10 Best Things to Do on Sanibel Captiva Island

The J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a massive wildlife refuge that’s a habitat for a variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds. You can learn all about the animals that call the refuge home with the Visitor & Education Center’s seasonal educational programs and guided tours. Many activities are available in the J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge, such as paddling on the waterways, hiking and biking on the trails, and seeing the views from the scenic drive in the refuge.

Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens is a gorgeous garden space with tropical plants and tree species. You can see all the vibrant flowers and lush trees on nature trails that travel through the garden, along with the resident birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. You can explore the gardens on your own or take a public or private group tour to learn more about the garden and its displays. The garden also offers space for artists to paint and create in the beautiful space.

The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is a stunning lighthouse on the Gulf Coast that was one of the first lighthouses in the area north of Key West and Dry Tortugas. Located on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse has been guiding ships at the entrance of San Carlos Bay since 1884. The operational lighthouse is closed to the public, but you can stroll the surrounding grounds to take in the architecture and views of the coast. The grounds also have a beach and fishing pier for outdoor activities.

Big Arts Sanibel Island is a lively creative space with a performing arts hall, gallery, and other attractions for entertainment. The facility includes the Marks Box Office, the Phillips Gallery and Founders Gallery art spaces, Boler Garden, Schein Hall, and the Big Arts Gift Shop. You’ll always find something on the schedule at Big Arts Sanibel Island, from live entertainment for the whole family to music concerts and gallery events. The facility also hosts regular art shows to highlight local, up-and-coming artists.

Periwinkle Place is Sanibel Captiva Island’s top shopping destination and offers a diverse range of shops and boutiques. You can find everything you might need here, from fashion to artisan foods, beachwear, and cosmetics all in the same place. The shopping center offers some of the best local brands, such as Butterfly Beach apparel, Naples Soap Company, Paradise Boutique beachwear, Congress Jewelers, and The Shady Rooster specialty boutique. A golf course, dining options, snack shops, and other amenities are available at Periwinkle Place.

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a fascinating museum that boasts a huge collection of seashells and artifacts. Located on Sanibel Island, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum serves as a reference facility and public attraction for learning about marine, terrestrial, and freshwater mollusks that reside in the Gulf of Mexico. Though the museum has shells from different periods from all over the world, most of the collection is local to Florida’s Sanibel and Captiva islands. Another attraction at the museum is a memorial garden for Raymond Burr, along with an exhibit about his career and a private shell collection.

Sanibel Captiva Island beaches offer fun in the sun with miles of soft, white sand, deep-blue ocean waters, and all the waves you could want. On Bowman’s Beach, couples will love walking along the secluded stretch of white sand under the sunset. The Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier offers a historic locale with stunning views just a short walk from outstanding restaurants like the Lighthouse Cafe. The causeway beaches are ideal for families and those who enjoy water sports to have a fun and adventurous day out.

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is a teaching hospital and educational facility for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. When you visit the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, you get a behind-the-scenes look at the care of wildlife through interactive displays, educational programs, and live camera feeds. At any given time, the clinic has thousands of native and migratory species under its care. Along with public tours, the facility also has programs for undergraduate students and veterinarians to further conservation medicine.

Sanibel Island has numerous cruise operators that offer unique and exhilarating tour experiences on the waters surrounding the island. You can have just about any type of tour experience you wish, from dolphin-watching cruises to sunset dinner cruises and island-hopping trips. Tour operators also offer shelling cruises, private group charters, fishing trips, sailing adventures, and trips to attractions on the islands. If you’re bringing the kids, a pirate cruise on a replica Spanish galleon with themed adventures and costumed actors is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village is a historic village that re-creates life as it was like for early Sanibel residents from the 1880s to the 1940s. You’ll find many historic buildings in the village, such as the Rutland House, a furnished pioneer home; the Sanibel School House; and 3 period cottages. You can also see the original Bailey’s General Store from 1899, a replica Packing House, a post office from 1926, and Miss Charlotte’s Tea Room for refreshments. You can experience the village on your own or with a guided tour that includes background on the village history and residents.