Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Sanibel Island

"This 32-acre park houses a lighthouse that dates to 1884 and some of the best Sanibel Island beaches. Lighthouse Beach Park offers plenty of space to spread out and walk and look for shells in Sanibel Island. Other activities include picnicking, pier fishing, sailing and windsurfing."

"Set on the island’s eastern edge, the Sanibel Lighthouse operated between 1884 and 1972. Today, it’s one of the top and most popular attractions on Sanibel Island. Standing at 112 feet, this lighthouse is a sight to behold."

"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."

"These beaches are your first impression of Sanibel Island and it’s not a bad one, if we do say so ourselves. The view from the causeway is amazing in its own right, but the Causeway Beaches are always teeming with happy beachgoers, parasailers, kiteboarders and boaters. It’s impossible not to feel relaxed as you drive by."

"Water lovers will appreciate kayak opportunities, and professional beach loungers will enjoy the sprawling picnic area, fishing spots, and sunbathing. There’s also plenty for water sports enthusiasts, including windsurfing and kiteboarding. Getting here can be a little challenging."

"Florida's snowbirds can be easy to mock, but not this pair. Thomas Edison built his winter home in 1885 and lived in Florida seasonally until his death in 1931. Edison's friend Henry Ford built his adjacent bungalow in 1916. Together, and sometimes side by side in Edison's lab, these two inventors, businessmen and neighbors changed our world. The museum does an excellent job of presenting the overwhelming scope of their achievements."

"The winter estates of Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford are two of the most visited historic homes in the country, and among the most beautiful sites in Fort Myers. With 20 acres of historical buildings and botanical gardens set along the Caloosahatchee River, it offers plenty of room to explore and find that perfect Instagram shot. The historic and charming summer estate of Thomas Edison"

"The first stop of the day is the pristine beaches of Cayo Costa State Park. Known as one of the best places in the area for shelling, which is pretty impressive since Fort Myers & Sanibel are know as some of the best shelling destinations in the entire world. Fort Myers even created National Seashell Day, which falls on the first day of summer. Cayo Costa is a unique place where you’ll be all alone surrounded by nature in the beauty of these islands."

"Since Lovers Key State Park is a state park, its lands get a little bit more care and protection than other beaches. For that reason and the unique amenities here, Lovers Key State Park is one of the best beaches in Fort Myers Beach. It’s open 365 days a year, and therefore the perfect fix for even the most spontaneous beach day!"

"​Day Four: Lovers Key State Park, Love Boat Ice Cream, Pool, and Fine Folk Pizza There are so many outdoor and water activities in Ft. Myers so on this day we tried our hand at canoeing at Lovers Key State Park. We were able to rent a canoe for half the day for $48 (they only charged us the 1-2 person rate due to the kids ages)."

"Crescent Beach Family Park is actually a little sliver of Fort Myers Beach just south of the Fort Myers fishing pier. But this this section of shoreline is distinguished from the remaining seven miles, because it’s typically where many families hang out – as the name of the park implies. It’s one of the public beaches Fort Myers has that are super family-friendly."

"One of the most under-the-radar places to watch the sunset in Ft Myers Beach is Crescent Beach Family Park. This little slice of land is often overlooked for the larger beaches in the area, including Fort Myers Beach and Bowditch Point Park. That said, Crescent Beach Family Park is still worth a visit."

"If you’ve gotten enough sun and want a shadier place for a walk, this free park offers a glimpse of what this area look like before development. Trails totaling 1.25 miles extend to the bay through hardwood forest and mangrove swamp."

"Not only is it a free attraction, but this untouched 60-acre sanctuary is home to one of the best beach spots in Fort Myers."

"The main street in Sanibel Island, also known as Periwinkle Place, is where tourists and locals head for a day of shopping, pampering, eating, and socializing. This is Sanibel Island’s largest shopping area, and there are 25 unique shops selling everything from quirky souvenirs and handmade jewelry to designer clothing. This is where you will also find the Sanibel Day Spa, world-class restaurants, and some of the best hotels in the area."

"Periwinkle Place is Sanibel Island’s answer to the upscale shopping mall. This busy thoroughfare includes 26 unique shops, including the original Chicos (I had no idea Chico’s started on Sanibel!) and Gene’s Bookstore (see below)."

"The fashion show featured 15 different stores in the Periwinkle Place Shops plaza just off Periwinkle Way. This is the largest shopping plaza on island, with a handful of great selections."

"Waterside Shops is your home for luxury shopping in the area, making it a perfect addition to Lely beach vacations. Popular brands like Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, and Saks Fifth Avenue make up the extensive collection of shops carefully cultivated to bring you a great experience. In addition to clothing, you can find jewelry, electronics, and dining."

"Tucked in behind the Barnes & Noble and the Artis-Naples complex off Rte. 41 in central Naples, the Waterside Shops Naples is barely viewable from the road. It’s always one place we bring family and friends when they visit because the shopping here is excellent and the setting is lovely."

"Burburry, Coach, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Hermes: Yes, that sound you are hearing is cha-ching. Expect to find the most luxe brands in a setting of pure architectural magnificence. It wasn't built on the waterfront, but its many water features earn the shopping center its name."

"After Happy Hour tick-tocks away, all hands point to the Fort Myers’ River District. The Firestone features four levels of fun overlooking the bay, and you have your choice to imbibe at their rooftop Sky Bar, or the Martini Bar."

"Florida's snowbirds can be easy to mock, but not this pair. Thomas Edison built his winter home in 1885 and lived in Florida seasonally until his death in 1931. Edison's friend Henry Ford built his adjacent bungalow in 1916. Together, and sometimes side by side in Edison's lab, these two inventors, businessmen and neighbors changed our world. The museum does an excellent job of presenting the overwhelming scope of their achievements."

"The winter estates of Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford are two of the most visited historic homes in the country, and among the most beautiful sites in Fort Myers. With 20 acres of historical buildings and botanical gardens set along the Caloosahatchee River, it offers plenty of room to explore and find that perfect Instagram shot. The historic and charming summer estate of Thomas Edison"

"Island Pizza Company is a quaint and colorful “FAMILY” owned restaurant located conveniently on Sanibel Island, with over 8 years of experience. We specialize in home cooked Italian cuisine. With an aroma of fresh cut garlic and basil filling the air, you enter an atmosphere that will make you feel right at home."

"We never leave the island without at least getting take out at Island Pizza for an evening. Their pizza always hits the spot, I recommend grabbing a make your own 6-pack at Bailey’s to go with the meal 🙂. 1619 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL."

"With stunning views of the pier, daily entertainment and Happy Hour specials, including hand-tossed pizza by the slice, the Sunset Beach Tropical Grill is aptly named and touted by locals as one of the best places to catch a sunset in Fort Myers Beach."