Sanibel Named Top Family-Friendly Spring Break Destination

Morning television show The Today Show’s travel expert Julie Loffredi called Sanibel a top family-friendly location to recharge this Spring Break.  Loffredi said Sanibel is a destination that is ideal for families, because it’s affordable and won’t break the bank as well as a great location.   It came in at #3 of her Top 4 Spring Break destinations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.  Sanibel Island has some of the best beaches in the world and is well-known for shelling, said the Today Show guest.  She mentioned the budget-friendly airfare as a plus, and found two lodgings well-suited for families: the Sunbelt Inn and the Lighthouse Suite. Sanibel offers something for every member of the family: beaches, nature and shelling.  Among the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Sanibel is well-loved for its relaxed vibe, terrific restaurants, chic stores and an amazing 15 miles of insanely gorgeous beaches. There are over 250 kinds of shells, warm Gulf waters and picnic areas to explore on Sanibel’s white and pristine sandy beaches.  Low tide is the best time for shelling.  In addition to beaches, Sanibel is a great place for families to explore the island by biking with more than 25 miles of flat, paved trails.  The Sanibel Sea School offers morning and full-day programs that teach hands-on marine conservation to kids ages 6-13.  There are also teen and adult programs. For members of the family who wish to kayak or canoe through a mangrove swamp, naturalists are available to guide you with the Tarpon Bay Explorers.  You can explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and see alligators, otters and hundreds of species of birds.  Another way to enjoy nature at its finest on Sanibel is to take a ferry from Captiva Island to Cayo Costa State Park, which features 9 miles of beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps.  You’ll see manatees and dolphins and on the island, you can swim, snorkel or take a hike or a kayak guided by a ranger.  The Sanibel Lighthouse at the eastern tip of Sanibel Island features a wonderful shelling beach, fishing pier, and nature trail.  As the sun sets, enjoy a spectacular sunset on Turner Beach. A variety of accommodations on your Sanibel vacation include staying at hotels, resorts, condos, and private homes for rent.  Some of your choices may include the Sundial Beach Resort condominium complex that is a resort destination in itself; Casa Ybel Resort is an old-fashioned Victorian beachfront resort; Shell Island Beach Club is a condominium complex; and Song of the Sea is an Inn with hotel suites.  Sanibel Accommodations is a rental agency offering homes and condos for rent.  For family-friendly restaurants, try The Hungry Heron, Chadwick’s Restaurant, Jerry’s Restaurant, Mc T’s Shrimp House, Pippin’s and so many more choices.