Sanibel Island Florida

[!@#$%]

Completely OFF the usual subject.

I know theres a LOT of FL people here. Were planning to skip WDW next trip and do Sanibel Island FL in Feb next year. If youve been there: Any advise? Whatcha think? Anything you GOTTA DO? Any tips on how to make it compare to WDW, if thats possible. (for the kids) Were letting our passes expire, and plan to take a break from the world for about 2-3 years. 7 trips in 2 years was fun, but exhausting. Besides, I havent seen the beach in a few years. Anywhere you SHOULDNT stay? If you dont know where Sanibel Island is, look it up. I just want advise from people whove been there in the past few years or who frequent the area. Also, what about the surrounding beaches?
Any friendly input appreciated.

 

[lillygator]

We just went to Sanibel Island last month for a weekend getaway....nothing will make it comparable to WDW - it is a beachy and relaxed atmosphere.

We went to the Ding Darling Mueseum and Wildlife Refuge - which is like a 5 mile drive I think...it was rainy that day (this was when Katrina was coming over Florida - that weekend) we saw manatees, lots of birds, no gators and some other wildlife.

We went to the lighthouse for shelling - they had some great shells...as that is one of the main things Sanibel is known for. We ate one night at Dolce Vita - awesome food and they had a band on the weekend....pretty nice dress attire and on the higher side price wise. We also ate at the Sanibel Steak House...good food WAY overpriced. And Jerry's Foods is an awesome grocery store which has a diner attached. I have the tourist books if there is anything specific you would like to know about.

 

[4theloveofdisney]

I know you asked about Sanibel but just thought I would share this: We were on Captiva - Sea Pines Resort I believe. We liked staying there because they had lots of planned activities. It was very resort like yet spread out and relaxing and beautiful. There are some very good restaurants along the route in but not much once inside the resort. I don't think it will compare to Disney - it's totally laid back and completely relaxing - lol! The closest thing to a ride is a waverunner or the trolley that comes around to take you from one place to another on the resort.

Please note that we stayed there before all the hurricanes!!

HTH!

 

[4theloveofdisney]

P.S. Are you going Sept. 4th? If so be warned - it's VERY hot. It was the end of August when we went and the beach was so hot we couldn't take it for long. Even the water was warm.

 

[!@#$%]

No, that needs to be updated. Sept 4th was our recent trip to the Mouse world. I know it wont compare, but we wanted a change of pace. Slower, more relaxing, free souvenirs! Were mainly going for the fun of shelling and the shells themselves. I appreciate all the info!
The main point is, with 2 children; one hyper and Autistic, and the other EXTREMELY hyper and 3 years old and SISTER of an autistic brother, whos a live wire, well.... you get the point. We have the most obnoxious children you'll ever meet because my daughter learns everything (including how to fight) from her older Autistic brother. Fighting with (I should say... trying to control) them is a job for 4 people, and theres of course, only 2 of us. Add a week of walking, a week of chasing them, trying to keep the escape artist in her stroller, and you have a VERY tiring vacation! Were hoping the beach will be easier on us, and plan to go back to the world in about 2 years when hopefully they will both be calmer and more mature.

 

[lillygator]

August seems to really be the hottest that we have experienced...when are you thinking of going? You'll still see a lot of downed trees and some damage....and the beach is a nice beach but really I am spoiled....Siesta Key where we live is awesome!!

 

[!@#$%]

Were planning for February, starting our planning early. Were one of those couples where were planning the next vacation on the way home!

 

[lillygator]

Oh I do the same thing.....hmm....it's chilly in Feb - but you are probably used to the cold ~ I am a native!

 

[pixiepower1971]

I love Sanibel and so do my kids but it is a half day trip for us! I would not do a vacation in Feb there with kids. Not much for them to do and can still be down right chilly...no swimming in the Gulf...only heated pools at resort.

Walking the beach gets old for the kids.

That being said , Fort Myers has a hands on science museum, the Imaginarium. Cape Coral has a waterpark but it won't be open in Feb.:-(
Naples has an AWESOME zoo. But not much in Sanibel other then beach and shopping.

Ding Darling is a fun place to go, I agree. Oh, there is a manatee park as well in the area. Can't remember what time of the year the manatees are there? Any one else know?

 

[!@#$%]

Im a man. Shopping sucks. My wife might disagree, but Id rather chew on aluminum foil than shop! (I have 4 fillings too!)
The website said there was dolphin cruises, nature walks and trails, bicycling, etc. They painted a really good picture. I plan to do the surrounding beaches while there. Captiva sounds cool. Maybe even Tampa. (I know its a good drive) The wife has relatives there. Course they are on HER side of the family, and that side of the family..............., but the ones in Tampa are pretty cool. A lil on the strange side (I think they like herb too much!) but they're a trip to be around. Might be fun.
I plan to check out that area that has the venician pool... cant remember the name of it. Maybe even stroll down to Vice City. After all, Im a gamer, and thats my favorite game!!! Who knows.

 

[swilshire]

I planned a trip last June/July with one week on Sanibel and the following week at WDW. My two teens had no interest in the beach, so they flew down for the second week only. In hindsight, I wish I had reversed the trips and done the busy part first followed by the relaxing part.

We enjoyed eating at the Island Cow. A friend was there recently and also enjoyed it. Good food in large portions at a reasonable price. Expect to get a doggie bag unless you share.

We mostly spent time on the beach, but also enjoyed a bit of shopping, including a couple of visits to a thrift shop sponsored by one of the churches. Lots of neat stuff including a couple of Caribbean Beach Resort mugs for 25 or 50 cents each.

Most of the beaches charge for parking, so stay within walking distance of one if you can.

Sheila

 

[!@#$%]

AAAH, that brings me to a definate question. We had a trip booked to Sanibel and cancelled it to do WDW with my extended family. While booking and looking into the trip, I was told that you are charged $2.00 per hour JUST FOR THE PRIVELEGE of being on the beach. When I asked the lady at the resort if that $2.00 per hour was for parking, she said NO, it was just for being there. Just for the privelege of walking on the beach. You get charged if you go to the beach. (I invisioned rent a cops walking around asking for money.) I asked if I stayed at a resort if I could access the beach from the walkway for free, she said NO, no way around the beach fee. Is that for real? Or was this lady experiencing miscommunication or is that true? Ive paid to park, but NEVER just to walk my 2 feet onto Gods beach. Cant imagine such.

 

[MazdaUK]

Kevin Stringer has a couple of trip reports - one from Sanibel one from Captiva. Look on the UK trip reports forum, go to the index at the top and check out the "very british trip reports" for 2004 and 2003 - our fantastic index makes it easy to find whole reports!

I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any questions after the show....er...when you've read them. They are VERY funny so make sure you're not observed laughing at your computer

 

[swilshire]

AAAH, that brings me to a definate question. We had a trip booked to Sanibel and cancelled it to do WDW with my extended family. While booking and looking into the trip, I was told that you are charged $2.00 per hour JUST FOR THE PRIVELEGE of being on the beach. When I asked the lady at the resort if that $2.00 per hour was for parking, she said NO, it was just for being there. Just for the privelege of walking on the beach. You get charged if you go to the beach. (I invisioned rent a cops walking around asking for money.) I asked if I stayed at a resort if I could access the beach from the walkway for free, she said NO, no way around the beach fee. Is that for real? Or was this lady experiencing miscommunication or is that true? Ive paid to park, but NEVER just to walk my 2 feet onto Gods beach. Cant imagine such.

Parking might run $2 an hour, but the beaches are the typical public beaches. I do recall that the parking meters take credit cards.

Sheila

 

[lillygator]

it is $2 an hour and they do take credit cards.

 

[!@#$%]

If your staying at a resort on Sanibel and you leave your car parked in the resort's parking lot, and walk to the beach is it still $2.00 per hour?

 

[jbthi]

There is no beach charge period.

IF you park at a public beach there is a charge. Most resorts you stay at are on the beach or a very short walk. There is no need to drive to a beach and pay to park. I would never want to be a daytripper and park at the beach. It is usually very crowded and is very ill advised to leave anything in the car or trunk. Thieves like to hang out there where tourists are parked.

 

[mamaminnie]

As a Mom of an Asperger's DS I understand your questions. Sanibel is a very quiet, relaxing vacation, not much to do but beach stuff--and in Feb it may be way to chilly for much of that.

That said, try the "Tween Waters Inn, great hotel and if you go , eat at the Bubble Room and don't skip dessert. We also like the Mucky Duck.

 

[Libby McMillan]

I'd like to clear up a few things. Sanibel Island is a national treasure and kids love it! It is famous for having the most seashells in all of North America. Every day on the beach is a Treasure Hunt, for kids and adults alike. Add to that (normally) warm water, a safe environment, dolphins in plain view, wildlife everywhere, 17 miles of bike paths, casual dress, rec programs at the resorts, watersports, boat cruises, sunsets, kayaking, fishing, pools, great food..........families have been returning to Sanibel for generation after generation. Kids who grew up going there bring their own grandchildren now. I haven't met a kid who doesn't love it.

As for beach parking, that only applies to day trippers! All condos and hotel guests have total access to miles and miles of seashell-filled beach, so rent yourself a play to stay and come relax!

To see what other people think of Sanibel (how they rave about it, and dream of getting back there) visit forum.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com and you'll never look back. For your Disney fix, rent a DVD..........that is, if you can coerce your kids off the beach!

February is crowded (high season) after President's Day Weekend (Valentine's Day) but the weather will be gorgeous. Book early!

Libby McMillan
Sanibel Island

 

[Bob P]

Libby,

Great post! I'm a regular reader of your San/Cap forums. Glad you made it over here to this one!

I'd like to second what Libby said.

We've been going to Sanibel and Captiva since our kids were 8 and 5. They are now 18 and 15. We renewed our wedding vows in 200 at Song of the Sea. Our last trip was scheduled for August 21, 2004, just 8 days after Charley hit. Unfortunately we had to cancel (we went to WDW instead) and have not been back since. But our kids still ask us when we can go back. I don't know what the answer is due to all of our schedules being so wacky, but I an assure you that not a day goes by when I don't wish I were sitting on the beach looking out at the Gulf from one of those two islands.

Bob