The wonders of Sanibel Island

Summer School Zone writer Lily Parker shares her love of Sanibel Island, where she has spent holidays for 13 years.


  • By
  • | 11:27 a.m. July 5, 2022
  • West Orange Times & Observer
  • News
  • Share

Sanibel Island is a 33.16-mile island, but it has much to offer. There are fantastic restaurants, sandy beaches and much more. You could spend the day on one of the many beaches and splash around in the water, or relax on the sand. 

Many restaurateurs would love to have you dine with them and enjoy their tasty food or extraordinary views. A great way to add to your evening is by watching the incredible sunset on a beach, overlooking the water.

A day on the boat is not a bad idea in the oceans surrounding Sanibel. Everyone can pull up to the marina at Grandma Dot’s and eat a delicious lunch like no other. The salads and sandwiches taste like a good, old-fashioned, homemade meal. Then, you can grab a paddle board and venture off into the canals behind for a nice and relaxing afternoon.

Booking a private tour is easy at Sanibel Sea School. Tour guides can navigate you around the canals behind Grandma Dot’s, so you can experience the fish, manatees and wildlife animals that live in the waterways. Sanibel Sea School has a camp for everyone. Guides teach you about the animals in the depths of our oceans in a fun and interactive way. The camps are a great way to spend time discovering something new.

Head on down to JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and learn all about the wildlife and experience it for yourself. Drive through the reserve and see birds, alligators, fish and native plants. You can look at Sanibel through the eyes of the animals that surround you. You can walk along trails and learn more about the native people who once lived there, the tools they used and the animals they hunted.

Meet the author of the Doc Ford novels at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. This restaurant is based on the main character from a mystery novel by Randy Wayne White. You can enjoy live entertainment, lunch and dinner. 

Are you interested in reading more? Drive up to Gene’s Books to look for the perfect book to read. Find books of all genres to match your desire, to help you with a report or just a fun read to pass the time. Gene’s can help you with all your book needs with no problem.

I grew up on Sanibel Island, and my family has been going down there each and every holiday for 13 years — and counting. Sanibel Sea School has helped me learn more about the ocean. Grandma Dot’s has given me a delicious lunch, and Doc Ford’s has given me an amazing dinner. Gene’s Books has given me a wide variety of books from which to choose.

There are many things on the island of Sanibel that can keep you busy. You can learn about something new, grab some lunch or dinner, or even relax on the beach.

Sanibel Island is known for its shelling, and you may be able to find a junonia if you’re lucky. Lots of fun can be found on the island, and this article only scratches the surface.

Everything is conveniently located on Sanibel Island, and the adventures to be had can last a lifetime.

 

Latest News