The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel

Discover our Islandology and get closer to the people and nature that surrounds you.

Spend time on our secluded islands, white-sand beaches and in our subtropical nature and you’ll discover the truths we’ve come to know. It's an ideology that’s easy to learn, and unlike anything else. Let’s see what our Islandology has in store for you.

On 50 miles of Florida’s most protected white-sand beaches, the best souvenirs are priceless but also free. We hope you spend your time collecting seashells, watching sunsets and getting closer to loved ones. Kids of all ages can easily collect Lightning Whelks, Lettered Olives, Banded Tulips and more on beaches blanketed by more than 400 kinds of shells. Surround yourself with some of the world’s best shelling, and you’ll take away memories you’ll want to hold on to.

Beyond seashells, a full day here starts with a wide-open schedule. Time flies by as leisurely as a White Pelican or Roseate Spoonbill, so bask in the warm sunshine and bury your toes in soft, white sand. Build the perfect sand castle or read your favorite book. Smile and take a photo in front of another perfect sunset. A day can fill up as slow or as fast as you choose.

In addition to Captiva and Sanibel, hundreds of islands dot our Gulf coast. And because a getaway should actually get you away, you can only reach most of them by boat or seaplane. This seclusion also provides sanctuary to wildlife, which extends to the mainland, and everywhere in between. Whistle and clap for dolphins that play in boat wake. Paddle inches from manatees bobbing throughout the Great Calusa Blueway while kayaking beneath shade. Spot more than 300 kinds of birds in the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. We’re really into the environment here, and we’re happy when you get into it, too.

More than just wildlife, many people want space where they can feel comfortable and be themselves. That’s why many creative minds have been inspired by our surroundings and way of life. Inventor Thomas Edison and automobile manufacturer Henry Ford enjoyed their visits so much they put down roots and wintered here together. Their estates, filled with tropical gardens, laboratories and museums, prove the only limit to success is one’s imagination.

If you're already imagining your trip to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, order a free Lonely Planet guidebook at FortMyers-Sanibel.com and start planning.

Spend time on our secluded islands, white-sand beaches and in our subtropical nature and you’ll discover the truths we’ve come to know. It's an ideology that’s easy to learn, and unlike anything else. Let’s see what our Islandology has in store for you.

On 50 miles of Florida’s most protected white-sand beaches, the best souvenirs are priceless but also free. We hope you spend your time collecting seashells, watching sunsets and getting closer to loved ones. Kids of all ages can easily collect Lightning Whelks, Lettered Olives, Banded Tulips and more on beaches blanketed by more than 400 kinds of shells. Surround yourself with some of the world’s best shelling, and you’ll take away memories you’ll want to hold on to.

Beyond seashells, a full day here starts with a wide-open schedule. Time flies by as leisurely as a White Pelican or Roseate Spoonbill, so bask in the warm sunshine and bury your toes in soft, white sand. Build the perfect sand castle or read your favorite book. Smile and take a photo in front of another perfect sunset. A day can fill up as slow or as fast as you choose.

In addition to Captiva and Sanibel, hundreds of islands dot our Gulf coast. And because a getaway should actually get you away, you can only reach most of them by boat or seaplane. This seclusion also provides sanctuary to wildlife, which extends to the mainland, and everywhere in between. Whistle and clap for dolphins that play in boat wake. Paddle inches from manatees bobbing throughout the Great Calusa Blueway while kayaking beneath shade. Spot more than 300 kinds of birds in the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. We’re really into the environment here, and we’re happy when you get into it, too.

More than just wildlife, many people want space where they can feel comfortable and be themselves. That’s why many creative minds have been inspired by our surroundings and way of life. Inventor Thomas Edison and automobile manufacturer Henry Ford enjoyed their visits so much they put down roots and wintered here together. Their estates, filled with tropical gardens, laboratories and museums, prove the only limit to success is one’s imagination.

If you're already imagining your trip to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, order a free Lonely Planet guidebook at FortMyers-Sanibel.com and start planning.