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Soak in the warm waters off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida, and stroll along the pristine white, sandy beaches. The islands of Sanibel and Captiva are the perfect winter getaways for sun, fun and tropical flavor. Restaurants, many located right on the beach, serve the local catch of the day. Hit the beach in the morning for some of the best shelling in the world. Later, glide on the gentle waves in a kayak or simply kick back beneath the shade of an umbrella.

How to Get There

Fly to Fort Myers Airport
Drive to Exit 131 on I-75 onto Daniels Parkway

Where to Stay

Captiva Island Inn Bed and Breakfast
Captiva Island, Florida
800-454-9898
Located in "Olde Captiva," these beachside cottages are reminiscent of those on Martha's Vineyard. Accomodations include a five-bedroom house and smaller cottages right in the heart of town.

South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Island, Florida
866-565-5089
A 350-acre tropical playground and countless ways to enjoy it, including special packages and exclusive amenities like tennis, golf, water sports and fishing charters.

Cottages to Castles of Sanibel
Sanibel Island, Florida
800-472-5385
If you're looking to splurge, you can rent a private cottage, charming villa or grand Florida estate for your stay on the island.

Where to Eat

The Keylime Bistro
At Captiva Island Inn Bed and Breakfast
Captiva Island, Florida
239-395-4000
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with seafood favorites like grouper sandwiches, seared tuna and jumbo stuffed shrimp. Outside and inside dining with daily live music.

The Mucky Duck
Captiva Island, Florida
239-472-3434
This perennially popular English-style pub serves lunch and dinner to sun-kissed beachcombers. On the eclectic menu diners will find duck quesadillas, crab cakes and barbecue shrimp.

The Riviera
Sanibel Island, Florida
239-472-1141
Enjoy authentic Mediterranean and Italian cuisine in a cozy Old World setting. The menu is studded with homemade pastas, fresh fish and seafood, tender veal and hearty steaks. Meals are accompanied by live piano music.

What to Do

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel Island, Florida
239-472-1100
Bike, hike, canoe, kayak or take a narrated tram through this pristine 6,400-acre wildlife refuge. Visitors flock here for the spectacular migratory bird populations, which include loons, herons, warblers and hawks.

Captiva Cruises
Captiva Island, Florida
239-472-5300
Reserve a spot with this popular excursion company to experience a dolphin watch, sunset serenade cruise or a trip to a secluded beach for swimming and shelling.

Captiva Kayak Co. & Wildside Adventures
Captiva Island, Florida
239-395-2925
Enjoy the islands from sea level by renting a kayak, canoe or sailboat from this great outfitter. Set out on your own or sign up for an informational and unforgettable guided tour.

Insider Tip

Sanibel Island has some of the best shelling in the world. Sanibel runs east to west as part of a plateau that continues underwater into the Gulf of Mexico. As the tides shift, it becomes a barrier perfect for shell deposits. On low tides, be sure to comb the sandbars.

Useful Links

Sanibel Island & Captiva Island
Chamber of Commerce

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

Visit Florida

Next: Kiawah Island