Fun Things to Do on Sanibel Island

Fun activities in Sanibel Island

Sanibel and Captiva Island

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island were made for unforgettable romantic getaways. That said, there are still a great variety of activities for the entire family to enjoy. While shelling is the hallmark of both islands the fun does not end on the sands. In actuality, the activities that Sanibel Island offers are quite amazing for such a small island. The dedication of 6,400 acres to the preservation of land, mangrove, seagrass, animals, and birds is one example of that. Sanibel Island lighthouse is another great place to stop by and take some great pictures while on the island.

Beaches of Sanibel and Captiva

Bowman’s Beach Sanibel Island

If you are into more secluded beaches but with enough amenities to spend a day, Bowman’s Beach is for you. The expansive white sandy beach also offers some of the best shelling opportunities on Sanibel Island. Bowman’s Beach has been recognized by many publications as a great beach in Florida. US News Travel readers have voted the Bowman’s Beach as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.

Bowman’s Beach is equipped with restrooms and showers, a picnic area with charcoal grills, and a playground. The parking was $5 an hour when we visited. Another word of caution, there is a distance of .25 to .36 miles from parking to the beach. If you are carrying heavy beach gear you may consider bringing a beach wagon. The nearest restaurant is around 3 miles away if you are not taking your food with you.

Bowman’s Beach is located at 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park

Shelling in Sanibel Island

Shelling in Sanibel and Captiva

This beach, as the name indicates, is the home to the red Lighthouse on Sanibel Island. There is also a wonderful pier in the park that is very popular with visitors. The nature trail and boardwalk offer a great way to discover the island’s unique wildlife. Lighthouse Beach Park is equipped with basic amenities. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and BBQ area. There are two parking areas in the northern and southern sections of the park. If you are going to visit the Sanibel Lighthouse, we recommend using the northern parking. Meanwhile, southern parking is more convenient for beachgoers.

Sanibel Lighthouse Park is located at 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida 33957

Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach

Blind Pass is a strait that separates the Sanibel Island from Captiva. The beaches are also divided depending on which island they are close to. The beach on the Sanibel side is called Blind Pass Beach. While the beach on the side of Captiva is known as Turner Beach. Regardless of which side, both beaches are similarly spectacular. The parking is kind of limited with only 27 regular and 2 handicapped spots in Blind Spot Beach. Turner beach offers 24 general and 2 handicapped parking spots. The fishing, shelling, kayaking, and windsurfing are at their best on both beaches. The only difference is the fishing on the jetty on Turner Beach. The jetty offers longer casting as well as attracts more fish to the surrounding area.

Blind Pass Beach is located at 6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida 33957

Alison Hagerup Beach in Captiva

Famous for its sunsets, Alison Hagerup Beach is known as one of the most romantic beaches in the area. Facing the west allows the beach to offer a great sunset experience for visitors. The beach is located right next to South Seas Island Resort. The amenities and parking are limited. There are only 40 regular and 3 handicapped parking spots. The parking fees could be costly for some visitors. During our visit, the cost was $25 for 2 hours or $40 for all-day parking.

Alison Hagerup Beach is located at 14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva, FL 33924

J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Ding Darling

The Wildlife Refuge is the product of the hard work of the conservationist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling. He was a successful political cartoonist known as Ding Darling. Mr. Darling won two prestigious Pulitzer Prizes in 1923 and 1934. He also played an important role in promoting the conservation movement of the 20th century.

J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge covers over 6,400 of land and the mangrove ecosystem. Of over 245 birds and animals residents, there are many on the endangered or threatened lists. The friend of Refuge is a non-profit society dedicated to supporting the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

The main purpose of the society has been supporting the refuge with its financial needs. Society has been successful in raising private funds. Fundraising is instrumental to the growth and sustaining of natural habitats for all species.

When vising the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge the Visitors and Education Center is the best place to start. There are many parts to the Refuge and the helpful staff can help you to plan your day accordingly.

The J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located at
1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957

Pet Friendly Lodging in Sanibel Island

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Sanibel

There are many places to stay on the island if you are traveling with your dog. In addition to the places listed below, there are many privately owned homes available for short-term rentals.

  • Waterside Inn On The Beach – Offers apartments and cottages but only the cottages are pet-friendly. At the time of our visit, there was a 30 Lbs weight restriction. Also, the pet fee was $20 per pet, per night.  Both cats and dogs are welcome but guests cannot leave them unattended in the room.
  • Anchor Inn and Cottage – Located near Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, Anchor Inn offers 12 rooms. The guests can bring 2 dogs with a maximum weight of 70 Lbs.  There is a $20 fee per pet per night. They have a no-cat policy. Pets cannot be left unattended at any time.
  • Tropical Winds Beachfront Cottages – Enjoy your stay in one of the oceanfront studios, one or two-bedroom apartments, or cottages. The guests are allowed to bring up to 2 dogs with a COMBINED weight of 60 Lbs. The pet fee is $20 per pet, per night. The well-behaved dogs are allowed to stay in the room by themselves!
  • We highly recommend to check accommodations as policies do change.
Arts and Cultural Center in Sanibel

For a small community, Sanibel still offers great opportunities to enjoy the arts and culture. The beaches and watersports are considered the most popular activities. However, the natural and historic attractions are fun and educational places destined to please everyone in the family.

  • Bailey Mathews National Shell Museum – This museum is a testimony to Sanibel Island’s reputation as having the best shelling beaches. This is the largest and most complete museum in the US that is dedicated exclusively to shells.
    • Address: 3075 Sanibel Captive Road, Sanibel, FL
  • Sanibel Historical Museum and Village – The Village was established in 1984 as a dedication to the pioneers and early settlers in Sanibel. It is comprised of 11 restored buildings with some being relocated to the area from other parts of the island.  The Original Bailey’s General Store, 1899, and a post office, 1926, are some of the buildings.