Top 5 Can’t Miss
- Sanibel Island is all about shells, so spend a day browsing the beach for nautical treasures and visiting the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, which has touch pools and a “Great Hall of Shells” that showcases some of the largest and most impressive shells ever found.
- The Island Inn is a haven of historic Sanibel charm and offers beach walk programs to deepen your appreciation for this coastline.
- After two-plus years being shuttered from back-to-back hurricanes, The Bubble Room on neighboring Captiva Island—legendary across Florida for its Orange Crunch Cake, bubble bread, sticky buns, and funky interiors—is back on the scene, so don’t miss a meal at this famed haunt.
- Hike or drive through the expansive J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
- Live the simple life with a bike ride around the island, a paddle on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, or a relaxed stroll along Bowman’s Beach or Blind Pass Beach.
Unless you’re a hobby sheller, Sanibel Island flies delightfully under the radar. Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is famous for its collection of shells—especially scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand dollars, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Thanks to its unique geography and curved shape, Sanibel, together with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is one of the best places in the world for shelling. The island’s southern end gathers the shells that make their way to the Gulf from the Caribbean.
“Sanibel Island is commonly known as the ‘Seashell Capital of the World,’ as there are more than 400 species of shells that can be found on our beaches,” John Lai, the president and CEO of Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, tells Travel + Leisure. “That, combined with the fact that 70 percent of the island is in conservation—there are no traffic lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, no franchises, and over 25 miles of bike trails—makes this island a truly unique destination not just in Florida, but the world.” Sanibel was also named to T+L’s list of 50 best places to travel in 2025, with editors noting its “remarkable comeback” following the devastation of Hurricane Milton in 2024.
For local insight into the best things to do, see, and eat on Sanibel, we tapped Lai as well as Sam Ankerson, the executive director of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. Lai has lived in Lee County, just six miles from the Sanibel Causeway, for 40 years and has spent more than 25 years working on Sanibel and Captiva, with most of his career focused on managing resorts; he’s also the chairman of the board for Visit Florida.
Ankerson, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer to the area, having only lived on Sanibel for four years. However, that gives him a fresh perspective on what makes this part of Florida noteworthy. “Sanibel Island is one of those rare places where you can truly slow down and take in the beauty around you,” he says. “The beaches feel untouched, the wildlife is everywhere, and there’s this nostalgic Old Florida charm that’s hard to find these days. Whether you’re casting a line, spotting dolphins, or hunting for the perfect shell, there’s something special about the island that keeps people coming back.”
Here’s how to plan your first, or next, visit to Sanibel Island.
Guest suite at Island Inn on Sanibel Island.
Courtesy of Island Inn
Best Hotels & Resorts
Island Inn
“Island Inn is a Sanibel staple with over 100 years of history,” says Ankerson. Families flock to the property, which has beachfront rooms, cottages, and vacation homes along 10 acres of Gulf coastline. There are bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard rentals; lawn games; and even a shell-washing station, plus weekly beach walks with a marine naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium.
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
If you’d rather have a vacation experience at a “full-service beachfront resort with several dining and recreation options,” in Lai’s words, book Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. “[It’s] newly rebuilt and offers studios and one- and two-bedroom suites that are fully equipped with kitchens, living rooms, and lanais,” he says. (“Lanai” is the Hawaiian word for a covered, open-air porch).
Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort
Love a lush landscape as much as shells? The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort has hundreds of varieties of native and non-native plants around the property. Even non-guests come to see the impressive gardens; public tours are available weekly.
Casa Ybel Resort
The 23-acre beachfront Casa Ybel Resort has all Gulf-facing suites with balconies, private entrances, and sandy paths to the shore, as well as two on-site dining options: Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill and the award-winning Thistle Lodge. The resort’s recreation amenities include biking, pickleball, and a full-service spa.
Close up of a seashell on Sanibel Island.
Kelly Griffin/Travel + Leisure
Best Things to Do
Get shell happy.
You can’t vacation on Sanibel Island without learning the “Sanibel Stoop,” also known as the “Captiva Crouch.” These alliterative nicknames describe the position assumed by amateur and seasoned shellers alike: a bent-over posture that’s not ideal for spinal health, but is prime for spotting and scooping up shells along Sanibel’s shoreline. You’ll often find visitors shuffling around with buckets, bags, and nets for their finds. There’s even the annual Sanibel Shell Show—coming up on 89 years running—each March, when aficionados convene to show off their wares and admire shell art and the impressive collections of longtime shellers.
If you want to know what all the fuss is about, don’t miss the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, which houses an impressive collection of almost 600,000 shells. Of course, the shell shops in the area are also a must. You’ll find every sort of gift, household good, and collectible out there—all made from the area’s famous conchs, cockles, and coquinas.
Hit the beach.
While gastropods and bivalves are the main draw of both Sanibel and Captiva, even non-shellers find reasons to get out on the sand. Popular beaches include Bowman’s Beach, which attracts windsurfers and sailors, and Blind Pass Beach, an off-the-beaten-path stretch between Sanibel and Captiva.
Seek out Sanibel’s hidden gems.
Be sure to leave time in your itinerary to explore beyond the main hits. “For a lesser-known spot, take a left on Periwinkle and head east to Seahorse Plaza, and you’ll find eats and treats within walking distance of the famous Sanibel Lighthouse,” says Lai. “Choose from The Bel Bagels & Deli, Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant, and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine while visiting Lighthouse Beach Park. Other hidden favorites include The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club and the visitor’s information center, the second driveway on the right when you exit the [Sanibel] Causeway.”
It’s worth noting Wickies and The Magic Bus were created by the owners of longtime local favorites The Mad Hatter, which was lost to Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Island Cow, which was destroyed by a fire before the hurricane. The introduction of these new instant classics not only brings hope to Sanibel, but serves as a testament to the community’s resilience and the unwavering passion and dedication of local restaurateurs.
Enjoy the outdoors.
Outdoor activities on Sanibel aren’t just relegated to the beach. Don’t miss the 5,200-acre, wildlife-filled Sanibel Island portion of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can kayak, hike, bike, or drive through. “The Bailey Tract is a peaceful escape that many visitors overlook. Managed by [the wildlife refuge], it’s a quieter spot with beautiful scenery, winding trails, and excellent bird- and wildlife-watching, and it’s the perfect activity for those looking to experience Sanibel’s nature beyond the beach,” says Ankerson. The 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a canoe and kayak route, is a solid choice as well.
There’s also fishing, golf, tennis, pickleball, water sports, arts and entertainment, and bike, moped, and Segway rentals. Lai recommends renting “a bike, golf cart, or Moke and visiting Sanibel Island’s Wild Mile that consists of the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor Center, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).”
Best Shopping
Periwinkle Place
Sanibel is the kind of place you’ll want a few souvenirs from. “Once you’ve gotten your fill of beach therapy, our boutique shops are the perfect retail therapy,” says Lai, who recommends checking out the island’s largest retail plaza, Periwinkle Place. It’s also a good spot to split up if some of your party wants to shop and some have sportier interests: “You can catch your favorite game and a great meal at Cheeburger Cheeburger or local favorite The Sanibel Grill,” he adds.
Bubbly Latitude
“Bubbly Latitude is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a fun, curated selection of home decor and exceptional gifts,” says Ankerson.
Shrimp dish at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grill.
Courtesy of Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
Best Restaurants
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
“For a laid-back, casual dining experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a local favorite inspired by the novels of author Randy Wayne White,” says Lai. (Beach read, anyone?) “The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood, with the standout being its famous Yucatan shrimp—bold, tangy, and packed with flavor.”
The Lazy Flamingo
The Lazy Flamingo, a southwest Florida tradition, promises, “If our seafood were any fresher, we would be serving it underwater.” This is, in part, thanks to the fact that you can bring in your own (cleaned and filleted) fresh catch and have the kitchen cook it up blackened, grilled, mesquite grilled, or fried.
The Bubble Room
Whatever you do, don’t leave without stopping at The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, recently reopened after a long hurricane-related hiatus. For years, it was famous across Florida for its fabulous cakes and funky, nostalgia-fueled interiors—think Christmas meets the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bubble bread and sticky buns are served with every entrée, and the Orange Crunch Cake is a must.
Other Local Classics
You can’t go wrong 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 love visiting Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina, where you can watch the boats come and go; chat with Henry, the resident heron; and enjoy a delicious meal,” he says.
Ankerson has his own advice for the most important meal of the day: “Over Easy Cafe is a local favorite for a reason—it’s the go-to spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, serving up delicious, hearty meals in a welcoming island setting.”
A family finding seashells on a Sanibel Island Beach.
Courtesy of Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods
Best Time to Visit
When it comes to the best time to visit Sanibel Island, we have good news: The weather is nice year-round. January to April is peak season on Sanibel; as springtime hits, temperatures hover in the mid-70s, and snowbirds and shellers arrive in droves. “Come in early March for the Sanibel Shell Festival and the Sanibel Shell Show,” advises Lai. “The islands are buzzing with activity and energy around this time of year, and the weather is perfect as always.”
If you want to go during a quieter period, consider the shoulder season in May, when the water is warm and the sun is almost always shining. According to Ankerson, “The best times to visit Sanibel are April, May, and November. The beaches are quieter, the island has a more relaxed feel, and it’s the perfect time to bike the trails, go shell hunting without the crowds, and soak in the island’s laid-back charm while seeing the town the way locals do.”
Summertime can be rainy, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season, but the drier winter season comes with a drawback of its own: The water is a bit too chilly to comfortably swim (at least for Floridians). Still, Lai says holidaying on Sanibel is a good idea: “Come on the first weekend of December for our annual Luminary Holiday Stroll event, when we line the main roads with luminary bags and the island is lit up in full display for the holiday season. 2025 is extra special, as we are celebrating the City of Sanibel’s 50th Anniversary.”
Aerial view of highway leading to Sanibel Island.
Jeff Greenberg/Getty Images
How to Get There
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located roughly a one-hour drive from Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the closest hub, and Lai notes there are shuttles and taxi services available from the airport. Flying into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando is also an option if you’re not afraid of a drive; no matter which direction you come from, you’ll take I-75. “Sanibel Island is easily accessible by car via the Sanibel Causeway, a beautiful three-mile bridge that connects the island to the mainland,” adds Lai.
How to Get Around
Renting a set of wheels is a good idea when visiting Sanibel, as you’ll likely want to explore beyond where your own two feet can reasonably take you. It’s a cycler’s paradise, so biking is a great option. “I highly recommend taking advantage of the island’s extensive bike paths,” says Ankerson. “Biking along the 25 miles of scenic trails is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable ways to explore, allowing you to take in the island’s natural surroundings at a leisurely pace. You won’t need a car, and rentals are easy to find at local spots like Billy’s Rentals or Finnimore’s Bike & Beach Rentals.” Lai says travelers can also rent e-bikes, golf carts, or “other low-speed vehicle options, such as Mokes.”