Plenty of Fun Things to do on Sanibel

From beaches and museums to wildlife and golf, there’s plenty of fun to be found on Sanibel Island. Only about 10 miles from Fort Myers, Sanibel routinely draws in visitors in search of fantastic beaches and natural surroundings. For beachgoers, Bowman’s Beach is one of the most sought out, popular for sailing, wind surfing and shell collecting. For those in search of a little more adventure, Blind Pass Beach, between Sanibel Island and neighboring Captiva, serves up a strong current, better for shell collectors. While the sand and surf is likely the main attraction, it’s a popular destination for a variety of reasons. The JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal location for bird watching, with nearly 250 species of birds, plus for spotting endangered species, with some nature tours and kayaking trails available. There’s also the option of the nearly 200-mile long Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail, a kayak and canoe trail for beginners on up to those more advanced. For those who seek out more solid ground, the Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings provides hundreds of native plants and tropical species to admire, with space for observing butterflies, birds and other animals. As for museum goers, Sanibel offers that too, with the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum presenting shells from around the globe. As the only museum of its kind in the entire nation, the location provides dozens of permanent and temporary exhibits to explore. There’s also an old lighthouse on Sanibel dating back to the late 1800s. Meanwhile, golfers don’t have to give up the greens either when visiting Sanibel. The island boasts two public courses and one private, Audubon-sanctioned course called The Sanctuary. As well, you’ll also find tennis courts and pickleball for additional outdoor recreation. No matter your interests, you’ll definitely find plenty of fun things to do on, and around, Sanibel Island.