• Home
  • North America
    • Mexico
    • United States
      • Alabama
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Maine
      • Massachusetts
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • Ohio
      • Rhode Island
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
  • Europe
    • Italy
    • Scotland
    • Spain
  • Central America
    • Belize
    • Costa Rica
    • Nicaragua
  • South America
    • Panama
  • Caribbean
    • Dominican Republic
  • Asia
    • China
    • South Korea
  • Pacific Islands
    • Philippines
  • Travel Farther Smarter
  • Submissions
  • About Us
  • We invite you …
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Page
  • Submissions
  • About Us
  • We invite you …
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Page
facebook twitter youtube reddit tumblr
You Me and the Dock
  • Home
  • North America
    • Mexico
    • United States
      • Alabama
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Connecticut
      • Florida
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Maine
      • Massachusetts
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • Ohio
      • Rhode Island
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Wyoming
  • Europe
    • Italy
    • Scotland
    • Spain
  • Central America
    • Belize
    • Costa Rica
    • Nicaragua
  • South America
    • Panama
  • Caribbean
    • Dominican Republic
  • Asia
    • China
    • South Korea
  • Pacific Islands
    • Philippines
  • Travel Farther Smarter
Home  >  Florida • North America  >  Visiting Sanibel & Captiva Islands
FloridaNorth America

Visiting Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Tony Scopel Posted onJune 17, 2015April 21, 2017 Comments are off 2849 Views
sanibel

SB&C Toll Gate 1To get on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva we pay a one-way toll. The charges can be a bit SB&C Toll Gate Chargeshigher than a normal state toll-road, but it’s a small price to pay to experience these two floating paradises.




SB&C SS Hooters Looks over bayThere are a few places to think about visiting before crossing the causeway. One is the restaurant SS Hooters that looks out over the water and across to Sanibel’s bayside shore. Sanibel’s causeway (shown, below) connects a narrow key style island that offers pull-offs on both SB&C Causeway 3the back bay and Gulf sides. A variety of activities like paddle boarding, fishing and wading in the warm clear waters are several options to enjoy. There are also BBQ grills, restroom facilities and picnic benches. I almost forgot to mention the great views!

SB&C looking at Sanibel 1The photo shown below left is looking towards Pine Island Sound and Sanibel’s eastern shore. The water can be so calm and relaxing, it is not uncommon to see people napping by its tree lined shore. The Gulf side pictured below DSCN5026can be relaxing as well. However, its shore faces southwest and lends itself to more sun than its opposite side. The views of the east end of Sanibel with its historical lighthouse and the stratus clouds above make for an awesome Kodak moment.

SB&C Chamnber 2As we come off the second causeway we see the Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce & Information Center. It is well advised to stop in and gather a map and SB&C Chamnber 1brochures for the day’s adventures. It also offers several large flat screen monitors showing available tours and attractions on the two islands.




SB&C lighthouse 2One of Sanibel’s more popular sites is the old lighthouse (Point Ybel) pictured below and left is on the southern end of the island. It was erected in SB&C lighthouse top1883 and lit for the first time in 1884. It was the first lighthouse to be commissioned north of Key West. When I visited the site, a National Geographic camera crew was there filming the Iconic structure. The location also provides restroom facilities, parking and beach access.

SB&C Eastend beach1The Lighthouse Beach Park pictured right offers a panoramic view of Fort Myers Beach starting left as we stand looking out and follows right to Bonita Beach in the distance. The emerald colored water glimmers under the blue sky and shimmering sun. The world-renowned bright white sand feels great between the toes. The island breeze and warm tempered waters make for a day of fun in the sun or relaxing under an umbrella reading a favorite novel.

SB&C quaint shopsThere are plenty of shopping centers throughout the island to chose from. The shops range from crafty boutiques (shown, left) to island styled shopping centers (shown, below left and right) with extraordinary courtyards filled with exotic birds. The courtyard offers a jungle like setting that has an area with chairs and tables shaded by umbrellas and overhanging trees. The sounds of chirping and squelching birds fill the air. There is something for everyone to experience.

SB&C Sanibel shopping cntr 2SB&C Sanibel shopping cntr 3SB&C Sanibel shopping cntr birdsThe main thoroughfare, Periwinkle Way, is where most of the SB&C Str signcommercial businesses lay claim. It runs from the Lighthouse Beach Park to Tarpon Bay Road. From the T-intersection making a right turn and then a left at the next stop sign puts us on the Sanibel-Captiva Road. This stretch of pavement takes us all the way to the end of Captiva Island. It also takes us by the Ding Darling Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary borders the San Carlos Bay and Pine Island Sound with uninhabited smaller key islands just off its shore.

SB&C Shell Museum 2SB&C Shell Museum 1There are other attractions along the Sanibel-Captiva Road such as the Sanibel-Captiva Wetlands Trails, the Shell Museum and other various inlets to explore. Always take appropriate clothing, sunscreen, bug repellant and plenty of water.

Captiva bridge view 4The next landmark we come to is Blind Pass, which is the body of water that separates Sanibel and Captiva Welcome sign 2Captiva Islands. Both sides of the waterway have beaches that provide plenty of warm water to wade in and soft white sand to bury our toes. After crossing Blind Pass we are now on Captiva.

Captiva main streetCaptiva is a much smaller island and is mostly residential, but does have unique eateries and bar and grills. After crossing over the bridgeCaptiva Millionaire lane 4, the Sanibel Captiva Road becomes a wonderland of foliage (pictured, left). The many varieties of trees, palms and other taller scrubs create a tunnel like feeling. This part of Captiva is what I like to call Millionaires’ Lane. Vistors can’t always see behind the elaborate gates and manicured landscapes, but every once in a while a quick glimpse is seen of wealth in its truest form. Most of these mansions back right up to the Gulf of Mexico and offer panoramic views.

Captive Tween Inn 1Captive Tween Inn 2Captive Tween Inn 3Tween Waters Inn pictured below was established in 1931 and visited by some of the century’s most elite society. The likes of Anne Morrow Lindbergh and J. N. “Ding” Darling, who was a conservationist and a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist, were among the intimate socialites. The resort grounds and structures have been restored and sanctioned by the National Registry of Historic Places.

Captiva Green Flash 1There are several iconic food and drink establishments on Captiva. The Green Flash is a waterfront restaurant that has a second story dining area with floor to ceiling glass. It also has a lower level deck that looks out over the back bay. The brunch menu and bloody Marys make them a popular Sunday destination for visitor and locals alike.

Captiva's Bubble room 2Captiva's Bubble room 3The Bubble Room is frequently visited by many local and nationally known celebrities. Their everyday theme is “It’s always Christmas at the Bubble Room.” There is an abundance of collective artifacts throughout the three floors. Each floor also has a toy train that chugs along the upper walls.

Captiva Mucky Duck 2DSCN5003The island’s Muckey Duck English Pub is a very popular and busy beach location. Their Captiva Mucky Duck chairspatio has subtle views of the water with Captiva Mucky Duck beach 2direct access to the pristine beach. The casual setting includes picnic tables and multi-colored Adirondack chairs positioned just off the patio’s paved surface.

Captiva cottage 1Up and down Captiva’s beautiful beaches are several homes, duplexes and cottage style rentals. The relaxing atmosphere that surrounds the humbling island can be a truly healing experience for someone who wants to escape their hectic life. The beach house, like the one pictured left, and others like it can be found on VRBO (Vacation Rentals Buy Owners). The same with Sanibel.

SB&C Gopher Tortoise sighWhen visiting any of the tropical islands in southwest Florida, a familiar sign will be posted along most of the main routes. The Gopher Tortoise, with other terrestrial mammals are a threatened species and a valuable component in the eco system. It is highly advised to keep a sharp eye on the road for any wandering wildlife that may be crossing.

When visiting Southwest Florida’s beautiful coast line with its warm tempered weather and multiple island paradises, it has a way of making visitors want to throw away all life’s troubles and become a beach bum. Whether vacationing with kids, adults or as a couple, there is always something to see and do on Sanibel and Captiva islands.

Lido Pic 3Author: Anthony Scopel
Photographer: Anthony Scopel
Chief Editor: Sheri L. Thompson
Technical Mastering & Support: Matt Kemper
Publisher: YMATD

 

 

2
SHARES
ShareTweet
Previous Article Destination: Destin, Florida
Next Article Arbroath & Auchmithie: Scotland’s Villages Along the North Sea

Related Posts

  • Ocean City’s Boardwalk Honor Banners

    December 25, 2022
  • endless summer cruisin

    The Endless Summer Cruisin Car Show

    November 5, 2022
  • OCEAN CITY MARYLAND’S BOARDWALK

    Ocean City, Maryland’s Boardwalk

    October 23, 2022

Where We’ve Traveled

Visit Villas De Cisnes
Subscribe to You, Me and the Dock and we'll take you around the world with us.
Loading

Archives

  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • March 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • March 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • June 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • January 2020
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
facebook twitter youtube reddit tumblr
Powered by Kemper Kreative, LLC © Copyright 2023. You, Me and the Dock.