Sanibel Lighthouse at dusk
Image courtesy Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
A family man with a chronic case of wanderlust, Adam Porter cruises America’s highways and byways looking for the best and “best-kept secret” RV getaways.

The shelling capital of the Gulf coast, Sanibel Island, and its fraternal twin, Captiva Island, have a history splashed with adventure, struggle and intrigue. In 1513, Spanish explorer, Ponce de León christened the island “Santa Isybella,” after Spain’s Queen Isabella. His claim proved mortally premature. The native Calusa drove the Spanishaway, Ponce was eventually killed and no European would permanently settle the land for over three centuries. A few remaining Calusa shell mounds can be found scattered around the islands. But more than 250 varieties of colorful shells can be found by simply strolling the shoreline.

And while it may be the island’s most popular pastime, shelling is far from the only reason to visit this tropical paradise.

SANIBEL ISLAND BEACHES
Sanibel Island offers over 15 miles of some of the best beaches in Florida. But which are the best beaches for your crew?
A young manatee nuzzles before nursing

  • Best or families: Bowman’s Beach (1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd.) offers wide-open stretches of shoreline and a fun, park-style playground.
  • Best for shelling: Visit Blind Pass Beach at the northwest end of Sanibel Island.
  • Best for manatee and dolphin viewing: We found these marine mammals down by Lighthouse Beach, at the end of Periwinkle Way on the eastern tip of the island.
  • Best time to shell: For best results, go shelling at low tide.

SANIBEL ISLAND EATS
We have our favorites, but we also asked some locals their favorite places to eat. After a spirited debate, here are a few unanimous picks:
  • Island Cow (www.sanibelislandcow.com) — This family-friendly restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food can be described as “Gulf Coast fusion.” Eat inside or out. Located at 2163 Periwinkle Way; call 239.472.0606
  • Doc Ford’s (www.docfords.com) — Come here for lunch or dinner and enjoy seafood with a “rural tropical” flair. You’ll also find amazing hot sauce and exquisite rum selections. Located at 975 Rabbit Rd.; call 239.472.8311.
  • The Timbers (www.prawnbroker.com/floridawest/timbers) — Open for dinner only, The Timbers features fresh seafood, skillfully prepared. Located at 703 Tarpon Bay Rd.; call 239.395.2722.
  • Pinocchio’s (www.pinocchiosicecream.com) — This is the place to go for ice cream, as well as gelato, sorbet and other cool, sweet treats. You can also get coffee here, too. Located at 362 Periwinkle Way; call 239.472.6566.
    The Sanibel Historical Museum

FUN ON SANIBEL ISLAND
  • Billy’s Rentals (www.billysrentals.com) — Rent bicycles, surreys, scooters, kayaks and beach equipment. Have a question about Sanibel’s 22 miles of bike trails? This is the place to ask. Located at 1470 Periwinkle Way; call 239.472.5248.
  • Ding Darling Refuge (www.fws.gov/dingdarling) — While this is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the States, the birds are the real draw here. The refuge hosts some 230 native and migratory species. Located at 1 Wildlife Drive; call 239.472.1100.
  • Sanibel Historical Museum (www.sanibelmuseum.org) — Step back in time on Sanibel. Hours change seasonally, but plan to come before lunch. 950 Dunlop Road; call 239.472.4648.
    Shell Museum
    Image courtesy Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau
  • Sanibel Lighthouse (www.cr.nps.gov/maritime/light/sanibel.htm) — The ship carrying the pieces sank in 1884, but crews were able to haul them up and complete the 102-foot structure. There is a gorgeous beach adjacent to the lighthouse, and great fishing from the bayside pier. Located at 112 Periwinkle Way.
  • Shell Museum (www.shellmuseum.org) — This may be the only place on the island that does not sell seashells. But it is the best place to learn about them. Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $9 for adults, $5 for kids ages 5 to 16, free for children 4 and under. Located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd; call 239.395.2233.
  • Tarpon Bay Explorers (www.tarponbayexplorers.com) — This company offers guided nature tours through the waterways around Sanibel and Captiva. See birds, dolphins, manatees, alligators and many other local critters. Located at 900 Tarpon Bay Rd.; call 239.472.8900.
Tarpon Bay Explorers at Ding Darling NWR
Image courtesy Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The Chamber of Commerce (www.sanibel-captiva.org) also hosts the Welcome Center. When there, pick up a cartoon map of the island with beach access points and local landmarks. Located at 1159 Causeway Rd.;
call 239.472.1080.

There is a $2 per hour charge for beach parking. The machines accept cash or credit; but, fair warning, they do not make change.

GETTING TO SANIBEL ISLAND
Sanibel Island is located just off the southwest coast of peninsular Florida, near Fort Myers. From I-75, take exit 158 (Cape Coral/N. Fort Myers). Drive west on CR-762 for about a mile, then turn left to go south on US-41 and follow for about 17 miles. Turn right on FL-867, heading southwest, until you reach the Sanibel Causeway bridge. The toll to get onto the island is currently $6. GPS (for Welcome Center): 26.450207, -82.038073

RV CAMPING ON SANIBEL ISLAND
Camping at Periwinkle Park
Periwinkle Campground (www.sanibelcamping.com) This is the only RV campground on Sanibel Island. While the campground contains mostly park models, they do have a good number of  visitor sites. They also host seasonal exotic bird shows. Sites are grass and gravel; some pull-throughs are available.
  • Full hookups: water, sewer and electric (50-amp)
  • Wi-Fi
  • Big-rig access
  • Shady sites close to the beach
  • Family-friendly; no pets allowed

No credit cards accepted; cash and domestic checks only. Call 239.472.1433 for information and reservations. Located at 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957. GPS: 26.443986, -82.042723

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