You’ll need no directions finding Sanibel’s number one attractions: its 12-plus miles of unspoiled, shell-carpeted beaches. For those who want to learn more about beach life, local environmental organizations and some hotels conduct interpretive beach walks.
Otherwise, visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the nature center at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).
Sanibel is all about the environment; other places to become familiar with what inhabits the seas, wetlands, and woods include the free Education Center at J.N. “Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). Both offer tours and a calendar of other programs.
Hikers, bikers, and kayakers can take to the trails at “Ding” Darling. In addition, the island lays out a network of 22 miles of paved bike path.
For history lessons, the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum’s complex of seven vintage buildings tells the story of the island’s development from a pioneer outpost to a modern city and resort area.