The Laid-Back “Anti-Florida” Is the Ideal Island Escape

I love my family. But every now and then, we all need an escape. And while visiting family in South Florida over the holidays for the past decade-plus, I found just the spot.
 
You won't find Florida Man gators or spring breakers doing body shots here—just a beautiful natural area stuffed with gorgeous beaches, sprawling nature preserves, some of the world's best shelling, and sunsets that might prompt you to dial up real-estate listings.
 
Sanibel Island ain’t exactly a secret. With around 3 million vehicles making the journey onto the island each year, this popular winter vacation destination is easily accessible via a breezy 45-minute drive from Fort Myers over on Florida’s more relaxed Gulf Coast.

With tight restrictions that lock out high-rise buildings and most chain restaurants, Sanibel’s vibe is easily distinguishable from the overdeveloped Florida of our collective nightmares. Basically, this is what Florida would look like if it lived up to its full potential: No traffic lights or seedy “VIP” lounges. Call it Florida’s “anti-Florida.”
 
While Fort Myers sports more of the spring break-ish vibe you might be traditionally accustomed to, Sanibel is nothing but chill. Once you get off the main road into town, that is. Periwinkle Way (the island’s curiously named chief artery) gets quite backed up on busy winter weekends, so plan for a little gridlock. Yet once you get off the main road, you realize in short order why you made the trip.

Sanibel and its even homier and more remote sister island Captiva are known for their world-renowned beaches showcasing soft white sand and absurdly glorious sunsets. Pretty much any place you stay will have its own sliver of sand, with top public beach options including the popular Blind Pass Beach and the somewhat more secluded Bowman’s Beach. 

Interestingly, some of the most overlooked waterfront real estate can be found right off the main bridge into town at Causeway Islands Park. Sanibel is also known as one of the world’s finest shelling destinations, so don’t be surprised to see a bunch of hunched-over locals combing the sand in a posture colloquially known as the “Sanibel Stoop.” 

One look at the crystal clear Gulf of Mexico waters will instantly have you contemplating your watercraft options. Sure, you could buy a boat. Then again, you could also hire a local tour boat operator like Captiva Cruises, which makes regular runs to nearby islands like the relatively chic Boca Grande and the more old-school Cabbage Key, which is best experienced between the dollar bill-adorned walls of the delightfully Old Florida-style restaurant at Cabbage Key Inn. But if you only have one option, by all means opt for the excursion to the “secret beach” at Cayo Costa State Park. With nine miles of pristine undeveloped beach only accessible by boat, it’s easily one of the top state parks in the nation.

Two-thirds of Sanibel Island is actually a nature preserve, with the 6,400-acre J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge providing an interesting alternative to the beach scene and a healthy dose of local flavor. The largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country hosts around 250 species of birds plus hiking trails, a scenic loop drive, and even a tram. Look around for eagles, watch out for gators, and get lost in the marshes. In short, it’s a pretty low-risk way to spend a few hours when you need a break from the sun.

The Mucky Duck on Captiva is a legendary beachside hang for patio cocktails and games of ring toss on the beach, while the The Mad Hatter serves up more high-end Florida classics with a touch of French sophistication in cozy cottage-style environs.

For something quick and easy, it’s hard to beat a sandwich from Sanibel Deli (where the pizza is also surprisingly on point), while Gramma Dot's is a waterfront Cape Cod-style cafe where a lobster roll and cup of clam chowder will have you fitting in nicely.

Grabbing a drink and a burger at the character-filled American Legion Post 123 might just be the highlight of your trip. The wonderfully diverse crowd of locals are happy to offer advice on everything from the top fishing holes to the best spots to hide out from their wives for some low-key day drinking (hint: it's here.) And you definitely won’t have to suffer through any Jimmy Buffett.

Those looking to save a few bucks can crash at the La Quinta in Fort Myers just across from the island. Otherwise, the Sanibel Island Beach Resort offers all the comfort you need in a good location at a reasonable rate (as well as an A-plus tiki bar steps from the beach.) For a few shekels more, you can dial it up at the iconic South Seas Island Resort on Captiva, a sprawling activity-rich complex set along two miles of beach fully equipped with its own shuttles and golf carts.