The DC Darlings Travel Guide: Sanibel Island, Florida

Welcome to the DC Darlings Sanibel Guide! We’ve been going to Sanibel for ten years and know the tips and tricks to an incredible vacation. If you are looking for a low key, relaxing vacation to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of life, Sanibel is the place for you! There is not a worry in the world – you are truly on “island time.” We highly recommend vacationing on Sanibel with your family, friends, or significant other and enjoying the peace and serenity of the island.

Read about where to stay, where to eat, what to do, and a complete 4-day guide to Sanibel & Captiva!

Now sit back, relax, & plan your trip to paradise

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Getting to Sanibel

Sanibel is a quick 2-hour flight from the DC area, a 2.5-hour flight from NYC, and a 3-hour flight from Boston. The island is easily accessible from the east coast with many non-stop flights. Fly into Fort Myers International Airport, Florida (RSW) and drive along a scenic route to Sanibel Island. If you are looking for one of the best key lime pie’s of your life, we highly recommend stopping at Bahama Breeze Restaurant for lunch en route to Sanibel! Note – we do suggest renting a car to drive from Fort Myers to Sanibel and for getting around the island, as well as Captiva.

Hotel Recommendations

• • Sanibel – Sundial Resort
  • Sanibel – Casa Ybel
  • Captiva – South Seas Resort

Review of Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

The Sundial Resort is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island. One of our favorite parts of the Sundial is unwinding after a long day of sunbathing & ordering a drink to the jacuzzi…sippin’ on a rum runner underneath the cotton candy sky is the perfect way to end a day at the beach! P.S. the bartenders at the Sundial are absolutely amazing. They are extremely friendly and outgoing and make you feel like you are royalty. Spend some time at the bar and play a game of ring toss.

Sundial amenities include: one mile of world famous white sand beach, indoor & outdoor dining venues, water sports, hydro grid tennis courts, volleyball courts, five heated swimming pools, full service spa & hair salon, spacious cabanas in the pull + beach area, beach chairs + umbrellas, onsite bikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, wifi, and Sanibel Sea School (children’s activity program).

Pristine White Beach Umbrellas

Delicious cocktail overlooking the pool cabanas + beach

Shop Monday Swimwear Bikini 

Restaurants

Sanibel

• Cips – Talented chef, nice ambiance, upscale dining paired with casual dress
• Island Cow – Family friendly, very casual, great food
• Traders – Wonderful seafood
• Thistle Lodge – High-end waterfront dining on Sanibel at Casa Ybel Resort
• Lazy Flamingo – Rustic, very casual, great steamed shrimp
• Bleu Rendez-Vous – French Bistro, excellent wine, fun tasting menu
• Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille – An Island MUST
• Sea Breeze Cafe – Waterfront dining at the Sundial Resort
• Over Easy Cafe – Excellent breakfast spot

Captiva

• Key Lime Bistro – Wonderful live music, great key lime pie, nice outdoor seating
• Bubble Room – Captiva favorite, great for families, large portions, yummy dessert
• Sunset Grill – Waterfront dining for breakfast, lunch, & dinner
• The Mad Hatter – Excellent food, great views, adorable aesthetic
• RC Otters – Casual dining, family friendly, ring toss game
• Latte Da – Fabulous ice cream & coffee

* Click restaurant name for link to website

Things To Do

• Bike Riding
• Charter Fishing – information
• Coffee at the Sanibel Bean – information
• Kayaking in the mangrove trees at Tarpon Bay – information
• The renowned J.N. “Ding Darling” National Wildlife Refuge & Bird Sanctuary – information
• Beach
• Shelling – Sanibel is the shelling capital of the world!!
• Dolphin Cruise – information
• Sunset at The Mucky Duck on Captiva
• Movie Theatre if overcast weather
• Get ice cream at Pinocchio’s – information

Kayaking in the mangroves via Tarpon Bay Excursions

Bike riding on the island

4 Day Sanibel + Captiva Guide

Day 1

Morning – Play tennis or try the “pickleball” courts at the Sundial Resort

Afternoon – Beach and Pool Day (shelling, multiple pina coladas, walk on the beach)

Evening – Dinner at one of the Sanibel recommended restaurants

Beach & Pool Day Essentials

Day 2

Morning – Breakfast at Over Easy Cafe

Afternoon – Bike ride from Sanibel to Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve…you will spot alligators & bobcats!!

Evening – Dinner at one of the Sanibel recommended restaurants

Biking in Ding Darling

Day 3

Morning – Kayak at Tarpon Bay in the mangrove trees

Afternoon – Beach and Pool Day (shelling, multiple pina coladas, walk on the beach)

Evening – Sunset at the Mucky Duck on Captiva then dinner one of the recommended restaurants:

• Key Lime Bistro
• Bubble Room
• The Green Flash
• RC Otters – casual dining, family friendly, ring toss game
• Latte Da – fabulous ice cream & coffee

Sanibel Beach Day Look

Enjoying a Blue Moon during Sunset at The Mucky Duck

Day 4

Morning – Bike Ride to Bailey Track to spot alligators and other wildlife

Afternoon -Beach and Pool Day (shelling, multiple pina coladas, walk on the beach)

Evening – Dolphin Cruise followed by dinner

Cotton Candy Sky Sunset

Thank you for reading the DC Darlings Sanibel Guide! If you have any questions, please contact us! We would love to help you plan a fabulous trip to Sanibel!