12 May 2015
Island hopping along The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Find your island by land or water!
LEE COUNTY, FL -- If a tropical vacation is calling out to you, leave all of your cares (and phone) at home and pack up your
T-shirts and flip flops and head to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.
In Jimmy Buffett style, spend days doing absolutely nothing or exploring many of our award-winning islands. The Florida of days long past, with unspoiled white-sand beaches, exotic wildlife and lush subtropical foliage, is still found here. It is the perfect oasis where visitors can “get away from it all” and still be close to modern amenities. Many of the area's 100 coastal islands are uninhabited mangrove clusters while others take visitors' breath away with their beautiful beaches. From shelling to kayaking to beautiful sunsets, visitors come to this destination and find out what matters most.
Save the date for this island hopping experience!
Don't miss the 2nd Annual Island Hopper Songwriter Fest, whichkicks off Sept. 17-20 on Captiva Island and wraps up Sept. 25-27 on Fort Myers Beach. The 2015 free festivalreturns for 10 consecutive days on the area's most beautiful barrier islands with a range of star-studded performers. Songwriters who have penned No. 1 hits for such artists as Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley and Lee Ann Womack, will perform at multiple venues. Some of those venues include 'Tween Water's Crow's Nest, Key Lime Bistro and Doc Ford's at South Seas Island Resort on Captiva; as well as Nervous Nellie's, The Beached Whale and Matanzas on the Bay on Fort Myers Beach. New to the festival: historic downtown Fort Myers will feature mid-week performances. The event is presented by The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, BMI, the largest music rights organization in the U.S., along with partners iHeartRadio, and Cat Country 107.1. Watch for details: www.islandhopperfest.com.
So many islands...how do you choose yours?
There's just something about an island that spins romantic notions of independence, isolation, and escape. Whether it's for a daytrip, vacation, or rest-of-your-life commitment, getting out to an island is the ultimate experience at The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel! So, check out these suggestions and for more, visit www.FortMyers-Sanibel.com.
Roughing it: If you're pining for the scent of campfires and the embrace of a sleeping bag, head to Cayo Costa, all-natural and untethered to the mainland. Marinas on Pine Island and Captiva Island can provide water taxi service. Call far enough in advance and you may be able to reserve a cabin, which isn't all that much more luxurious than tenting – meaning both options are primitive. You'll have to pack everything you need in and out. Restrooms and cold showers are the only conveniences provided by the state park.
Plushing it: Captiva Island has some of the plushest accommodations the other side of the Intracoastal Waterway, so if you're looking to do nothing but laze on the beach, maybe do a round of golf or a little yachting, reserve your room and luxuriate. Go ahead; get a massage while you're at it.
Going rural: Fruit and tree farms, no stop lights, miles of countryside, even a cattle farm – Pine Island feels like you've traveled inland rather than out-island. Long and roomy, it offers visitors lots of fresh seafood and unique shops and art galleries.
Bare footing: If your idea of a getaway involves going shoeless the entire time, Fort Myers Beach has the perfect dress code for you. Okay, you may have to slip into some flip-flops from time to time, but the fine white sand and casual attitude give you permission to dig your toes in the sand and make a barefoot fashion statement.
Shopping, sipping, supping: Historic charm, cute shops and great restaurants are the formula that draws travelers off the main roads to Gasparilla Island, home of the sophisticated little beach town of Boca Grande. Browse shops, have lunch, and buy ice cream in historic venues such as a railroad depot and movie theater. Spend the night in the grande dame Gasparilla Inn, circa 1913, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014 and has had hosted luminaries and presidents. The Wall Street Journal called Gasparilla Inn the preppiest place on Earth.
Family biking on Sanibel Island: The City of Sanibel has more than 25 miles of paved Shared Use Paths and 8 miles of natural surface paths. Most of the path is separated from roadway by vegetation, making it a safe trail for families to pedal along. It runs the length of the island – from beaches and nature attractions to shops and restaurants. In 2014, the League of American Bicyclists recognized the City of Sanibel with a “Silver” Bicycle Friendly Community (BFBSM) award making it one of the safest trails in Florida.
Now that we have enticed you, check out the following tips for your island hopping experience, whether you decide to travel by land or by water!
Island hopping by land!
Few destinations have such an abundance of sandy beach coastline, much of it undisturbed by modern intrusions. With a subtropical climate, a 590-mile shoreline and the warm waters of the Gulf, this area has all the components for a fantasy island vacation. Each island has a character of its own and makes for an island hopping vacation that includes sunsets, shelling, great dining and picnicking, water sports, boating, biking and exploring. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel continue to be popular destinations for those longing for sunshine and shells.
The Weather Channel ranked Fort Myers in January 2015 as its top five winter escapes. http://stories.weather.com/bestwinterescapes
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel ranked in the top 10 most popular winter destinations for 2014-2015. The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) placed Fort Myers on the list, which it shares with major cities including Las Vegas, New York City and Los Angeles. www.asta.org/files/pdf/ASTAWinterHotSpots1.pdf
The best-known islands are Sanibel and Captiva, connected to the mainland by an alluring three-mile-long causeway.
Sanibel Island
Cross the magical Sanibel Causeway and all worries vanish! Sanibel is known worldwide for its incredible shelling and the associated posture referred to as the “Sanibel Stoop.” Some shellers attach flashlights to their heads in an effort to find the perfect shell – day or night. More than 400 varieties of shells wash up on the shores. For most visitors, however, shelling is merely a delightful excuse to enjoy hours of sun along some of the best shoreline in North America.
U.S. News & World Report ranked Sanibel Island #4 for best family beach vacations. Sanibel rose to the top in 2015 above Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Head, Honolulu, and U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. News & World Report considered factors like safe waters, kid-friendly attractions and dining, spacious accommodations, multi-generational appeal and overall accessibility. http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Family_Beach_Vacations_in_the_USA/
Sanibel Island was named one of the five top Florida beaches by Outsideonline.com in 2014. Writing that “beaches on this Gulf Coast island are the real versions of those you daydream about: white sand, turquoise waters, palm trees swaying in the breeze, a lone beach chair beckoning from the shore.” Read the entire article by Ashley M. Biggers here.
Coastal Living readers voted Sanibel Island one of the top three “happiest seaside towns” in America for 2013. The magazine's editors unveiled their list of the 10 “Happiest Seaside Towns” in the February 2013 issue after they invited America to vote for their favorite. coastalliving.com/happytowns2013.
The island's main thoroughfare, Periwinkle Way, is picturesque and lush with foliage. Unique shops and restaurants dot the road from the Sanibel Lighthouse to Tarpon Bay Road, making it difficult to complete the distance without a half-dozen sight-seeking stops at boutiques and art galleries. What you will not find: Buildings taller “than the tallest palm tree.”
Don't miss: The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the United States' most visited wildlife refuges. Its inhabitants include numerous native birds, raccoons, otter, alligator, and other wildlife. The more than 6,400-acre refuge features delightful footpaths, winding canoe trails, and a four-mile scenic drive, all of which are lush with native plants. USA Today has named “Ding” Darling as the top birdwatching destination in North America. Both Paddler and Canoe & Kayak magazines have rated Sanibel and Captiva islands as among the Top-10 kayaking locations in North America. After the beaches, “Ding” Darling is the second most popular natural attraction in the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area. Visit www.fws.gov/dingdarling or call 239-472-1100.
Also: Walk the boardwalk at Sanibel Lighthouse, bike along Periwinkle Way, visit Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, shop at the original Chico's store in Periwinkle Place, buy a special shell at She-Sells-Sea-Shells, attend a play at the Schoolhouse Theater or tour Sanibel Historical Village and Museum.
Captiva Island
The main attraction on Captiva: none. And that is the attraction! Many people wile away the hours in one outdoor endeavor or another. The natural beauty of the island is the draw. It was here that Anne Morrow Lindbergh, wife of the famous aviator, wrote her best-selling book, “Gift from the Sea.” More remote than Sanibel, the island offers a laid back pace, several great restaurants, sunset views and beautiful beaches.
From here, you can go anywhere!
Captiva Cruises offers island adventures including sunset, wildlife, shelling, and island cruises to Cayo Costa, Useppa, Cabbage Key and Boca Grande as well as private charters. Open daily, Captiva Cruises is located at McCarthy's Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, and South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. For more information call 239-472-5300 or visit www.captivacruises.com.
USA Today has named Captiva Island one of 10 Most Romantic Coastal Destinations. The article says: “Sunsets are spectator sports on Captiva Island, when, like clockwork, locals drag their folding chairs down to the fine-sand beaches to sip wine and nibble snacks as Apollo slips below the horizon. A 'Floribbean' vibe has permeated every corner of this Gulf Coast spit of sand (barely five miles long and a half-mile wide), from its bright-white beaches — some of the best anywhere for shell collecting — to the relaxed shops and restaurants in the village.”
Coastal Living magazine named Captiva Island one of its 2014 Happiest Seaside Towns. The magazine says: "The slender barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico west of FortMyers has pale, powdery sands graced with more than 250 types of seashells..." Read more here.
Buzzfeed.com recently listed two Lee County communities in its 11 Small Florida Towns You Need to Visit. At No.1, the list recommends Sanibel Island “for secluded and untouched beauty.” At No. 8, it lists Fort Myers “for underrated history and serene beaches.” Read more.
Don't Miss: The best sunset views at the Mucky Duck at the north end of Captiva on picturesque Andy Rosse Lane. This popular hangout with locals and visitors is never short of cold beer and fresh seafood. It has been an island sunset tradition since 1976. Visit www.muckyduck.com or 239-472-3434. Also: Dinner at the eclectic and delicious Bubble Room, shop art galleries on Andy Rosse Lane.
Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach
Estero Island, home of Fort Myers Beach, has been long recognized as one of the “world's safest beaches” because of its gently sloping shoreline. The sand is particularly soft and white, like powdered sugar. During the winter, Estero Bay is home to an extensive shrimp and fishing fleet. Visitors find every imaginable water toy, from windsurfer to catamaran and parasail. Numerous marinas operate boating and fishing charters. Local restaurants benefit from the catch, which generally includes red snapper and grouper.
Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel has included Fort Myers Beach as a finalist in their 10th annual America's Coolest Small Town contest. Fort Myers Beach is one of 15 finalists that made the list – and the only destination in Florida. They reported: “Here, everybody knows everybody and you're never more than a mile or so from the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico."
Don't miss: Lovers Key State Park, just south of Fort Myers Beach. The Travel Channel ranked this beautiful park fourth in the state of Florida. This is one of the area's most pristine parks. Walk the boardwalk over tidal lagoons to a sandy, white beach with sea oats. Hike the nature trail, paddle a lagoon, and get married under the gazebo! Visitors understand why CoastalLiving.com has listed Lovers Key among its Top 10 Romantic Retreats. Visit www.leeparks.org or call 239-463-4588. Also: Explore Mound Key Archaeological State Park, rent a kayak and paddle the estuaries around Lovers Key.
Pine Island
Step back in time on Pine Island to reminisce a period when fishing reigned as the area's largest industry. Accessible by land via "the fishingest bridge in the USA" at Matlacha [Mat-la-chay], the island is 17 miles long with Pine Island Sound on one side and an aquatic preserve on the other. Home to the Calusa Heritage Trail; the largest Indian shell mound in southwest Florida. For details contact Randell Research Center at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc or call 239-283-2062.
Don't miss: A stroll through Matlacha. This colorful Mayberry-like fishing village is filled with galleries of painters and sculptors. Visit www.PineIslandChamber.com or call 239-283-0888.
Gasparilla Island
Accessible by boat and car via a causeway, this island offers fishing, shelling and lots of family fun. The island has five beaches with Gulf access. For information visit www.floridastateparks.org or call 941-964-0375.
The island's charming turn-of-the-century harbor town, Boca Grande, was founded by the wealthy DuPont family in the late 1800s. This sleepy southern town comes with small shops, cozy restaurants, waterside accommodations and beautiful beaches. Former President George H. W. Bush, along with family members, enjoys an annual winter visit to Gasparilla Island, staying at the legendary Gasparilla Inn & Club. The Inn dates back to 1911 and is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Visit www.gasparillainn.com or call 941-964-2201.
Don't miss: The restored Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum, built in 1890. Visit www.floridastateparks.org/gasparillaisland/or call 941-964-0060. Also: visit the famous Boca Grande Railroad Depot, home to antique and gift shops, the Loose Caboose Restaurant and an ice cream parlor. The structure was the last depot for the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway.
Island hopping by boat!
With more than 100 barrier and coastal islands, there are many options to exploring the area by water. Hop on a water taxi, rent a boat, and take one of the scheduled services for the outer islands. Collect shells. Visit a museum or historic site. Have a “cheeseburger in paradise” at the Cabbage Key Inn. Swim in the pristine waters surrounding tiny North Captiva Island. Relax on a deserted beach at Cayo Costa. The options are as endless as the area's award-winning beaches.
Don't miss: Pack a picnic lunch and head for a favorite of area boaters, Picnic Island. Visible from the Sanibel causeway, this island is located at mile marker 101 off the south end of Pine Island. Camping is allowed.
Cayo Costa
If you want to be a castaway, this is your island! Cayo Costaranks as one of Boating World magazine's “Great Escapes.” The beach at Cayo Costa State Park was recently named among the world's best “hidden beaches” by Condé Nast Traveler magazine's Web site www.Concierge.com. The site described the beach on Cayo Costa island, which is accessible only by boat: “soft white sand, chill-out serenity, and nary a high-rise at the tide line.”
The state park is also popular with day visitors for its snorkeling and fishing opportunities. Heartier souls enjoy the primitive overnight camping in the 12 small cabins or 18 tent campsites. No electricity. Close to nature. Beautiful. The island is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry. For information, visit www.floridastateparks.org/cayocosta or call 941-964-0375.
Don't miss: Shelling at the south end of the island. It is worth getting up at dawn to have the first pick of sea shells!
Cabbage Key
A hidden paradise located on a unique 100-acre island reminiscent of days gone by. Built by playwright and mystery author Mary Roberts Rinehart in 1938 on a Calusa Indian shell mound 38 feet above sea level, the original inn and restaurant features the famous dollar bill bar and cheeseburgers in paradise. The restaurant walls, beams and ceilings are plastered with $1 bills, a tradition that began in 1941 when a fisherman signed and taped his last dollar to the wall. When he returned, he would have money to buy a beer. Visitors continue the custom. Accessible only by boat, the inn has guest rooms and cottages. Visit www.cabbagekey.com or call 239-283-2278. Access: Private boat, water taxi service or scheduled boat service.
Don't miss: Boaters love to stop in for a cheeseburger in paradise. Also: Explore winding nature trails with picturesque views.
No boat? No problem!
Adventures in Paradise offers daily cruises from Port Sanibel Marina and Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers. Canoe and kayak tours, shelling and sealift encounters, dolphin watch cruises and sunset champagne cruises. For details visit www.adventureinparadiseinc.com or call 239-472-8443.
Tropic Star of Pine Island offers regular scheduled boat service from Pine Island to Cayo Costa State Park. Sightseeing cruises include eco heritage and nature cruises, Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa nature cruises, overnight camping trips to Cayo Costa and a Calusa heritage and mound tour. Visit www.tropicstarcruises.com or call 239-283-0015.
For visitors who want to explore on their own, area marinas offer private boat rentals with or without guides. Details.
Island hop along the Great Calusa Blueway
Kayaking the barrier islands is a very popular way to see the area and its wildlife. The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail has launch sites and landings around the 190-mile marked trail, as well as easy access to rental kayaks and canoes. One of southwest Florida's most acclaimed nature-based attractions, the Blueway and the Fort Myers/Sanibel Island area have been recognized as one of the best kayaking destinations in North America by both Paddler and Canoe & Kayak magazines. The trail itself has garnered National Recreation Trail designation and is part of the evolving Florida Circumnavigational Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Put-in sites are designated along the trail, as are other amenities such as campsites, restaurants, marinas and cultural and historic sites of the ancient Calusa Indians, for whom the trail is named. The Caloosahatchee leg offers a lush, green, Old-Florida dimension to the Blueway, complete with moss-draped oaks along shores dotted with expansive preserve land. On the trail, novice to experienced paddlers can get up close with outstanding flora and fauna while exploring back bays, aquatic preserves, wildlife refuges, creeks, bayous, rivers, and mangrove forests. Many of the trails follow the course charted some 2,000 years ago by the area's earliest residents, the Calusa Indians. For maps, kayak rental information and accommodations along the Blueway, visit www.calusablueway.com.
For more information on island hopping or planning a vacation to The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, visit www.FortMyersSanibel.com. Be sure to check out the latest special rates at http://www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/see-do-deals/
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Editors' Note: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel include: Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & outer islands, North Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres. Images available upon request.
