Last Updated on September 29, 2022
9/29/22 – OUR HEARTS ARE WITH THE PEOPLE OF SANIBEL & CAPTIVA (Hurricane Ian)
I consider this trip to Sanibel, Captiva, and Cayo Costa a five-star Authentic Florida getaway. It has it all: Accommodations, the “Ding” Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge, and great food.
Island Inn
We stayed at the Island Inn situated on ten acres of beachfront. The buildings are old Florida, the grounds are spacious and very reasonable. Rooms and cottages are available. We stayed at the Kimball Lodge, one of the buildings at the Inn. Accommodations include a continental breakfast.
The property was renovated after Hurricane Charley in 2004 – but all the buildings have an “Old Florida” feel. They even have photo albums that chronicle the 100+ year history of the Inn. Fascinating shell displays are featured throughout the Inn.
And of course, don’t miss the sunsets.
Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve
Considered one of the top ten best nature preserves in the country, The Ding Darling is a gem. Wildlife everywhere – birds galore and lots of bird watchers around to tell you one species from another.
We also kayaked the Commodore Creek Trail, a navigable circular creek that is a leisure “float” with the current, barely paddling. It was “Zen-like” and very relaxing. the trip took us two hours in unspoiled mangroves with wildlife and birds. It’s a photographer’s paradise.
There is a tram tour or you can drive or take a bike through the Preserve. You could spend days there if you wanted to really see it all. If you drive, you’ll miss a lot. Be sure to stop at the Education Center first situated near the park entrance. Wildlife Drive in the Darling Refuge is 4 miles, 8 miles round trip. This is a good morning trip with tidal mudflats and mangrove forests. You will see roseate spoonbills, white ibis, blue herons, egrets, pelicans, and a wide assortment of birds…what could be better?
Note: Due to COVID-19, face masks are required in all federal buildings and on all federal lands.
Bowman’s Beach
Wide expansive beach. Natural beach vegetation everywhere. This beach was devastated by Hurricane Charley and has been beautifully restored. Terrific walkway, good bathrooms, and nice educational displays.
Eats
For me, the true test of a good seafood restaurant is a fresh grouper sandwich. So, that’s why we decided to dine twice at the Lazy Flamingo restaurant. Delicious food and this authentic eatery gave me an instant “deja vu” of childhood memories. Wonderful sea mementos on the wall. (I felt like I was in a SpongeBob Square Pants cartoon.) Chairs have nameplates designating regulars who frequent often.
Also, you might try Doc Ford’s Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille. My husband had fish tacos, I had the Original Lime Panko Crusted Fish Sandwich. Both of us were amazed with the flavors of the sauces, the freshness of the fish, the homemade coleslaw, and the black beans and rice. Scrumptious.
Boat Trip to Cayo Costa State Park
Located on Captiva Island, Captiva Cruises offers day boat trips. We took the Cayo Costa morning trip. After a pleasant boat ride, we were dropped off on the island and headed to the west side which was an untouched wide open beach. My husband fished and I shelled. Spectacular osprey nests, incredible photography, lots of driftwood, old trees ravaged by storms and weather. Bring your cheeseburger: the island is heavenly. Shells are plentiful.
Note: Due to COVID-19, The beach at Cayo Costa State Park is open. Tram capacities and availability may be limited. The campground and cabins are open, and the camp store is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The visitor center is currently closed.
At Captiva Cruises, face masks are required for guests and crew while onboard all vessels and inside the gift shop.
The Bailey-Mathews Shell Museum
Note: Due to COVID-19, All staff members and all visitors at The Bailey-Mathews Shell Museum (except those under the age of 6) are required to wear a mask or face covering while inside the Museum.
The Shell Museum contains displays of local shells from Southwest Florida coupled with fascinating shells from around the world. Also, there is an interesting historical display of the local Calusa (considered “the shell”) Indians. The museum also hosts sample workshops on Basic Shelling, Walking the Beach with Experts, and Mollusks. The museum is well worth the trip. You can cover it in less than an hour.
Like I said, the perfect weekend visiting Sanibel, Captiva, and the Cayo Costa Islands.