This Florida Island Is the ‘Seashell Capital of the World’—and No Buildings Are Taller Than a Palm Tree

Except you’re a passion sheller, Sanibel Island flies delightfully underneath the radar. Positioned about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is legendary for its assortment of shells—particularly scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand {dollars}, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Due to its distinctive geography and curved form, Sanibel, along with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is likely one of the finest locations on the planet for shelling. The island’s southern finish gathers the shells that make their method to the Gulf from the Caribbean. 

“Sanibel Island is usually generally known as the ‘Seashell Capital of the World,’ as there are greater than 400 species of shells that may be discovered on our seashores,” John Lai, the president and CEO of Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, tells Journey + Leisure. “That, mixed with the truth that 70 p.c of the island is in conservation—there aren’t any site visitors lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, no franchises, and over 25 miles of motorcycle trails—makes this island a really distinctive vacation spot not simply in Florida, however the world.” Sanibel was additionally named to T+L’s record of 50 finest locations to journey in 2025, with editors noting its “outstanding comeback” following the devastation of Hurricane Milton in 2024. 

For native perception into the most effective issues to do, see, and eat on Sanibel, we tapped Lai in addition to Sam Ankerson, the manager director of the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium. Lai has lived in Lee County, simply six miles from the Sanibel Causeway, for 40 years and has spent greater than 25 years engaged on Sanibel and Captiva, with most of his profession targeted on managing resorts; he’s additionally the chairman of the board for Go to Florida. 

Ankerson, then again, is a relative newcomer to the realm, having solely lived on Sanibel for 4 years. Nonetheless, that offers him a contemporary perspective on what makes this a part of Florida noteworthy. “Sanibel Island is a kind of uncommon locations the place you’ll be able to really decelerate and take within the magnificence round you,” he says. “The seashores really feel untouched, the wildlife is in all places, and there’s this nostalgic Previous Florida appeal that’s onerous to search out as of late. Whether or not you’re casting a line, recognizing dolphins, or trying to find the proper shell, there’s one thing particular concerning the island that retains folks coming again.” 

Right here’s easy methods to plan your first, or subsequent, go to to Sanibel Island.

Finest Resorts & Resorts

Island Inn

“Island Inn is a Sanibel staple with over 100 years of historical past,” says Ankerson. Households flock to the property, which has beachfront rooms, cottages, and trip properties alongside 10 acres of Gulf shoreline. There are bicycle, kayak, and paddleboard leases; garden video games; and even a shell-washing station, plus weekly seaside walks with a marine naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium.

Sundial Seashore Resort & Spa

In the event you’d reasonably have a trip expertise at a “full-service beachfront resort with a number of eating and recreation choices,” in Lai’s phrases, e-book Sundial Seashore Resort & Spa. “[It’s] newly rebuilt and provides studios and one- and two-bedroom suites which might be absolutely outfitted with kitchens, residing rooms, and lanais,” he says. (“Lanai” is the Hawaiian phrase for a lined, open-air porch).

Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort

Love a lush panorama as a lot as shells? The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings Resort has a whole bunch of sorts of native and non-native crops across the property. Even non-guests come to see the spectacular gardens; public excursions can be found weekly.

Casa Ybel Resort

The 23-acre beachfront Casa Ybel Resort has all Gulf-facing suites with balconies, personal entrances, and sandy paths to the shore, in addition to two on-site eating choices: Coconuts Poolside Bar & Grill and the award-winning Thistle Lodge. The resort’s recreation facilities embody biking, pickleball, and a full-service spa.

Finest Issues to Do

Get shell comfortable. 

You’ll be able to’t trip on Sanibel Island with out studying the “Sanibel Stoop,” also called the “Captiva Crouch.” These alliterative nicknames describe the place assumed by newbie and seasoned shellers alike: a bent-over posture that’s not ultimate for spinal well being, however is prime for recognizing and scooping up shells alongside Sanibel’s shoreline. You’ll typically discover guests shuffling round with buckets, baggage, and nets for his or her finds. There’s even the annual Sanibel Shell Present—arising on 89 years working—every March, when aficionados convene to indicate off their wares and admire shell artwork and the spectacular collections of longtime shellers.

If you wish to know what all of the fuss is about, don’t miss the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium, which homes a powerful assortment of just about 600,000 shells. After all, the shell outlets within the space are additionally a should. You’ll discover each kind of present, family good, and collectible on the market—all made out of the realm’s well-known conchs, cockles, and coquinas.

Hit the seaside.

Whereas gastropods and bivalves are the principle draw of each Sanibel and Captiva, even non-shellers discover causes to get out on the sand. Widespread seashores embody Bowman’s Seashore, which attracts windsurfers and sailors, and Blind Cross Seashore, an off-the-beaten-path stretch between Sanibel and Captiva. 

Hunt down Sanibel’s hidden gems. 

Make sure you depart time in your itinerary to discover past the principle hits. “For a lesser-known spot, take a left on Periwinkle and head east to Seahorse Plaza, and also you’ll discover eats and treats inside strolling distance of the well-known Sanibel Lighthouse,” says Lai. “Select from The Bel Bagels & Deli, Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant, and The Magic Bus Ice Cream & Caffeine whereas visiting Lighthouse Seashore Park. Different hidden favorites embody The Dunes Golf & Tennis Membership and the customer’s info middle, the second driveway on the correct whenever you exit the [Sanibel] Causeway.”

It’s price noting Wickies and The Magic Bus had been created by the homeowners of longtime native favorites The Mad Hatter, which was misplaced to Hurricane Ian in 2022, and Island Cow, which was destroyed by a fireplace earlier than the hurricane. The introduction of those new instantaneous classics not solely brings hope to Sanibel, however serves as a testomony to the neighborhood’s resilience and the unwavering ardour and dedication of native restaurateurs.

Benefit from the open air.

Outside actions on Sanibel aren’t simply relegated to the seaside. Don’t miss the 5,200-acre, wildlife-filled Sanibel Island portion of the J.N. “Ding” Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, the place guests can kayak, hike, bike, or drive by. “The Bailey Tract is a peaceable escape that many guests overlook. Managed by [the wildlife refuge], it’s a quieter spot with lovely surroundings, winding trails, and wonderful bird- and wildlife-watching, and it’s the proper exercise for these seeking to expertise Sanibel’s nature past the seaside,” says Ankerson. The 190-mile Nice Calusa Blueway Paddling Path, a canoe and kayak route, is a strong selection as effectively. 

There’s additionally fishing, golf, tennis, pickleball, water sports activities, arts and leisure, and bike, moped, and Segway leases. Lai recommends renting “a motorbike, golf cart, or Moke and visiting Sanibel Island’s Wild Mile that consists of the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Nationwide Wildlife Refuge and Customer Middle, the Bailey-Matthews Nationwide Shell Museum & Aquarium, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Basis, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW).”

Finest Procuring

Periwinkle Place

Sanibel is the type of place you’ll need a number of souvenirs from. “When you’ve gotten your fill of seaside remedy, our boutique outlets are the proper retail remedy,” says Lai, who recommends trying out the island’s largest retail plaza, Periwinkle Place. It’s additionally a great spot to separate up if a few of your get together needs to buy and a few have sportier pursuits: “You’ll be able to catch your favourite sport and an amazing meal at Cheeburger Cheeburger or native favourite The Sanibel Grill,” he provides. 

Bubbly Latitude

“Bubbly Latitude is a must-visit spot for anybody searching for a enjoyable, curated number of house decor and distinctive presents,” says Ankerson.

Finest Eating places

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

“For a laid-back, informal eating expertise, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is an area favourite impressed by the novels of creator Randy Wayne White,” says Lai. (Seashore learn, anybody?) “The restaurant is thought for its contemporary seafood, with the standout being its well-known Yucatan shrimp—daring, tangy, and full of taste.”

The Lazy Flamingo

The Lazy Flamingo, a southwest Florida custom, guarantees, “If our seafood had been any more energizing, we might be serving it underwater.” That is, partly, because of the truth that you’ll be able to usher in your individual (cleaned and filleted) contemporary catch and have the kitchen cook dinner it up blackened, grilled, mesquite grilled, or fried.

The Bubble Room

No matter you do, don’t depart with out stopping at The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, just lately reopened after an extended hurricane-related hiatus. For years, it was well-known throughout Florida for its fabulous muffins and funky, nostalgia-fueled interiors—suppose Christmas meets the Golden Age of Hollywood. Bubble bread and sticky buns are served with each entrée, and the Orange Crunch Cake is a should.

Different Native Classics

You’ll be able to’t go incorrect 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 like visiting Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina, the place you’ll be able to watch the boats come and go; chat with Henry, the resident heron; and revel in a scrumptious meal,” he says.

Ankerson has his personal recommendation for an important meal of the day: “Over Straightforward Cafe is an area favourite for a purpose—it’s the go-to spot for a relaxed breakfast or brunch, serving up scrumptious, hearty meals in a welcoming island setting.”

Finest Time to Go to

In the case of the most effective time to go to Sanibel Island, we’ve got excellent news: The climate is good year-round. January to April is peak season on Sanibel; as springtime hits, temperatures hover within the mid-70s, and snowbirds and shellers arrive in droves. “Are available early March for the Sanibel Shell Pageant and the Sanibel Shell Present,” advises Lai. “The islands are buzzing with exercise and vitality round this time of yr, and the climate is ideal as at all times.”

If you wish to go throughout a quieter interval, contemplate the shoulder season in Could, when the water is heat and the solar is sort of at all times shining. In accordance with Ankerson, “The most effective occasions to go to Sanibel are April, Could, and November. The seashores are quieter, the island has a extra relaxed really feel, and it’s the proper time to bike the paths, go shell searching with out the crowds, and soak within the island’s laid-back appeal whereas seeing the city the best way locals do.”

Summertime will be wet, particularly in the course of the Atlantic hurricane season, however the drier winter season comes with a disadvantage of its personal: The water is a bit too chilly to comfortably swim (a minimum of for Floridians). Nonetheless, Lai says holidaying on Sanibel is a good suggestion: “Come on the primary weekend of December for our annual Luminary Vacation Stroll occasion, once we line the principle roads with luminary baggage and the island is lit up in full show for the vacation season. 2025 is further particular, as we’re celebrating the Metropolis of Sanibel’s fiftieth Anniversary.”

The best way to Get There

Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW), positioned roughly a one-hour drive from Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the closest hub, and Lai notes there are shuttles and taxi companies out there from the airport. Flying into Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, or Orlando can also be an possibility in the event you’re not afraid of a drive; regardless of which route you come from, you’ll take I-75. “Sanibel Island is well accessible by automobile by way of the Sanibel Causeway, a stupendous three-mile bridge that connects the island to the mainland,” provides Lai.

The best way to Get Round

Renting a set of wheels is a good suggestion when visiting Sanibel, as you’ll doubtless wish to discover past the place your individual two ft can fairly take you. It’s a cycler’s paradise, so biking is a good possibility. “I extremely suggest benefiting from the island’s intensive bike paths,” says Ankerson. “Biking alongside the 25 miles of scenic trails is likely one of the most stress-free and satisfying methods to discover, permitting you to soak up the island’s pure environment at a leisurely tempo. You gained’t want a automobile, and leases are simple to search out at native spots like Billy’s Leases or Finnimore’s Bike & Seashore Leases.” Lai says vacationers also can hire e-bikes, golf carts, or “different low-speed automobile choices, corresponding to Mokes.”