Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island?

[catsrule]

Anyone been to either or both? Which one would you prefer?

 

[Ricola]

We've really enjoyed Sanibel. Sanibel has a "small town" feel, no high-rise hotels crowding the beaches, more of a natural kind of setting.

 

[catsrule]

Would you recommend renting a car? Is it a necessity?

 

[newmousecateer]

I love Sanibel Island. Quiet, quaint, cute shops, nice restaurants within a short drive. We rented a condo-type room down there. Beautiful beaches with gorgeous sunsets. Great shell picking. We rented scooters and drove around the island. Loved it.

Yes, I would recommend a car to get around the island and to get to the restaurants you might want to go to.

I have been to Ft. Myers beach, so maybe someone else can give you info on that to compare.

 

[Ricola]

Definitely need a car or bikes (I think you can rent them there) to get around.

We stayed in a timeshare one time which was very nice, and also at the Sanibel Harbor Resort&Spa (just off the island) which was fabulous, and not too pricey since we got an Entertainment Rate of 50% off.

 

[RitaZ.]

I have never been to Ft. Myers, but I have been to Sanibel and Marco Island many times.

Sanibel has the old Florida feel, no street lights, no fast food places (the closest thing to one is DQ), there is a movie theater, a big place to rent bikes from on Periwinkle Way (most of the hotels/motels on Gulf Dr. have bikes for rent or free, though). It's a very relaxing atmosphere. There are many neat shops to check out. There is an ice cream shop called Pinocchio's (good homemade ice cream, but pricey). If you are interested in buying groceries, there Jerry's (no big name stores here, so no Publix).

I would definitely say that a car is a necessity. If you go to Sanibel Island, you have to check out Captiva. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the place.

If you want to know anything about Marco, let me know.

 

[lilboo]

Originally posted by RitaZ.

I would definitely say that a car is a necessity. If you go to Sanibel Island, you have to check out Captiva. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the place.

What is Captiva RitaZ...is it a beach or...?

 

[RitaZ.]

Oops, sorry about that. I left out the word Island....

Here is a link to check out~Captiva and Sanibel Islands

Another one~http://www.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com/

 

[lilboo]

Thank you...wow! Thanks!

 

[helenabear]

MJ, can I watch Simba for you while you vacation?

 

[catsrule]

Don't know when we're going yet but yes, and don't forget about the Cal Girl.

 

[helenabear]

Of course Cali too!!! I love all kitties (especially yours)! Our kitties could party all day together too

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

my former FIL lives in Cape Coral, the next town over from Ft. Myers. when ex and I visited his parents we did day trips to Sanibel/Captiva and to Ft. Myers Beach.

Ft. Myers Beach reminded me of the strip in Ft. Lauderdale but without the "college spring break" feel, more like a family version of the strip. lots of fast food places and souvenir shops. the day we were there, there was bungie jumping on the beach -- granted, that was when my 12 year old was a baby.

the one thing I noticed about Sanibel -- besides the atmosphere -- is that the surf tends to be rough. the surf is much calmer at Ft. Myers Beach.

of course, I'm not likely to go toSanibel again, even though I thought it was lovely. every time I set foot on that island something bad happens to me.


or maybe it was my ex that the dark cloud was following...

 

[catsrule]

If they are females, they will need to band together because Simba loves to chase the ladies around.

 

[NHAnn]

I've been to both and enjoyed both

Sanibel 6 years ago on a "girls only" vacation in a condo/resort (Sundial) with my mom and 3 sisters. It's more upscale and expensive than Ft Myers Beach, and RitaZ's description sums it up! It's very beautiful and peceful.
Briar Rose's description of Ft Myers Beach is right on too........we've vacationed there twice......once DH and I when our youngest two were 10 and 12 I believe, and a couple of years ago with DD and a girlfriend...they were 13 I think. There's more "going on" for kids (once beyond the pre-school age)and teens on Ft Myers Beach, and you don't really need a car to get around like you do on Sanibel. More variety on dining options from fast food to fancy.
If it was just DH and I and the cost was not a factor, I'd definitely prefer Sanibel, but I could have a really nice romantic vacation with him in the right resort on Ft Myers Beach too!
Decisions, decisions.........have fun whatever you decide!

 

[cinlee3]

We stayed at Sanibel Harbor Resort and it was wonderful. The island is like everyone else said very quaint and peaceful. We had a wonderful time. Fort Myers beach was Okay, but for us Sanibel Island seemed like we were getting away from it all. We had a car to get around.

The kids loved collecting shells and getting to see dolphins. I would love to go back it was beautiful.

 

[catsrule]

Thank You for your responses. For those of you who stayed at Sanibel Harbor Resort, I read something about a free shuttle service to Sanibel Island and to an Outlet Mall. Is this correct? Did you use this service?

 

[shortbun]

Another vote for Sanibel from me. Actually, I like Captiva
better. There are only two resorts there-'Tween Waters
and South Seas Plantation. My fav is "'Tweenies" because
it's a low rise and although very well appointed-old Florida
style. South Seas is gated and VERY nice but a bit more
manicured and clubby. A car is a MUST-bikes are for fun
but not for transportation for us when we're there, especially
for night time activities-don't want to ride over an alligator!!!
On Sanibel, I like the West Wind, again for the old Florida
feel-it's small but decent. The Castaways-officially Sanibel
but just at the end nearest Captiva-is a good compromise
IF you can get one of their beach units. The beach they are on
is one of the best around. I call it Sunset Beach and I think
it's officially called Honeymoon Beach. Great shelling!!!
Ft. Meyers Beach is more developed but there is one smallish
resort families seem to like-Pink Shell(I think Best Western has it).
Get a two bedroom beach unit for space. A car is necessary on
both spots. Have fun! I'm jealous!

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Be very careful of the water currents at the tip of Sanibel (near the lighthouse). They are very fast moving. Have beach shoes because the sand burrs can be very painful on bare feet. The shelling is wonderful of course and the Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve can be a nice tour.

Ft. Myers Beach can be said to encompass the best of both worlds. The currents are not as pronounced and fast. The active end of the beach (nearer the entrance bridge) is entertaining. The further away you move from this area (toward Bonita) the quieter and more private the experience becomes.

DO NOT ATTEMPT to visit Ft. Myers Beach during spring break. When I lived there, it once took me three hours to get off the island!!!!

Visiting both can be a good way to split a vacation. If you do choose to stay on Ft. Myers beach try Estero Pointe Resort. It is unbelievably lovely and can afford breathtaking views of the beach, water, sunset.

 

[browneyes]

No, never been to either. Would like to go to both. You gonna take me to one of them, MJ? I'll bring my own goggles, I promise.