Location: Sanibel Island
Top Things to do in Sanibel Island
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Top 8 Museums in Sanibel Island, Florida (FL)
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. Tower Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Cooperative gallery showing the works of 24 professional area artists housed in a a 1915 relocated turquoise beach house. Artworks are in a variety of mediums- oils, acrylics, watercolors, photography, mixed media, wood and metal sculpture, fiber art, fine porcelain and whimsical clayworks, jewelry, and painted wooden bowls. Something for everyone can be found!
Reviewed By 705debbieg - Lenexa, United States
This museum has 2 floors of art. It features fabulous selections from local artists. There is a nice variety of mediums, including whimsical, modern, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, glass, etc. I will return here.
2. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,607 reviews
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only museum in the U.S. devoted entirely to shells and mollusks, and one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island. It features more than 30 engaging exhibits of stunning shells, showcasing some of the largest and rarest shell specimens in the world, including the goliath conch, lightning whelk and Atlantic trumpet triton, as well as common Southwest Florida shells, fossil shells and more. New in March 2020, “Beyond Shells: The Mysterious World of Mollusks” adds the live animals that create shells to its must-see experiences. New aquariums include live octopuses, giant clams, nautilus, nudibranchs and gastropods, and two 15-foot-long touch tanks let young visitors get their hands wet. For a perfect Sanibel experience, fun daily beach walks can be reserved, and the nonprofit museum’s scientists also conduct research with local mollusk species.
Reviewed By invertpaleo - New York City, United States
This has always been an amazing museum, and now it has many aquariums with live mollusks in them, and the live mollusks are fascinating to see! There are mollusks with shells like the Junonia (yes a live Junonia!), and ones without a shell like the octopus, the cuttlefish, and the seahares. If you like shells, you will love this place -- the only national shell museum. Sanibel is all about shells, so even if you are not shell-crazy, you may find this museum of interest because it covers so many shell-related topics. It is a little expensive but it offers so much for the price!
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. 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.
5. 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!
6. Watson MacRae Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Watson MacRae Gallery is a sanctuary of contemporary art by renowned artists. Located on beautiful Sanibel Island, a new exhibit opens each month throughout the winter season (November-April). The Summer Salon, open April-October, features select artists who exhibited during the winter and full of surprises along the way. Experience beautiful paintings, glass and ceramics, jewelry and more.
Reviewed By sivyaleah - Rahway, United States
My husband and I stopped into Watson MacRae Gallery this past summer while visiting Sanibel, mostly to look around on a whim as I'd read the gallery was worth a visit. The art displayed is lovingly curated, eclectic and of high quality by professional artists of all genres. There were more than a few pieces which caught our eye and we were impressed completely by everything we saw there. Maureen Watson is friendly, informative and helpful without being pushy (very important!) about whether or not we would be making a purchase that day. Could not have been any less low pressure to make a sale. Because of Maureen's overall good mixture of personal and business sense, the visit turned out to be far more enjoyable than expected. And yes, we made a purchase as well. We loved our time on Sanibel and surely will return to this gallery on our next visit. If you love unique art of various types (price points are from reasonable gift priced items to expensive one-of-a-kind collectible pieces) this is the gallery to visit while on the island. FYI - it was a bit difficult to locate, we kind of did some back and forth driving through the shopping complex and the one next door before we eventually figured out exactly where the store was. Last, shipping was perfect. Our art arrived as promised, in great condition. In fact I don't think I've ever seen such cautious packing done for any art related product I've ever purchased before. Highly recommended. Go!
7. Schoolhouse Gallery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 3 reviews
Features a collection of shell-type art.
8. Island Essentials
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
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