It costs $6 to drive over the bridge which is pretty cheap considering it transfers you to paradise. If you are staying here for an extended period of time, then I would suggest hitting the grocery store before crossing over the bridge. Sanibel has managed to do what a lot of popular places in Florida have not, keep that small Florida charm. It is not a place to find high rises or high fashion. It's a laid back island where the nature still over shadows the buildings. The island is surprisingly large and has a lot to do. There are great biking pathways all over the island so you can either drive or rent a bicycle to explore the area.
I had been to Sanibel twice before. Once for the wedding of a good family friend that was one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever attended. And once when I was a small child and I don't remember anything about it but am reminded regularly that I stepped on a shell, cut my foot, and dad had to carry me all the way back to the hotel. So flip flops or water shoes are a good idea.
The Sanibel Lighthouse is worth a look. You cannot go up into it but you can walk around it and the beach there was a nice quiet spot while I was there. It was great for finding some smaller shells and sitting watching boats pass by. It is near the pier where you can fish if you want to.
I spent a morning at the Ding Darling Park looking for wild life. If it is wild life you are interested in then I would suggest going early. I drove through once early in the morning then again in the afternoon and I saw a lot more wildlife this first time and a lot more human life the second time. On the first go around, I saw crabs scrambling along piers, a bunny munching on grass, and different birds up close to the road as well as the one thing that I was most looking forward to seeing...roseate spoonbills!
I have spent many a morning and afternoon at Bowman's Beach on Sanibel Island since being here. There is plenty of parking for a fee, nice restrooms and after a little walk you arrive at a beautiful beach full of the bounty known as seashells! Seashells and Sanibel could be synonymous with each other. It is the thing Sanibel is most known for and have even given the name the Sanibel Stoop for all those people who are stooped over picking up seashells out of the sand and ocean. The only rule is that if it is still alive then please don't take it off the beach. If you are lucky a manatee may even swim up while you are in the water.
As you drive onto Captiva, you'll notice that all the homes have names and it is fun to read them and check out some of the more creative names as you drive along. Captiva also has beautiful beaches that are open to the public but there is very little public parking so it is not easy to get to. We ate at the Mucky Duck which is right on the beach with an amazing view. The restaurant is like an old English pub and the food is ok but nothing to write home about, however it is the atmosphere that you come here for. I also ate at the Bubble Room one night. It is a very kitshy place with crazy decorations all over the walls and bread that has melted cheese of the top that is delicious.
There are lots of places to eat in Sanibel but the only place I have eaten at was Doc Ford's which has great food and I have returned to the location in Fort Myers Beach several times. The clam chowder has more clams and good stuff than liquid which is how I judge a good clam chowder. Their panko crusted fried shrimp are some of the largest and tastiest fried shrimp that I have ever had with a little bit extra crunch to the bite thanks to the panko breading. Doc Ford's is owned by writer Randy Wayne White and Doc Ford is the main character in many of his books that all take place around southwest Florida, the Caribbean, and South America. I have read several of them since I have been here and have really enjoyed them all.
I think one of the reasons I had saved Sanibel for last when posting is because it is the destination when you come to the area. Its beauty is well known and revered throughout Florida and even internationally as you will hear languages from all over Europe and the world when walking down the beach or around town. My previous posts are great day trips to do around the area but if you really want to spend some time relaxing and enjoying the water and its activities then this is where you want to stay.
