Sanibel Island, Florida, Information

Until you’re a passion sheller, Sanibel Island flies delightfully beneath the radar. Positioned about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is known for its assortment of shells—particularly scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand {dollars}, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Due to its distinctive geography and curved form, Sanibel, along with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is among the greatest locations on the planet for shelling. The island’s southern finish gathers the shells that make their solution to the Gulf from the Caribbean. 

“Sanibel Island is usually 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 p.c of the island is in conservation—there are not any site 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 listing of 50 greatest locations to journey in 2025, with editors noting its “exceptional comeback” following the devastation of Hurricane Milton in 2024. 

For native perception into the perfect issues to do, see, and eat on Sanibel, we tapped Lai in addition to Sam Ankerson, the manager director of the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide 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 targeted on managing resorts; he’s additionally the chairman of the board for Go to Florida. 

Ankerson, then again, is a relative newcomer to the world, having solely lived on Sanibel for 4 years. Nonetheless, that provides him a recent perspective on what makes this a part of Florida noteworthy. “Sanibel Island is a kind of uncommon locations the place you may actually 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 Previous Florida appeal that’s laborious to seek out as of late. Whether or not you’re casting a line, recognizing dolphins, or looking for the proper shell, there’s one thing particular in regards to the island that retains individuals coming again.” 

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

Finest Accommodations & 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 properties alongside 10 acres of Gulf shoreline. There are bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard leases; garden video games; and even a shell-washing station, plus weekly seashore walks with a marine naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium.

Sundial Seashore Resort & Spa

If you happen to’d reasonably have a trip expertise at a “full-service beachfront resort with a number of eating and recreation choices,” in Lai’s phrases, guide Sundial Seashore Resort & Spa. “[It’s] newly rebuilt and gives studios and one- and two-bedroom suites which can be absolutely geared up with kitchens, residing rooms, and lanais,” he says. (“Lanai” is the Hawaiian phrase for a lined, 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 a whole lot 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 embody biking, pickleball, and a full-service spa.

Finest Issues to Do

Get shell completely happy. 

You’ll be able to’t trip on Sanibel Island with out studying the “Sanibel Stoop,” also referred to as the “Captiva Crouch.” These alliterative nicknames describe the place assumed by novice and seasoned shellers alike: a bent-over posture that’s not best for spinal well being, however is prime for recognizing and scooping up shells alongside Sanibel’s shoreline. You’ll usually discover guests shuffling round with buckets, luggage, and nets for his or her finds. There’s even the annual Sanibel Shell Present—developing on 89 years operating—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 powerful assortment of virtually 600,000 shells. In fact, the shell outlets within the space are additionally a should. You’ll discover each form of present, family good, and collectible on the market—all constituted of the world’s well-known conchs, cockles, and coquinas.

Hit the seashore.

Whereas gastropods and bivalves are the principle draw of each Sanibel and Captiva, even non-shellers discover causes to get out on the sand. Standard seashores embody Bowman’s Seashore, which attracts windsurfers and sailors, and Blind Move Seashore, an off-the-beaten-path stretch between Sanibel and Captiva. 

Hunt down Sanibel’s hidden gems. 

Make sure you go away time in your itinerary to discover past the principle 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 Seashore Park. Different hidden favorites embody The Dunes Golf & Tennis Membership and the customer’s data heart, the second driveway on the correct whenever you exit the [Sanibel] Causeway.”

It’s price 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 fireplace earlier than the hurricane. The introduction of those new on the spot 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 seashore. Don’t miss the 5,200-acre, wildlife-filled Sanibel Island portion of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, the place guests can kayak, hike, bike, or drive via. “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 glorious bird- and wildlife-watching, and it’s the proper exercise for these seeking to expertise Sanibel’s nature past the seashore,” says Ankerson. The 190-mile Nice Calusa Blueway Paddling Path, a canoe and kayak route, is a stable alternative as nicely. 

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 Middle, the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Basis, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).”

Finest Buying

Periwinkle Place

Sanibel is the sort of place you’ll need a couple of souvenirs from. “When you’ve gotten your fill of seashore remedy, our boutique outlets are the proper retail remedy,” says Lai, who recommends testing 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’ll be able to catch your favourite recreation and an amazing 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 choice of dwelling 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. (Seashore 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 more energizing, we’d be serving it underwater.” That is, partly, because of the truth that you may 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, just lately reopened after a protracted hurricane-related hiatus. For years, it was well-known throughout Florida for its fabulous muffins 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’ll be able to’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 really like visiting Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina, the place you may 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 a very powerful meal of the day: “Over Straightforward 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

With regards to the perfect time to go to Sanibel Island, now we have excellent news: The climate is good 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 in early March for the Sanibel Shell Pageant and the Sanibel Shell Present,” advises Lai. “The islands are buzzing with exercise and vitality round this time of 12 months, and the climate is ideal as all the time.”

If you wish to go throughout a quieter interval, contemplate the shoulder season in Could, when the water is heat and the solar is sort of all the time shining. In keeping with Ankerson, “The very 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 may be wet, particularly throughout the Atlantic hurricane season, however the drier winter season comes with a downside of its personal: The water is a bit too chilly to comfortably swim (not less than for Floridians). Nonetheless, Lai says holidaying on Sanibel is a good suggestion: “Come on the primary weekend of December for our annual Luminary Vacation Stroll occasion, once we line the principle roads with luminary luggage and the island is lit up in full show for the vacation season. 2025 is further particular, as we’re celebrating the Metropolis of Sanibel’s fiftieth Anniversary.”

How one can 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 accessible from the airport. Flying into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando can be an choice in case you’re not afraid of a drive; regardless of which course you come from, you’ll take I-75. “Sanibel Island is definitely accessible by automobile by way of the Sanibel Causeway, a lovely three-mile bridge that connects the island to the mainland,” provides Lai.

How one can Get Round

Renting a set of wheels is a good suggestion when visiting Sanibel, as you’ll probably need to discover past the place your individual two ft can moderately take you. It’s a cycler’s paradise, so biking is a superb choice. “I extremely advocate making the most of the island’s in depth bike paths,” says Ankerson. “Biking alongside the 25 miles of scenic trails is among the most enjoyable and fulfilling methods to discover, permitting you to absorb the island’s pure environment at a leisurely tempo. You received’t want a automobile, and leases are simple to seek out at native spots like Billy’s Leases or Finnimore’s Bike & Seashore Leases.” Lai says vacationers may also lease e-bikes, golf carts, or “different low-speed automobile choices, akin to Mokes.”