On Sanibel, it’s easy to do just nothing. But, if you tire of that, it has plenty else to offer.
Considered one of the best shelling spots in North America, Sanibel attracts shell-lovers from all over the world. The unique east-west orientation of the island creates beautiful sandy beaches and an abundance of unusual shells. Particularly after a storm or windy day, beachcombers will be out in droves doing the “Sanibel Stoop”, in search of crustacean treasures. But beware. The island takes the environment very seriously and collecting any shell still inhabited can result in a fine of $500. You can learn all about the shells of Sanibel at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

If you’re staying for a week or more, it’s worth a visit to the morning Sunday Farmer’s Market at City Hall, where you can get fresh Florida fruit and vegetables in the middle of winter, as well as just-caught fish and seafood, local baked goods, cheeses, and homemade condiments.

Over a third of the land on the island is set aside for the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a safe haven for all manner of raccoons, lizards, alligators, butterflies, turtles, crabs, and a bird-lover’s paradise. You can walk, drive, or bike the 8-mile loop within, or hike several off-road trails. Don’t forget to visit the onsite Museum and Wildlife Center where you can learn more about the flora and fauna, and the history of cartoonist, J. N. “Ding” Darling himself, who donated this land for the refuge.

Nestled within the J. N. Ding Darling Refuge, Tarpon Bay offers all you could want of nature recreation in it’s pristine tropical and subtropical environment. Indulge in nature tours, kayak and canoe rentals, fishing, and guided tours of an array of wildlife including dolphins, manatees, alligators, and birds.

Just off the road and easily visited on bicycle is the small cemetery, final resting place of several local historic figures, and one unusual headstone of a mysteriously unknown man found dead near the island lighthouse. Past the cemetery is a smaller preserve, associated with the Ding Darling Refuge, called the Bailey Tract, another safe haven for local wildlife to flourish.

Pond Apple Park, behind the Chamber of Commerce parking lot, at the end of the causeway, is another wilderness area perfect for two-wheeling. And, while you’re out, pedal through the Periwinkle Trailer Park and Campground, just off the main road of Periwinkle Way. Surprisingly, it features an enclosed pond with herons, swans, ducks, turtles, and an aviary of exotic birds that perform publicly some weekdays at 10:00 a.m. with their local resident handler.

The Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) cares for more than 4,000 sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife “patients” each year in a state-of-the-art hospital manned by veterinarians and volunteers. Tours of the rehab hospital are available, as well as video presentations and other special events.

On a rainy day, the Sanibel Public Library is an oasis and popular hangout for intellectual and creative exchange. It is well stocked with a great selection of books, videos, and periodicals, with guest author lectures and discussions, free WiFi, and secluded rocking chairs for pensive reading. It even has loaner kits with a cook book and the pan and equipment needed to create a special recipe.  

Of course, there is lots of great shopping up and down Periwinkle Way, featuring a wide selection of unique locally-owned boutiques, fine shops, and galleries…without the sterile big box retailers.

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And if that all sounds like too much, just grab your flip-flops and head to the beach, where the sound of gently lapping waves will create your own private distractions.