What to do in Sanibel, FL

Activities, attractions and tours

Sanibel featuring a garden
Sanibel featuring a garden
Fort Myers featuring a sunset and general coastal views
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which includes marine life and dangerous animals
Bowman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a couple

Sanibel Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Sanibel has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Sanibel is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Sanibel to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Sanibel Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Sanibel.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Sanibel attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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What to do in Sanibel

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sanibel

Seashells on Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island Southern Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?

Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Sanibel Island Lighthouse which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset

Sanibel Island Lighthouse

You can find out about the history of Sanibel when you stop by Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Bowman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bowman's Beach

Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.

Bowman's Beach
Periwinkle Way featuring a garden

Periwinkle Way

The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.

Periwinkle Way
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge showing a bridge as well as a small group of people

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

See almost anything that flies, swims or crawls in Florida in this protected area. Become acquainted with wildlife while learning about varied species.

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Fort Myers featuring a house

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village in Sanibel. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Sunset on Sanibel Causeway. #beachtips #BVSblue

Causeway Islands Park B

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Causeway Islands Park B might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Sanibel. Wander the seaside or discover the beautiful sunrises in this family-friendly area.

Causeway Islands Park B

Sanibel Island Northern Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Northern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?

Sanibel Island Northern Beach

Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center

Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center is just one of the places to see in Sanibel, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Stroll along the beautiful beaches or discover the beautiful sunrises in this family-friendly area.

Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center

Explore areas of Sanibel

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Mid Island

While visiting Mid Island, you might make a stop by sights like Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Southern Beach.

Mid Island
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West End

While visiting West End, you might make a stop by sights like J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Bowman's Beach.

West End
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East End

While visiting East End, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Northern Beach and Sanibel Island Lighthouse.

East End
Periwinkle Way which includes cycling as well as an individual femail

Beachview Country Club Estates

If you're spending some time in Beachview Country Club Estates, Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Beachview Country Club Estates
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Sanctuary

While Sanctuary might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach.

Sanctuary
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Shell Harbor

Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Sea School.

Shell Harbor

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Sanibel

Captiva which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

Captiva

Fort Myers Beach showing a beach as well as a small group of people

Fort Myers

Saint James City showing a bay or harbor

Saint James City

#BeachBound Photo Sweepstakes

Wulfert

Frequently asked questions

Is Sanibel worth visiting?
Providing a mix of watersports and coastal beaches, there are many things to do in Sanibel. When you're here, visit Sanibel Island Southern Beach, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sanibel?
Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Sanibel Harbour Beach are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Sanibel while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sanibel?
The top tourist attraction in Sanibel is Sanibel Island Southern Beach, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Sanibel?
Three days in Sanibel is plenty of time to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many travellers spend four days on average. Sanibel Harbour Beach, Sanibel Island Northern Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Fort Myers.
Is Sanibel a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Sanibel is a great destination to discover on foot. Have fun wandering between Sanibel Harbour Beach and Sanibel Island Northern Beach. Then take a stroll around Shell Harbour, located 2 kilometres from downtown, and Beachview Country Club Estates, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Sanibel with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or playful teenagers, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Sanibel with kids.

What to do in Sanibel for adults?
Adults of all ages will have lots of things to do in Sanibel. Whether you're into the arts, nature or just love discovering new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sanibel?
One of the best ways to discover free things to do in Sanibel is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. Sanibel Harbour Beach is one place that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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