Make the most of your time on Sanibel and Captiva Islands with our recommended attractions, and "must-see" points of interest.


Sanibel Island Places to Visit:


Sanibel Public Beaches:

  • Causeway Island Beaches, 19931 Sanibel Causeway: Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Leashed Pets Only
  • Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier, 110 Periwinkle Way: Restrooms, Shower, Nature Trails, Handicap Ramps or Mats
  • Gulfside City Park, 2001 Algiers Lane: Restrooms, Shower, Picnic Areas, Bike Parking, Handicap Ramps or Mats
  • Tarpon Beach, 2475 West Gulf Drive: Restrooms, Outdoor Shower, Oversized Vehicle Parking, Bike Racks, Handicap Ramps or Mats
  • Bowman's Beach, 1700 Bowman's Beach Road: Restrooms, Shower, Picnic Area, Hiking Trails, Kayak Launch, Handicap Ramps or Mats, Oversize Vehicle Parking
  • Blind Pass Beach, 6491 Sanibel Captiva Road: No Restrooms on the Sanibel Side

All Sanibel Beaches allow leashed pets. "Enjoy Don't Destroy" by picking up all your trash, don't feed the wildlife, and please don't take a living shell.


Captiva Public Beaches:

  • Turner Beach at Blind Pass, 17200 Captiva Drive: Restrooms, Shower, Limited Parking
  • Captiva Beach Alison Hagerup Beach, 14790 Captiva Road: No Facilities, Limited Parking


Captiva Island Places to Visit:

  • Chapel By The Sea, 11580 Chapin Lane, 239-472-1646
  • Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, 239-472-2111
  • Captiva Cruises, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane McCarthy's Marina, 239-472-5300
  • Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane, 239-533-4890
  • Captiva Village, Andy Rosse Lane


Live Beach Cams and Attraction Cams:


Hiking Trails:

  • SCCF Nature Center Sanibel Slough Trails at the Erick Lindblad Preserve: 3333 Sanibel Captiva Road. Length: 3.5 - 4 miles.
  • Bailey Homestead Preserve's Shipley Trail: Begins at Roadside City Park on Periwinkle Way and connects Pond Apple Park Trails and the Starr D Thomas Memorial Boardwalk. The trail ends at the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce.
  • Bailey Tract: Parking off Tarpon Bay Road, this trail winds around ponds and mangroves.
  • Periwinkle Preserve: Look for the gazebo off the bike path across from the Community Church on Periwinkle Way. Enjoy 7 acres of Hardwood Hammock.
  • Sanibel Gardens Preserve: 265 acres of watershed along the Sanibel River
  • Pick Preserve: 26 acres utilized by the Sanibel School for Environmental Education
  • Bob Wigley Walking Trails: 2 mini trails off Casa Ybel Road
  • Calusa Shell Mound Trail: Inside the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge


Pfeifer's "Must Do" List:

  • Catch a sunrise on the Causeway Island, Lighthouse Beach, or any Sanibel East End Beach
  • Catch a sunset from the Mad Hatter, The Mucky Duck, The Sunset Grill, Westwind Inn, or South Seas Resort
  • Drop a line and catch a fish. There are many excellent captains offering full and half-day charters
  • Kayak our back bays with Tarpon Bay Explorers
  • Cruise to neighboring islands with Captiva Cruises and explore Useppa Island or Cabbage Key
  • Drive through Ding Darling National Park and visit their Nature Center
  • Book an immersive day of learning about our natural surroundings with the Sanibel Sea School
  • Hike the Shipley and Pond Apple Park Trail. It's a great place to spot one of 4 nesting pairs of Eagles.
  • Hike the Bailey Tract off of Tarpon Bay Road
  • Visit the Shell Museum and see the Giant Pacific Octopus
  • Stop by the CROW clinic and learn about this busy Wildlife Hospital.
  • Golf at the Dunes. It's a great spot to see alligators and our resident saltwater crocodile(s).
  • Rent a Paddleboard or Windsurfer at Ace Performance


Pfeifer Favorites:

  • Best Key Lime Pie: Key Lime Bistro
  • Best Fried Grouper Sandwich: Grandma Dot's at the Sanibel Marina
  • Fun Kid-Friendly Vibes: Lazy Flamingo
  • Favorite Overall Menu: Traders
  • Fine Dining: Ciello
  • Best Live Music: George & Wendy's Seafood Grill & Crows Nest at Tween Waters
  • Tiki Bar Favorites: Island Time Tiki Bar or Sundial Resort Tiki Bar