacation season. 2025 is additional particular, as we’re celebrating the City of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary.”

Get There

Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW), situated roughly a one-hour drive from Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the closest hub, and Lai notes there are shuttles and taxi companies out there from the airport. Flying into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando can be an possibility should you’re not afraid of a drive; irrespective of which route you come from, you’ll take I-75. “Sanibel Island is well accessible by automobile through the Sanibel Causeway, a good looking three-mile bridge that connects the island to the mainland,” provides Lai.

Get Round

Renting a set of wheels is a good suggestion when visiting Sanibel, as you’ll possible need to discover past the place your individual two ft can fairly take you. It’s a cycler’s paradise, so biking is a superb possibility. “I extremely advocate making the most of the island’s intensive bike paths,” says Ankerson. “Biking alongside the 25 miles of scenic trails is without doubt one of the most enjoyable and satisfying methods to discover, permitting you to absorb the island’s pure environment at a leisurely tempo. You gained’t want a automobile, and leases are simple to search out at native spots like Billy’s Rentals or Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals.” Lai says vacationers also can lease e-bikes, golf carts, or “different low-speed automobile choices, akin to Mokes.”