Vacation Rentals & Condos on Sanibel Island

With the exception of Dairy Queen, you won't find fast-food chain restaurants on Sanibel. This is an excuse to dive right into the local restaurants and cafés, that serve everything from the burgers and shakes, to succulent seafood dishes. Most restaurants are kid-friendly, seeing as plenty of families vacation here. For a romantic, intimate meal, settle for one of the ocean-facing cafés, such as Traditions on the Beach where music and dancing feature prominently. Pet-friendly restaurants include the award-winning Keylime Bistro, George & Wendy's Sanibel Seafood Grille and The Island Cow.

Stock up on your fine wines, beer, liqueurs, and cigars at The Grog Shop Sanibel Island Liquor Store in Bailey's Plaza. Perfect to enjoy back at your Sanibel Island vacation rental.

Most travelers, particularly those from colder climates, flock to Sanibel between December to April. This is when the sun shines warmly but does not beat down too hard. Sanibel Island vacation rentals during this time will be popular, so make sure you book your ideal home in advance. The fall months of September and October are extremely quiet and may appeal to those looking for a tranquil escape to one of the many Sanibel Island vacation home available.

Sanibel's claim to fame is its beautiful shells, driftwood, sand dollars and sponges that are found scattered along its shores. Children will love this island, where making a 'shell stoop' is mandatory on the beach. Keep in mind that live shelling is prohibited and can attract sizeable fines for pillaging local marine life. Shell collectors should not miss out on a trip to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum that showcases shells from around the world and includes a salt water environment where you can see what the shells used to look like before they washed ashore.

The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge located north of the island is a bird watcher's paradise that shelters several rare and protected species. Keep the camera ready when crabs, snakes, otters and manatees start to make an appearance. Having guided sailors to safety since 1884, Sanibel Lighthouse is Sanibel's oldest standing structure, and is located towards the end of the island. Nearby is the covered fishing pier where pelicans await in earnest for visitors to throw fish scraps for them to eat. The best way to get around, however, is to hop on a motorized bike and get exploring.

Arts, culture and music play a surprisingly large role on this scenic island. The Barrier Island Group For the Arts showcases music and dance recitals, live theater and interesting works. For dramas, comedies, and musicals, islanders head to the BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater. Called “An Island Tradition”, the Sanibel Music Festival hosts seven concerts for the “Save March for Music” season.

The island is small but offers enough activities to keep the family occupied. Hire a charter fishing boat and bring home a fresh catch to be prepared at your Sanibel Island vacation home. For those who enjoy kayaking, the tranquil waters of Tarpon Bay are a good idea. Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular activities in Sanibel too.

The Sanibel Sea School is a marine conservation body, and is a fun and educational visit for families with kids. While here, indulge in a round of beach-hopping: Bowman's Beach, Bowditch Point Beach, Little Hickory Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach/Turner Beach and Tarpon Bay Road Beach are all accessible. The nearby Captiva Island is worth a visit too.

Whether for an anniversary, birthday, wedding or family trip, this top Florida destination won't disappoint. Book your Sanibel Island vacation rental for an unforgettable trip.

1. Bowman's Beach

One of Sanibel Island's most picturesque and secluded beaches, you can walk here for miles on shell-covered shores. Bathrooms, changing rooms and picnic tables are available.

2. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Opened in 1995, the museum is wholly dedicated to seashells and molluscs. Explore the variety of shell shapes and colors and learn about early shell collectors who developed the science of conchology.

3. Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center

This award-winning visitor center has expert staff who will give you all the insider tips for the area. They also have free WiFi.

4. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Named after cartoonist and conservationist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling, the 5.200-acre refuge is known for its migratory birds, gopher tortoises, soft shell turtles and sea cows.

5. Sanibel Island Lighthouse and Pier

The lighthouse provides interesting views of the causeway and Fort Myers beach. Nearby is the historic pier where dolphins amuse onlookers with their antics.