Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shaped like a fish hook trying to lure Fort Myers, these two slivers of barrier island lie
across a 2-mile causeway (toll $6). Upscale but unpretentious, with a carefully managed
shoreline that feels remarkably lush and undeveloped, the islands are idyllic, cushy get-
aways, where bikes are the preferred mode of travel, the shelling is legendary and ro-
mantic meals are a reservation away. The
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Com-
merce
(
239-472-1080;
www.sanibel-captiva.org
; 1159 Causeway Rd, Sanibel;
9am-5pm;
)
is one of the most helpful visitors centers around and can help with accommodations.
In addition to its fabulous beaches, Sanibel's 6300-acre
JN 'Ding' Darling National
Wildlife Refuge
( 239-472-1100;
www.fws.gov/dingdarling
;
1 Wildlife Drive; per car/cyclist $5/
1; Wildlife Drive from 7am, closed Fri, visitor center 9am-5pm)
is a splendid refuge that's
home to an abundance of seabirds and wildlife. It has an excellent nature center, a 5-mile
Wildlife Drive, narrated tram tours and easy kayaking in Tarpon Bay. For tours and boat
rentals, contact
Tarpon Bay Explorers
(
239-472-8900;
www.tarponbayexplorers.com
;
900
Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel; 8am-6pm)
.
Like a mermaid's jewel box, the
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
( 239-395-2233;
www.shellmuseum.org
; 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel; adult/child 5-16yr $9/5; 10am-5pm)
is a natural history of the sea, with covetous displays of shells worldwide. To rent bikes
or any other wheeled contrivance, visit
Billy's Rentals
( 239-472-5248;
www.billysrentals.com
; 1470 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; bikes per 2hr/day from $5/15;
8:30am-5pm)
.
Captiva Dr, Captiva; r $175-275, ste $265-390, cottages from $245; )
is a full-service
yet low-key resort with a variety of good-value lodging choices; ask for a renovated
room. In addition to a big pool, tennis courts and spa, its marina offers various kayak
rentals, guided trips and boat cruises. Or, for a more personal experience, stay in the five-
$80-219; )
, which does a nice imitation of a charming, hammock-strung B&B,
but without breakfast.
Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; mains $8-14; 7am-3pm daily; )
, a social hub where everyone
2163 Perwinkle Way; mains $8-19; 7am-10pm)
has an extensive menu and a cheery interior,
making it an easy choice any time of day. Or, for romantic gourmet,
Sweet Melissa's
Cafe
( 239-472-1956;
www.sweetmelissascafe.net
; 1625 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel; tapas $9-16,
mains $26-34;
11:30am-2:30pm Mon-Fri, from 5pm Mon-Sat)
offers creative, relaxed refine-
ment.
