Top Five Tourist Attractions on Sanibel Island

Five Great Activities for Visitors to this Florida Paradise

Aug 15, 2008

Sanibel Island is Florida's gulf coast jewel. Nestled just off the coast of Fort Myers, this tropical paradise offers activities for tourists of all ages.

Sanibel Island is located just off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida. Sanibel’s 15 miles of pristine gulf coast beaches attract tourists year-round. When visiting this tropical paradise, be sure to leave room in the itinerary for the following must-see activities and attractions on this Floridian island paradise.

Tour Sanibel By Bike

Visitors can make their way to one of the several bicycle rental shops on Periwinkle Way and set off on a journey to explore the island by bike. Cyclists can easily navigate the populated portions of the island by bike thanks to mile after mile of well-maintained bike trails.

Tourists can cycle to Sanibel’s historic lighthouse for a stroll along the beach, or set off on a trek through jungle-esque trails to view the tropical scenery and wildlife, including majestic birds and even alligators. Sanibel is known for its wildlife, particularly the alligators, which can be found sunning themselves in the culverts located just feet away from the bike trails.

All of Sanibels shops, galleries and boutiques of Periwinkle Way are also accessible by bike. Bicycle parking is readily available at most shops, restaurants and beaches on the Island, so instead of traveling by car, consider a trek by bike to get an up-close look at all Sanibel’s beauty.

Visit the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge

The J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. Visit a piece of untouched tropical Florida with a guided tour through the wildlife refuge, which occupies about one-third of the island.

The refuge, considered one of the best in the nation, was established in 1945. The refuge was named after Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a political cartoonist and conservationist who played an instrumental in preventing the sale of the land to developers.

Sanibel’s Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for bird watchers, who can view more than 200 avian species, many of which are endangered or threatened.

Visitors will be treated to views of the mangrove forests, tropical marshes and tropical birds who can be found feeding on the mud flats at low tide or catching fish in the brackish water of the mangrove forests. According to officials at Ding Darling, December through March is the ideal bird watching season, though the refuge is open and full of Floridian wildlife year-round.

Shop Periwinkle Place and the Islands Other Unique Shopping Centers

Periwinkle Place features more than two dozen unique boutiques and shops – the perfect place to find that unique tropical souvenir. From jewelry and upscale tropical clothing, beachware and accessories, to unique gifts and art, Periwinkle Place has something for everyone. And when all that shopping turns tiring, visit the Sanibel Day Spa to unwind. And then, catch a bite at The Blue Giraffe Restaurant for an uniquely Sanibel dining experience.

Not only does Periwinkle Place feature an array of indoor attractions, but the tropical courtyard is also an ideal spot for a picnic or stroll.

Go Shelling!

Sanibel Island is known the world over for its pristine beaches and it’s wonderful shelling. Stroll the shoreline and search for a lacey murex, whelks, buttercups, a spiney jewel box, or an alphabet cone. Pick up a rare junonia and the lucky finder may find him or herself featured in the island newspaper!

Be sure to bring along a netted shelling bag, a pair of water socks and a cup of coffee, because shellers will have to set out early. Seasoned shellers hit the sand at dawn, so get to the shore early or risk finding a picked-over shell selection.

Watch the Sunset

Sanibel Island is known for its majestic sunsets and it's sure to be the perfect end to the perfect day. So after a long day of activities, grab a glass of wine and a beach chair and sit out to watch the sunset. And don’t forget to watch for the green flash that’s supposed to occur at the moment the sun dips below the horizon.

Sanibel Island has much to offer and few tourists ever visit just once, for this gulf coast island has not just beauty, but charm.