Florida Guide > Places to Visit
Sanibel/Captiva Beaches
If you want a really relaxing time on the beach and a few days away form Orlando head to Sanibel and Captive Islands. Here you can enjoy 5 miles of unspoiled beaches, 22 miles of bike paths, good fishing, many types of birds and of course its famous sea shells. You may have heard of the Sanibel Stoop this is named after the thousands of people who walk along Sanibel’s beaches with stooped shoulders looking for the most beautiful shells. Do look up if you are out shelling and you will see this famous Stoop!
There are many beaches you can visit:
Causeway Beaches are great for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and picnicking. You can park your car at the side of the water and parking is free here. Restrooms are also available.
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier is the site of the historic functioning lighthouse. You will find this on the eastern tip of Sanibel; turn left on Periwinkle Way from Causeway Road. This is where you will find the t-dock-fishing pier and a boardwalk nature trail.
At Gulfside City Park there are picnic tables and pines that give you shade. It is situated mid-island on Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Rd.
There is easy parking at Tarpon Bay Beach and it is not far from the beach. This is located at the south end of Tarpon Bay Rd. at West Gulf Drive. Mid Island
If you want have some peace go to Bowman' s Beach there are no hotels here and you can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There is an outdoor shower and it is the only beach with barbecue grills. Bowmans is located off Sanibel-Captiva Rd.
In Captiva Turner Beach (Blind Pass) is situated on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge and is very popular with shellers and fishermen. Beware though as swimming is not encouraged because of the swift currents and there are not any restrooms here.
If you want to watch the sunsets go to Captiva Beach which is at the end of Captiva Drive but again there are not any restrooms here.
You really will enjoy all the beaches but please observe the few rules they have in place.
Pets on Sanibel Island must be on a lead, Captiva beaches do not allow pets. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited November through May I must admit I thought it would be a complete ban rather than a partial one. You are not allowed to have open fires or to collect live shells.
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