Turquoise blue waters, bright white sand, and natural tranquility make Bowman’s Beach one of America’s premier beaches. With no condos or resorts in its line of sight, Bowman’s is an intimate, extremely relaxing beach, making the perfect day trip for couples or families alike. Bowman’s Beach is located on the northern end of Sanibel Island, making a quick trip up to Captiva Island an option as well.
1700 Bowman's Beach Rd.
Shelling
Sanibel Island is known worldwide for immaculate shelling. With a plethora of pristine beaches and fabulous climate, it is easy to spend an entire day with a bucket and a scooper just strolling alongside the Gulf. Hundreds of varieties of shells are on the beaches, and, as a general rule, shells are easier to find and better exposed during low tides – typically twice a day – especially at low spring tides. Please do not collect live shells. Website
Watersports – Kayak, Jet-Ski, SUP, Boat Rentals
Sanibel Island – and nearby Captiva Island – offers a variety of water sports, including
SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboards), jet-skis, boat rentals, kayak rentals, and more.
CLICK HERE for Jet Ski Rentals.
CLICK HERE for Kayak & SUP Rentals.
CLICK HERE for Boat Rentals (Sanibel Island)
CLICK HERE for Boat Rentals (Captiva Island)
CLICK HERE for more info.
Fishing
Licenses, rentals, tide charts, charter guides and more. Visit The Bait Box for more info.
Milky Way Pie at Lazy Flamingo!
Yes,
it's exactly what it sounds like – a piece of pie made entirely from Milky Way
candy bars! One of many fantastic items at the family-friendly Lazy Flamingo Restaurant.
1036 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-6939
1036 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-6939
Bailey Matthews Shell Museum
Learn the basics about shells, shell makers and more at the world-renowned informative museum. See how to identify, collect, clean and store shells plus other FAQs.
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. (239) 395-2233
Sanibel Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning (October through April only), local farmers and vendors from the area gather at the grounds of City Hall and set up a farmers market, selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, breads, cheeses, seafood, sweets, to hand-made soaps, jewelry, and a large variety of other fine items. The ambiance is friendly and relaxing, making for a pleasant activity on a bright Sunday morning.
800 Dunlop Rd.
Sanibel Historic Lighthouse
Perhaps the most popular of all things to do on Sanibel Island, the Historic Lighthouse, first lit in 1884, symbolizes the picturesque island. Nearly 100 feet tall, the Lighthouse is a wonderful welcome sign upon arriving. Nearby Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier are quite popular as well. Note: The Lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but pictures can be taken. Parking is $2/hr. Public restrooms available.
Follow Periwinkle Way east till it ends and you will reach the public parking lot.
Golf & Tennis
Sanibel Island has 3 magnificent courses to offer. Rental clubs, driving carts, and pull carts are all available. Call ahead to reserve tee times.
Sanibel Island Golf Club (PUBLIC)
The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club (PUBLIC)
The Sanctuary Golf Club (PRIVATE)
Many resorts have their own tennis courts, but if unavailable, check out the following:
Sanibel Island Golf Club
The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
Sanibel Recreation Center
Beaches
Bowman's Beach
Very Popular, Tranquil, Kids Playground, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
1700 Bowman's Beach Road
Causeway Beach
Watersports, Picnic Tables, Park, Restrooms, Free Parking
Take Causeway Road Toward Fort Myers
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier
Bike Rack, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Great Fishing, Parking $2/hr.
Follow Periwinkle Way east towards the lighthouse
Gulfside City Park (Algiers)
Picnic Tables, BBQ Grills, Bike Rack, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Road
Tarpon Bay Beach
Very Popular, Swimming, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
Tarpon Bay Road at West Gulf Drive
Turner Beach (Blind Pass) (Sanibel/Captiva)
Great Fishing, Panoramic View, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr. (Limited)
17200 Captiva Drive
Alison Hagerup Beach (Captiva Island)
Tranquil, Panoramic Views, Parking $2/hr.
14790 Captiva Drive
Captiva Beach (Captiva Island)
Tranquil, Best Sunsets, No Restrooms, Parking $2/hr. (Limited)
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A 6300+ acre wildlife refuge, named after Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer-Prize winning American cartoonist and a prominent figure in conservation, provides bountiful wildlife, wonderful bird watching (over 230 species), bike and walking paths, a 3.5-mile scenic drive, a canoe trail, an observation tower, and much more! Bring your camera and be surrounded by nature at its very best. One of the more popular things to do on Sanibel Island. Parking is $5 for motorized vehicles, $1 for hiker/biker.
1 Wildlife Drive (off Sanibel-Captiva Rd.)
Very Popular, Tranquil, Kids Playground, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
1700 Bowman's Beach Road
Causeway Beach
Watersports, Picnic Tables, Park, Restrooms, Free Parking
Take Causeway Road Toward Fort Myers
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier
Bike Rack, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Great Fishing, Parking $2/hr.
Follow Periwinkle Way east towards the lighthouse
Picnic Tables, BBQ Grills, Bike Rack, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Road
Tarpon Bay Beach
Very Popular, Swimming, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr.
Tarpon Bay Road at West Gulf Drive
Turner Beach (Blind Pass) (Sanibel/Captiva)
Great Fishing, Panoramic View, Restrooms, Parking $2/hr. (Limited)
17200 Captiva Drive
Alison Hagerup Beach (Captiva Island)
Tranquil, Panoramic Views, Parking $2/hr.
14790 Captiva Drive
Captiva Beach (Captiva Island)
Tranquil, Best Sunsets, No Restrooms, Parking $2/hr. (Limited)
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A 6300+ acre wildlife refuge, named after Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, a Pulitzer-Prize winning American cartoonist and a prominent figure in conservation, provides bountiful wildlife, wonderful bird watching (over 230 species), bike and walking paths, a 3.5-mile scenic drive, a canoe trail, an observation tower, and much more! Bring your camera and be surrounded by nature at its very best. One of the more popular things to do on Sanibel Island. Parking is $5 for motorized vehicles, $1 for hiker/biker.
1 Wildlife Drive (off Sanibel-Captiva Rd.)
