It’s a short drive from Naples to one of Southwest Florida’s treasures, Sanibel Island. Located less than an hour northwest, Sanibel is easily accessed via the Sanibel Causeway adjacent to Fort Myers Beach.
Seasonal traffic can be heavy on weekends, so get an early start. Use SunPass to move quickly through the Causeway toll gate.
What makes Sanibel so special?
Over 6000 acres of Sanibel’s land is dedicated nature preserve, administered by either the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge or the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation. To visitors, this means that beaches are left in their natural state, that animal habitats are carefully preserved, and that building codes are strictly enforced. No building over 3 stories is permitted on the island, and the only two chain restaurants are the classic Dairy Queen on Periwinkle Drive and a single Subway restaurant.
Sanibel is one of the world’s best known locales for shelling, largely because of its unique geography. If you check a map, you’ll see that Sanibel leland is positioned with a distinct east/west orientation, sitting at almost a perfect 90 degrees to the Florida mainland. This orientation puts Sanibel beaches in perfect position for shells to wash ashore in abundance. Plan your visit to arrive as the tide goes out, and you’re likely to see some wonderful additions to your collection. After a storm is a great time to go shelling. Of course, you can’t order up a good shelling day on a platter….but the odds are in your favor on Sanibel.
Sanibel Island is, at heart, a small town of about 6,000 full time residents.
What’s to do on Sanibel?
Start your visit at the east end of the island, with a visit to the Sanibel Lighthouse. Here you will find a great fishing pier and hiking trails. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and nesting osprey.
Hit the beach at Bowman’s Beach, along Sanibel-Captiva Rd. This beautiful white sand beach offers easy parking (pay at the kiosk - rates are $2 per hour), ample space for kids to play, shelling, beautiful photo ops, and gentle waters for snorkeling. (FYI - beach access is free along the Causeway Beaches as you enter Sanibel. You’ll see fishermen, kite boarders, and families using the barbecues as soon as you come down off the Causeway. Pull in wherever you like.)
Visit the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Bike, hike, take a canoe trip, or even drive through the preserve. You’ll gain a lot of in-depth knowledge about the island and its tropical habitats. And yes, you may indeed see an alligator. Definitely bring binoculars - even the novice will enjoy bird watching at Ding Darling. The Refuge is known as a photographer’s paradise, so plan to snap at least a few memorable pics.
Learn lots more about shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Depending on the weather, this is a great stop if you get caught in an afternoon storm, or need a respite from the sun and a day of outdoor activity.
Rent a bike. Numerous vendors offer bike rentals, and Sanibel is known for its network of bike paths. Whether you go just a few miles or feel ambitious enough to head up to Captiva, it’s a great way to get around.
Take a drive and explore the full length of Sanibel and it’s sister island, Captiva. Enjoy views of the Gulf, local shops and galleries, and get the feel of the entire area.
Shopping on Sanibel will take you through many locally owned businesses and galleries. Bailey’s General Store is a great place to pick up your snacks and beverages for the day. Periwinkle Place is the closest thing you’ll find to a shopping center on the island and offers a variety of specialty and gift shops. Crafty types will enjoy browsing at Three Crafty Ladies.
Check for special events at the Sanibel Library or BigArts. Especially during season, you may want to schedule your visit to coincide with a classic film, arts workshop, lecture, or art show that sparks your interest.
Eat, of course. We love the Island Cow - an ultra casual spot on Periwinkle Way, known for huge sandwiches and sweet potato fries. If you’d like something a little more upscale or for a special occasion, try The Mad Hatter Restaurant.
What to take?
You’ll want to pack your beach gear, for certain. Add a pail and net if you plan to collect shells.
Throw in the camera and binoculars.
Don’t forget insect repellant. The natural preserve status of much of the island means that pesticide use is limited. A quick stop at the DQ at sunset can be a delight….or a battle with Florida’s no-see-ums if you’re not prepared.
Fishing gear and bikes are welcome.
A change of clothes to get you from the beach to dinner. Casual dress rules year round.
What if we decide to spend the night?
Sanibel is home to a variety of inns, hotels, and cottages. Accommodations book quickly. During season, many highly rated locations book a year or more in advance. Call as early in the day as possible to check availability.
Sanibel is a bit of a “world apart” only a short drive from Naples. Be sure to explore this national treasure!
