Christopher’s guidebook

Sightseeing

If you are planning a trip to Sanibel, these are some of my favorite must-see places. I have lived in the area for 40 years, and there is so much more to do than just what I have here! I am always happy to answer any questions you have about things to do and great activities and adventures for families and kids. Whether you book your accommodations through us or not, I am always happy to help people get the most out of their experience in our area! Our toll free number is 866-455-0028 and we are here Monday through Saturday from 8:30-5:00 PM EST.

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge is one of the top things to see on Sanibel. You can do the walking trails, or the wildlife drive. The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States and consists of over 6,400 acres on Sanibel Island. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations and other wildlife, and has a free visitors center.

139 locals recommend

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

1 Wildlife Drive

139 locals recommend

J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge is one of the top things to see on Sanibel. You can do the walking trails, or the wildlife drive. The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States and consists of over 6,400 acres on Sanibel Island. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations and other wildlife, and has a free visitors center.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only professional museum in the United States devoted to mollusks and the shells they make. The museum offers more than 30 permanent exhibits, as well as a variety of temporary exhibits as well as interactive displays, shell games, live shell tank, and other goodies and attractions at the Learning Lab! T

49 locals recommend

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd

49 locals recommend

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only professional museum in the United States devoted to mollusks and the shells they make. The museum offers more than 30 permanent exhibits, as well as a variety of temporary exhibits as well as interactive displays, shell games, live shell tank, and other goodies and attractions at the Learning Lab! T

Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

1300 Periwinkle Way

Bowman's Beach

73 locals recommend

Bowman's Beach

1700 Bowmans Beach Rd

73 locals recommend

Lighthouse Beach Park

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse (or Point Ybel Light) was one of the first lighthouses on Florida's Gulf coast north of Key West and the Dry Tortugas. The 98-foot high light was first lit on August 20, 1884 and is now a historic place and park. The park consists of 32 acres with public beaches, parking, bike racks, picnic areas, pavilions, fishing pier, restrooms and more. Fun place for a picnic and pictures with the lighthouse as a cool backdrop. Also a great place to fish from the pier. Located at the extreme east end of the Island, so it’s another great destination.

69 locals recommend

Lighthouse Beach Park

110 Periwinkle Way

69 locals recommend

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse (or Point Ybel Light) was one of the first lighthouses on Florida's Gulf coast north of Key West and the Dry Tortugas. The 98-foot high light was first lit on August 20, 1884 and is now a historic place and park. The park consists of 32 acres with public beaches, parking, bike racks, picnic areas, pavilions, fishing pier, restrooms and more. Fun place for a picnic and pictures with the lighthouse as a cool backdrop. Also a great place to fish from the pier. Located at the extreme east end of the Island, so it’s another great destination.

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

15 locals recommend

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

950 Dunlop Rd

15 locals recommend

Sanibel Fishing Pier

6 locals recommend

Sanibel Fishing Pier

6 locals recommend

Tarpon Bay Explorers

Definitely rent some kayaks at Tarpon Bay Explorers on the Back Bay! You will see alligators, egrets, eagles, tarpon, manatees, dolphins and more, as you paddle around the coastal mangrove forests. You can do guided tours, or just go explore on your own. Tarpon Bay Explorers has a bunch of different stuff to do, you could fill your whole week just doing their different sunrise and sunset cruises, wildlife cruises and more!

25 locals recommend

Tarpon Bay Explorers

900 Tarpon Bay Rd

25 locals recommend

Definitely rent some kayaks at Tarpon Bay Explorers on the Back Bay! You will see alligators, egrets, eagles, tarpon, manatees, dolphins and more, as you paddle around the coastal mangrove forests. You can do guided tours, or just go explore on your own. Tarpon Bay Explorers has a bunch of different stuff to do, you could fill your whole week just doing their different sunrise and sunset cruises, wildlife cruises and more!