Sanibel is a barrier reef island in the Gulf of Mexico. This lush tropical island is located in the state of Florida and offers visitors stunning beaches, exciting wildlife, as well as heritage and culture. One of the top Sanibel attractions is its beautiful white-sand beaches and visitors can head to Blind Pass Beach, Bowman’s Beach or Algiers Beach, and many others, to relax, swim, sunbathe and play an array of water sports. Visitors can also canoe and kayak at the Great Calusa Blueway, marvel at the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, and maybe even dive at the site of the USS Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef.
Guests at Sanibel hotels shouldn’t miss learning about the island’s vibrant past either. Visit the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village to discover the lifestyle of the Calusa Indians, incoming pirates and Spanish conquistadors. Plus, visit fun museums like the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the BIG ARTS Center, and the Sissi Janku Art Studio. For nature lovers, there are plenty of things to do in Sanibel. Visit the J.N. ""Ding"" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, and the Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings. In the evening, stroll along the Sanibel Causeway and have dinner with a view.