Neighborhood Spotlight: Sanibel Island
As you cross the causeway from the mainland to Sanibel Island, you’ll immediately fall into an island state of mind. Just 12 miles long and three miles wide, this piece of paradise offers an idyllic mix of laid-back charm, inspiring natural beauty, and invigorating recreation.
Recently honored as one of the top 10 islands in Travel + Leisure’s "World's Best Awards,” Sanibel Island has long been a beloved spot for generations of travelers. Its unique east-west orientation means that the barrier island acts like a natural scoop to catch pristine seashells that wash in from the Gulf of Mexico. Rather than being pulled back in by the tide, seashells remain on the gently sloping beaches — earning it the nickname of the “Seashell Capital of the World.” Take a morning stroll around popular areas like Bowman’s Beach Park and Blind Pass Beach Park, and you’ll likely see people hunched over in search of their next prized seashell; a sight so common that it’s called the “Sanibel Stoop.”
An amazing two-thirds of the island is protected as conservation land, an accomplishment that shows the powerful dedication and passion of the locals who call this place home. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has several preserves that are open to the public, including Periwinkle Preserve’s seven acres of tropical hardwood hammock and the Bailey Homestead Preserve with nine acres of native landscapes (and another 19 dedicated to wildlife).
You could dedicate hours of your day to exploring one of the island’s crown jewels, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Spanning over 7,000 acres, it’s considered one of the top bird-watching spots in the world. Ride a bike or join a naturalist on a scenic tram ride along Wildlife Drive, where expert guidance can help you spot roseate spoonbills, ibis, and many others from among 245 different bird species, along with dozens of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians hidden in plain sight.
Watch for wildlife from home. The “Ding” Darling webcam is perched on the Observation Tower on Wildlife Drive.
Bicycling is one of the most satisfying ways to get around the island, with 25 miles of multi-use paved paths created just for this type of exploration. Rent a bicycle from a local shop and pick your direction: The Sanibel Heritage Trail is marked by informative signs that lead you to historical cottages and an old general store; admire the Sanibel Lighthouse on the southern tip of the island that has been triumphantly relit; and pedal along Sanibel Captiva Road to stop at the newly renovated Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium.
All throughout Sanibel Island are charming cafés and restaurants. Dine with a dockside view at Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant at Port Sanibel Marina, overlooking the entrance of the exclusive Connie Mack Island. Jerry’s Foods is considered a local grocery staple, and inside Jerry’s Café serves up hearty breakfasts, savory sandwiches, and surf-and-turf dinners. Grab a classic island mojito and fresh seafood at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. Grab a slice at Island Pizza Sanibel, which is also home to Sweet Melissa’s Cafe pop-ups. Cap off any meal with a creamy scoop of frozen custard at The Shack of Sanibel and try out The Magic Bus, a new ice cream and coffee shop in town. While casual fare is easy to find, you’ll want to carve out an evening or two for farm-to-table dining at Cielo, a seafood feast at the award-winning Gramma Dot’s, and coastal cuisine at Traders Sanibel.
Of course, it wouldn’t be an island vacation without indulging in a little retail therapy! Find designer labels and boutique shops at Tahitian Gardens shopping center and wander among the Village Shops for fashionable finds. Periwinkle Way is loaded with brand-name fashion (including the original Chico’s!), one-of-a-kind stores and upscale art galleries so you can search for shell-inspired souvenirs, island-inspired beachwear, and contemporary works of art.
Anywhere you choose to go, you can expect a friendly Sanibel welcome and an invitation to keep coming back to see what’s new and exciting on the island.
