Sanibel Named Top US Island Getaway

Sometimes you just need a place to get away from it all, and you’ll certainly find that with Sanibel Island. In fact, the charming island was just named a top US island getaway.

The honor comes from CountryLiving.com. The website recently came out with a list of what it considers “The 30 Most Magical Island Getaways in the United States”, and it’s probably no surprise that Sanibel was named number one on the list.

Country Living made mention of the island’s incredible opportunities for shelling, plus the opportunity to take a tour of the JN Ding Daring National Wildlife Refuge. The website also mentioned such local delights as Bennett’s Fresh Roast for coffee and doughnuts, plus the Casa Ybel Resort for its in-suite spa treatments.

If you want something even more secluded, you can always head to The Parrot Nest, which consists of just six cottages on the island. Sanibel Island beat out such other top contenders this year as Nantucket, Massachusetts, Whidbey Island, Washington, and Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina.

Other Florida locations to make this year’s list included Anna Maria Island at number six, and Amelia Island at number 15. Florida’s Marco Island came in at 21, while Gasparilla Island came in an admirable 28 on the list, ahead of even Oahu, Hawaii. 

Sanibel Island may be close to Tampa and Fort Myers, but it feels a world apart. You won’t find any big chain grocery stores on the island, nor will you find any high-rises or even stoplights.

You will, however, find a place to get away from it all, with the barrier island’s 25 miles of bike paths, its wildlife, and its birdlife. The Gulf side of the island is where you’ll likely find some of the best seashells.

Bowman’s Beach is well known for shelling, but the southern side of the island also offers up Algiers Beach for a less crowded setting. Even if you don’t find exactly the shell you’re looking for, you can always visit the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel Island.