Sea shells. Gorgeous shells- so many that a museum on the island is dedicated to them. An ancient light house. Sand and places for quiet solitude. Welcome to Sanibel Island off the gulf coast of Florida.
Sanibel Island is the ‘Cinderella’ of Florida. No high-rises will block your views of the ocean, or sunsets. Here you can enjoy walking along the beach, gathering shells and shark’s teeth without the noise of bars and nightlife spoiling the peaceful atmosphere.
25-miles of bike paths are perfect for families to travel. Billy’s Bikes and Rentals can equip families with beach bikes, bikes with kid carts, and even unique covered surry bikes that the whole family can pedal together. Most of the bike paths go parallel to roads and they lead to beaches, cemeteries and the lighthouse. There are water fountains along the paths and bike racks, too. This makes it extremely easy to lock your bike up and then hike off to explore, to eat, or to swim.
If you would rather be on the water, explore Sanibel Island in a kayak. Paddle along the D.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Here, you can see alligators and manatees in the bay. At low-tide, lots of water birds feast among the mangroves and pick along the shores for crabs and other shell fish. Explore the point of Sanibel Island to see the lighthouse, ospreys and their nest atop poles and trees, and cranes in the shallow sandbars.
Sanibel Island has a great reputation for sea shells of all kinds. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum houses all kinds of shell displays, not just shells from Florida. The kids will enjoy the scavenger hunt through the museum. Adults will enjoy learning about the various shells. All ages will see Sailor Valentines, made from shells and brought to sweethearts from around the world. See art like flower arrangements made from shells. This place will bring new life to your own shell-hunting adventures.
Of course, most visitors to Gulf Coast of Florida are looking for beaches. Sanibel Island does not disappoint visitors. Blind Pass Beach is ‘paved’ with shells. Scoop them by the bucketful, then sift through them for the ones you will prize. Bowman’s Beach is only accessible by foot. Hike over a trail through the cool forest to this beach. Restrooms, a playground and grills make this quiet beach worth the walk.
Speaking of grills, when you get hungry, take the family to eat at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille. Here guests will enjoy conch chowder, Yucatan shrimp and drinks like Rowdy Razorbacks and Sanibel Sunsets. Or you can try the Sanibel Café for some great breakfast options.
Staying on Sanibel Island is easy. Condos, hotels and beach cottages wait for visitors to arrive. why not do our Disney and Cape Coral twin centre holiday Trust the knowledgeable staff at Charter Travel to take care of all of your vacation needs in Florida. Accommodations, fishing charters, restaurant reservations and bike rentals, Charter Travel can handle it. All you do is relax and enjoy.
