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Of the 100 coastal islands that make up Florida's Lee County,
Sanibel and its
neighbor
Captiva are best known. Connected to the mainland by a
dazzling
three-mile-long
scenic drive across
a causeway from the
mainland, Sanibel is
known world-wide for
its shelling and the
associated posture
referred to as the
"Sanibel Stoop."
More than 200
varieties of shells
litter the beaches,
particularly after
an especially high
or low tide. The
annual Sanibel Shell
Fair is attended by
thousands of
visitors from
throughout the
world. For most
visitors, however,
shelling is a
delightful excuse to
enjoy hours of
sun-worshipping
along some of the
most beautiful
shoreline in North
America and to
absorb the unspoiled
island atmosphere
the natives so
effortlessly
maintain.
Sanibel's
main street is
Periwinkle Way, a
picturesque, lush
thoroughfare framed
by a canopy of
Australian pines and
tall, graceful
palms. Interesting
shops, galleries,
and restaurants dot
the road from the
Sanibel Lighthouse
to Tarpon Bay Road,
making frequent
stops a must.
Located toward
Sanibel's
northwestern tip,
the J. N. "Ding"
Darling National
Wildlife Refuge is
home to exotic
species of birds and
plants. Naturalists
and sightseers get
opportunities to
witness a variety of
wildlife as well,
including the
ubiquitous
alligator, in their
natural settings.
You can drive, bike
or hike through this
sanctuary, or take a
narrated tour by
tram or canoe. In
all, the refuge
occupies 6,000
acres, over 65% of
the island.
Beyond the beach,
Sanibel Island also has
everything else one could
wish for: excellent
restaurants,
golfing, tennis,
fishing, boating,
shopping, bike
paths, canoes,
theatrical
productions and
more. Visit Sanibel Island
and do it all, or
just lay back on the
beach with the book
you've been wanting
to read or just do
absolutely nothing.
Accommodations of
choice include the
Sundial Beach Resort,
Sanibel Inn and
the
Holiday Inn Sanibel
Island Beach Resort. |
