Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in North Captiva Island

"Travel to the eastern tip of Sanibel Island to reach Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier, which is owned and operated by the city and encompasses 32 acres of beachfront property. A fishing pier is open to visitors on the northern San Carlos Bay side of the park and a boardwalk nature trail is also available. The park's namesake 102-foot lighthouse was built in 1884 and is still functioning."

"If you’re looking for the perfect photo op, then of course you’re going to want the sunset and a lighthouse as your backdrop. At Sanibel Lighthouse Beach, one of the best beaches in Sanibel, you get both!. After you’ve crossed the Causeway connecting Fort Myers to Sanibel, turn left at the intersection."

"Lighthouse Beach is just off the causeway, to your left at the first intersection. In addition to a gorgeous white sand beach, there is a historic lighthouse, fishing pier and boardwalk nature trail. There are bike racks if you choose to cycle around the island."

"A beautiful beach with stunning white sands, Gulfside City Park offers both grassy and sandy areas for visitors to spend some time and listen to the waves. This beach, despite being located on a highly popular touristic island, never gets too crowded, so it's a nice spot to visit if you're looking for a little peace and quiet. Restrooms and showers can be found here, and there are also picnic areas and even grills open for public use, so it's a super spot to visit on a sunny weekend or special occasion."

"This 27-acre mid-island Park located on Algiers Lane off of Casa Ybel Road goes by two names, Gulfside City Park and also Algiers Beach after the road it’s on. It’s a quiet, pet-friendly beach park with plenty of space for kids to run around and pets to play, but it’s also one of our favorite beaches on Sanibel for sunbathing because of its private feel. Algiers Beach is perfect for dog-lovers!"

"This beach is toward the middle of the island along Algiers Lane off Casa Ybel Road. It’s not normally as busy as other island beaches. Walking this Sanibel beach is a treat."

"Located on the eastern end of the island near Sanibel Lighthouse, the Sanibel Moorings Resort is a quiet getaway boasting a private beach with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas for guests' use. Nature-lovers will appreciate the guided beach walks and shelling lectures conducted weekly by a marine biologist, as well as tours of the property's six-acre tropical botanical garden, which includes a butterfly garden. Resort amenities include two heated pools plus a kids' area with a separate pool, two tennis courts, a fitness center and business center, self-serve laundry, library, and resort-wide Wi-Fi."

"Located right near the Sanibel Lighthouse and spread across six lush acres on the island’s east end, this large condo-style resort with a private beach and two heated pools is one of the best hotels on Sanibel Island. Choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom condos, all of which have full kitchens and screened-in first or second-story patios for relaxing outside sans mosquitoes. There’s a marina if you happen to have your own boat in tow."

"Whether you’re a guest or not, head over to the Sanibel Moorings Resort to check out their open-to-the-public six-acres of tropical botanical gardens, which are located near the Sanibel Lighthouse. The gardens include a hibiscus collection and a butterfly garden."

"J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to view wildlife on Sanibel Island. Fond of wildlife and nature?. Do yourself a favor, and put the J.N."

"We love renting bikes and seeing cities through riding around so when we found out there was a bike path to Sanibel Lighthouse and Beach we knew that would be the way for us to get there. We drove over to Sanibel Island and rented bikes from Billy’s Rental. Billy’s rents a wide range of bikes including those with baby seats, single-speed, trailer attachments for kids and even the weehoo that we rented and used to have Jordyn ride with me. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen."

"Towering above a lush, green wildlife refuge, the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is the first sight you’ll see when you’ve reached the island. Built 120 years ago, it’s a symbol of Sanibel Island and is surrounded by greenery, as well as a shell filled beach. History, nature and old architecture come together to give visitors a multi-faceted treat."

"While it only actually takes a few minutes to enjoy the views of the lighthouse, it’s something that shouldn’t be missed. It’s not an activity that can take a whole day, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. Built in 1884, the lighthouse is a historic beacon that got its use when it was built."

"This beautiful 3500 acre wetland park is home to a plethora of amazing creatures including turtles, otters, alligators, birds, and more. At Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, you can walk along a boardwalk to get a close look at the wetlands or visit the interpretive center to learn more about the flora and fauna that live there. It is a great place to visit before heading to the Everglades if you want to develop a decent base of knowledge about what you will be seeing."

"Measuring roughly 3,500 acres, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has a fantastic 1.2-mile boardwalk through the Florida wetlands. Nature lovers will really enjoy taking a few selfies at this preserve’s many lookout points. This preserve is usually open between dawn and dusk every day, but always check the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s website for info on closures."

"Spanning 50 acres and operated by Lee County, Bowman's Beach is popular for its remote location on the west end of Sanibel away from hotels and other activities. Shells are frequently found on the white sandy beaches at the park, and ambitious visitors can traverse several miles of sand in one day. Barbecue grills and picnic tables are available at Bowman's Beach, and fishing is permitted from the shore with a proper license from the state."

"You’ll find it on the west end of Sanibel, nearly on the way to Captiva. This beach has a good-sized parking lot, but you will have to walk a bit to get to the beach. This is also the only Sanibel beach with barbeque grills, so keep this in mind if you’re planning to grill out."

"Bowman’s Beach may be the most beautiful sight in the region. This acclaimed beach is open from dawn to dusk all year round. While it lacks many conveniences, it makes up for it with gorgeous open beaches great for walking and enjoying some water sports."

"Situated on the northernmost tip of the Fort Myers Beach Peninsula, Bowditch Point Park is a little further from the action of the resorts. This means that you’ll be able to avoid the crowds and instead listen to the sound of the crashing waves. Bowditch Point Park offers all of the usual beach activities, including swimming, suntanning, shelling, and sandcastle building."

"At the northern tip of the barrier island, there’s a great little county park, Bowditch Point. The point overlooks a wide body of water, across from which you see the causeway and Sanibel Island. It’s a beautiful one-mile walk along the beach from the Fort Myers Beach pier area to Bowditch Point."

"When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, don’t forget to make a boating reservation too!. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above!. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today."

"Is your mouth watering now for all the fresh seafood Sanibel Island has to offer?. Before eating, remember to schedule some time to rent a boat or schedule a fishing charter to catch some fresh seafood of your own. Port Sanibel Marina offers dry storage and wet slip options for your own boats too."

"Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina is a beautiful "Old Florida" style marina offering boat rentals, boat storage, kayak, paddle boards and canoe excursions in the Fort Myers, Florida area. Categorized by: Things To Do Around Sanibel"

"Olive Garden offers a variety of delicious Italian specialties for lunch, dinner or take out. Enjoy our freshly baked garlic breadsticks and your choice of homemade soup or salad with any entree."

"Fine diningCruisine: Fusion / Eclectic / Floridian / European / AsianOnline reservations. brunch, lunch, and dinner. Beachfront DiningCasa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island2255 West Gulf DriveSanibel Island, Florida 33957"

"Now this is romance: the lodge was built as a wedding gift from a husband to his wife and is now a gift to those lucky enough to dine here....Read More"

"Check out the program of events and classes at the Alliance for the Arts on McGregor Blvd. This vibrant arts complex includes a theater, art gallery, gift shops, and multiple classrooms. The impressive calendar includes over 200 affordable classes and workshops covering the whole spectrum of arts, from painting, drawing, and photography to drama, yoga."

"Make your way to this ‘Sanctuary of Art’ and take in the rotating exhibit comprised of talented local artists. The season’s schedule features mediums such as ceramic sculpture, wood carving, oil painting, drawing, photography, and glass. Watson MacRae Gallery is driven by the notion that art heals, and invites you to visit and experience the unique spirit of the gallery."

"Referred to as a Sanctuary of Art, the Watson MacRae Gallery on Sanibel features exhibits in 2- and 3-dimensional mediums by both national and regional artists. The gallery will begin its 12th season in November 2019 and has shown more than 50 exhibitions. Exhibits are shown during the winter season (November through April) and the summer (April through October)."