Sanibel Island, Florida: My Home Away From Home

Just off the cost of Ft. Myers Florida is a quaint, family friendly island with great food, white sandy beaches and lots of sea shells!

Transportation

The easiest way to get to Sanibel is to fly into Fort Myer's Airport (RSW). From there, you can take an Uber, Lyft, or call the Island Taxi. The drive from the airport to Sanibel is about 35 to 40 minutes.

Note: If you are driving yourself, you must pay $8 per car to take the causeway bridge onto the island.

Places To Stay

Since Sanibel is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, location isn't a big factor when choosing a place.

Best Budget Lodging: Colony Inn

Best Mid Price Lodging: Sea Side Inn

Best High End Lodging: Casa Ybel or Sundial Resort

Places To Eat

Sanibel is known for its local restaurants and great seafood!

Groceries: Jerry's Foods (visit the birds) or Bailey's

Katherine's Favorite Restaurant: Doc Ford's

Best Breakfast: Sanibel Sprout, The Lighthouse Cafe, or The Sanibel Bean

Best Lunch Spot: Schnapper's Hots or Grandma Dot's

Best Pizza: Island Pizza or Dante's

Best Casual Dinner: Sanibel Fish House , Cips, The Dunes Golf Course

Best Date Night Spot: Traders or Cielo

Best Nightlife: The Tipsy Turtle

Best Dessert: Pinocchio's or Joey's Custard

Things To Do

The island may be small, but you will never run out of things to do!

Free Activities:

• Visit the Sanibel Lighthouse

• Bike through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge (Bailey's Tract is free, Indigo Trail is $1 per person)

• Watch the sunrise

• Watch the sunset on Captiva

• Spend a day at the beach

• Go Shelling

• See the birds at Jerry's Foods

Outdoor Activities:

• Rent bikes from Billy's

• Take a ride on the Sanibel Thriller dolphin cruise

• Drive through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge ($10 per car)

• Go Paddle Boarding or Kayaking

• Beach Yoga

• Golf at the Sanibel Dunes

Indoor Activities:

• Visit the Shell Museum

• Shop around Periwinkle Place

• Have a spa day at the Sanibel Day Spa