The sun, the sand and the surf offer hours of fun on Sanibel Island, Florida, year-round.
This relaxed destination is home to award-winning beaches that are a seashell collector’s paradise. At only 33 square miles, Sanibel’s size lets you see sunrise and sunset over the water in a single day, all while leaving the afternoon hours to soak in the rays from the shoreline, wildlife refuge hiking trails or topside on a charter boat.
Explore all sides of this spectacular island with this list of things to do in Sanibel on, off and under the water.
From The Shore
Sanibel Island’s weather is pleasant throughout the year which means any day is a beach day. Lay out on the sand, stroll the shoreline or take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico at these Sanibel beaches.
Bowman’s Beach is a fantastic dog-friendly beach to search for seashells.
Lighthouse Beach Park features a fishing pier, the historic Sanibel Lighthouse and picnic areas.
Blind Pass Beach sits at the inlet separating Sanibel and Captiva islands, making it an excellent spot to fish, collect seashells and watch the sunset.
From The Water
Whether you’re seeking serenity away from the shoreline or searching for creatures that call deeper waters home, no trip to Sanibel is complete without on-water activities.
Head out into the Gulf on a charter cruise in search of marine life like bottlenose dolphins.
Pack a tackle box and cast a line for tarpon, sharks, grouper, snook and more.
Take a guided stand-up paddleboard excursion through the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
From Below The Surface
Florida’s diverse marine ecosystem thrives below the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Artificial reefs create homes for fish, crustaceans and marine mammals that you can feast your eyes upon when diving into the sea.
Swim around Causeway Islands Park, a narrow strip of land beneath the Sanibel Causeway Bridge where you may find starfish, conch shells and sand dollars in the shallows.
Use the sandbar off of Gulfside City Park Beach as your starting point for a snorkeling session.
Scuba dive down to the artificial reef created when the USS Mohawk was intentionally sunk off the coast of Sanibel Island.
From The Tree-Lined Streets
Attractions in Sanibel extend beyond the beachfront. Wander the island’s interior streets to learn about Sanibel’s cultural and natural history.
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village features nine restored buildings dating back to the early pioneers of the 1800s.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium is a family-friendly spacewhere interactive exhibits, 60 species of marine life and 550,000 shells showcase Sanibel’s natural history.
Check the event schedule for BIG Arts, a space dedicated to the arts and live programming including film screenings, lectures, workshops and performances.
From Sunrise To Sunset
No matter when you visit Southwest Florida, Sanibel will welcome you with delicious food, beautiful water views and plenty of ways to combine recreation with relaxation.
Come hungry to Sanibel’s restaurants and order a Florida seafood cake at Thistle Lodge Restaurant, coconut shrimp at Gramma Dot’s Seaside Saloon or Campeche fish tacos at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille.
Take a drive from Sanibel to neighboring Captiva Island for kayaking, beachcombing and dining among the delightfully kitschy decor of The Bubble Room Restaurant.
Sanibel is also home to annual events that bring the island to life. From the Sanibel Music Festival and Sanibel Shell Festival to December’s Luminary Festival, nearly every month has a special celebration on the calendar.
See Sanibel From A Spacious Suite
Hilton Grand Vacations Members can convert ClubPoints to Hilton Honors Points and stay at one of the hotels in Hilton’s Southwest Florida portfolio. Members also have an opportunity to use our exchange programs to stay at stunning Sanibel accommodations, such as:
Read about Members Laura and Lee W.’s Marco Island vacation to learn how Members can own deeds at these places to stay in Sanibel.
