If you’re craving a quiet island escape and love hunting for seashells, I think you’ll fall in love with Sanibel Island—just like I did. When I visited, I found beaches that were peaceful, beautiful, and so full of natural charm that I instantly felt myself slow down.

I spent hours walking along the soft sands, scooping up the most unique shells I’d ever seen, and soaking in the calm Gulf waters that made everything feel so easy. If you’re planning a relaxing coastal getaway, I really recommend adding Sanibel to your list. You’ll find it’s one of those rare places where nature truly takes center stage—and you’ll love every minute of it.

Highlights:

  • Shell hunt at Bowman’s Beach, known for its natural beauty and abundance of seashells.
  • Relax at Lighthouse Beach Park, complete with a historic lighthouse and scenic fishing pier.
  • Swim and picnic at Gulfside City Park (Algiers Beach), offering calm waters and easy beach access.
  • Explore wildlife and quiet sands at Blind Pass Beach, also a prime shelling spot.
  • Enjoy sunset strolls and dolphin spotting at Turner Beach, located on nearby Captiva Island.

Unique Sanibel Island Beaches:

Blind Pass Beach - 1-hour drive from Fort Myers

scottevers7/stock.adobe.com

Blind Pass Beach - 1-hour drive from Fort Myers -                                    

Turner Beach - 1-hour drive via the Sanibel Causeway from Fort Myers

Omm-on-tour/stock.adobe.com

Turner Beach - 1-hour drive via the Sanibel Causeway from Fort Myers -                                    

Lighthouse Beach

Kenneth Keifer/stock.adobe.com

Lighthouse Beach -                                    

Tarpon Beach

Daniel/stock.adobe.com

Tarpon Beach -                                    

Captiva Beach

Kristina/stock.adobe.com

Captiva Beach -                                    

Causeway Beaches - just minutes from Fort Myers

lunamarina/stock.adobe.com

Causeway Beaches - just minutes from Fort Myers -                                    

Gulfside City Park

Alexander Ozerov/stock.adobe.com

Gulfside City Park -                                    

Bowman’s Beach

Andriy Blokhin./stock.adobe.com

Bowman’s Beach -                                    

Tarpon Bay Beach

sue-ann thalacker EyeEm/stock.adobe.com

Tarpon Bay Beach -                                    

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)