Location: Sanibel Island
Top Things to do in Sanibel Island
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Things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida (FL): The Best Sights & Landmarks
Most vacation spots are either relaxing (Tahiti) or family-friendly (Orlando). Sanibel Island, however, is that rare place which is both. Spend a quiet afternoon shell-collecting, or find a hotel with a kids' program so you can enjoy a trip to the spa or a round of golf.
Restaurants in Sanibel Island
1. St. Isabel Catholic Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By ElaineAndGreg - Chesterland, United States
St. Isabel Church isn't an historic structure in the sense of many churches, but it is an attractive church in a very nice setting close to the J.N. "Ding" Darling Reserve. The church itself is modern, but is a very pleasant setting for mass. The congregation seemed welcoming to me, and the priest gave an excellent, thoughtful, and well-researched homily. Architecturally, I'm not always a fan of modern churches, but I found this pleasing aesthetically and also appropriate for a house of worship. Take a minute and walk around the grounds, which are very attractive. If you are visiting Sanibel Island, this light-filled church is a nice place to attend mass.
2. Sanibel Community House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Established in 1927 as a local gathering place for all residents and visitors, The Community House was the birthplace for many civic groups and the incorporation of Sanibel as a city. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our rich history and exciting future.
3. Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 375 reviews
A delightful village museum that recounts the island's history through photographs, exhibits and live presentations.
Reviewed By Departure282900
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is a truly underrated experience for those who love the island, its charm and history. Consisting of about a dozen original buildings from the early 20th century, well before the causeway was built, when the only means of accessing Sanibel was the ferry, the historical village includes the (second*) original Bailey's General Store, several original homes, the original Post Office and school building, and MANY fascinating historical objects and displays. Volunteers give informative talks about life on the early island, and a real sense of what it meant to live there. We have been coming to Sanibel since the early 1970's and I had never visited the museum; what a fool I've been! A really great time and great teaching opportunity for kids. * -- The original original was destroyed in a hurricane.
4. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 429 reviews
Established in 1968, CROW is one of the nation's leading wildlife rehabilitation hospitals for Florida's native and migratory wildlife. A non-profit veterinary hospital, CROW provides medical care for more than 200 species and about 3,500 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife patients every year, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. CROW provides educational opportunities for students from across the United States and other nations to participate in wildlife rehabilitation process while introducing them to conservation medicine. Although the Hospital and its patients are not open to the public, CROW does provide a Visitor Education Center with interactive exhibits for all ages and live feed cameras of the Hospital intake room and patient enclosures. “Wildlife Walk” Guided Hospital Tours are offered for a chance to go “behind-the-scenes” and see the veterinarians in action. Registration in advance for the tours is required, please see website for available dates.
Reviewed By 214tinar
Our party visited Dec 2019. We had an hour long presentation about snakes with an ambassador Indigo snake who was quite feisty. After being told some crucial differences between venomous and non venomous snakes we felt a little more confident about how to deal with one in the wild. After an excellent talk we were shown to the clinic. An injured pelican arrived while we were there and was examined and X rayed (we could see into the examination room through a window). Once the examinations and treatments of the emergency patients were over we had a walk through so we could see how the patient areas are organised. The animal ambassadors are the ones that interact with visitors - there was an American Kestrel ambassador in one of the rooms keeping an eye on us. The patients are not photographed and don't interact with visitors - which is reasonable given that they are patients not exhibits. This is an exceptional clinic - doing some great work for injured animals - including those poisoned by red tide. Good to know that the modest fee for our tour goes towards supporting the work here.
5. BIG Arts (Barrier Island Group for the Arts)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
To create great arts, entertainment and learning experiences that always inspire, enrich and delight.
Reviewed By 60donaldd
Last night we went to a wonderful function at Big Arts out on Sanibel Island. Big Arts sponsored an open house style event with an art show with 2 separate exhibits, a live band and dancing, free admission and free food and beverages. They served 3 different craft beers from one of the areas local brewers. There was a wine station serving both red and white wines. There was a gourmet coffee station and they served small bites like fried coconut shrimp and ahi tuna canapés through out most of the evening. It was a perfect night, the weather was gorgeous, there were over 400 people that attended from all age groups and every one appeared to be having a wonderful time and we certainly did. This was not our first visit to Big Arts. We have attended some of their past theater productions and have always had a great time. A special thanks to Lauren Huff for curating the art exhibits and Michael Dest for coordinating all of the logistics for the event. You both did a great job. Keep up the good work Big Arts, you can always count on us to come back.
6. Sanibel Causeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,344 reviews
Reviewed By thaward - The Villages, United States
Driving over the Causeway bridge heading towards the island of Sanibel, you get this amazing elevated view of the bays and surrounding waterways. It’s beautiful and tranquil any day of the year. Once on the narrow causeway, you will find sandy beaches and places to park along both sides of the road. Picnic tables and grills as well as restroom facilities are located near the second, lower bridge before arriving on Sanibel. This is a popular area for locals and day tourists to swim, paddle board, fish, kayak, and have a relaxing time and a picnic meal!
7. Hirdie Girdie Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 968shelbya - Cedar Rapids, United States
Beautiful art! One of the things I love about going on vacation is finding local artists and this gallery has a little bit of every thing - canvas art, clay, pottery etc for purchase. Fun to look around and admire but even more fun to purchase and own. If only I hadn't left my purchase in the rental car I would've hung my painted ornament on my tree next Christmas!
8. Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,639 reviews
This lighthouse, built in 1884, offers a storied history, unusual architecture and quiet spots for romantic interludes.
Reviewed By MelissadWelsh
we rode our bikes to the lighthouse and loved walking around the beach area and stopping to see the lighthouse! worth going to if you have a spare hour or so!
9. Periwinkle Way
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 651 reviews
The main street running through Sanibel Island is lined with shops, boutiques, galleries and cafes.
Reviewed By babs12858 - Palmerton, United States
This is the main road on the island and leads to the smaller island of Captiva. We were here on a Sunday so traffic wasn't bad at all. There are a lot of shops, restaurants, and attractions along this drive.
10. USS Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By JoeBob85 - Littleton, United States
I was in town for the week of Thanksgiving,2019. I tried several local shops to see who had tips planned. Most said "no-trips" they were taking the holiday off ( Seems odd for a service driven business) Not H2O, Ant text me back saying he had trips going out to the Mohawk Wednesday or Friday. 5 experienced divers (2 swimming the wreck and 3 spearfishing) all fit perfectly on this very comfortable 33 foot boat with plenty of seating and coolers. Capt Ant provided larger steel NITROX tanks and soft weights for everyone already on-board. He arrange for gear rentals the day before and even took the gear back for us after the holiday. Great Trip, Great Service. Fun guys. Best day diving in Florida I have ever had. P.S. On the wreck: 4 Goliath Grouper, 100+ Amber Jacks, Tuna and millions of little baitfish.
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