Sanibel Florida is Enchanting

Settled in 1884 and incorporated in 1974, Sanibel may be part of the Cape Coral. Fort Myers Metropolitan Statistical Area, but it maintains its small stature. With an estimated 2012 population of only 6,741, it has managed to become a very popular tourist destination as the city legally incorporates the whole island although more than half the island is made up of wildlife refuges.

Sanibel Florida is a barrier island, meaning it protects the mainland from ocean waves and is an excellent habitat for lots of wildlife.

Sanibel Island is a “barrier island” that means that it provides a barrier to protect the mainland against ocean waves and winds including hurricanes. A barrier island normally consists of a wide sandy beach, an area of sand dunes, and a wetland area that lies between the island and the mainland. Because it is excellent for feeding, mating, and nesting areas for birds, fish, and shellfish such as clams, crabs and oysters, it has also meant that Sanibel Island is well known for a great deal of seashell collecting.

Sanibel Island was voted the seventh best Florida attraction by USA Today’s Reader’s Choice. Sanibel itself is a thriving city and boasts a number of outstanding landmarks including the following:

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

See how Sanibel came to be by stepping back in time and visiting the charming and quaint recreated structures in landscaped gardens to see how the European settlers lived in “Old Florida” many years ago. Tour guides roam the grounds to answer questions and share information and give guided tours at certain times.

You can begin with a 15-minute background film that features Sam Bailey, the remaining member of the early pioneer family. Then explore the fascinating restored homes full of furniture, dishes, photographs, pictures, maps, and accessories. See how the European settlers lived on the island many years ago. Also visit the 1927 Old Bailey General Store with very old farm tools, foodstuffs, medicines, cleaning supplies, bolts of cloth, old toys and games, and essential provisions.

The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater

This first class live community theater has a thrust stage, which means that every comfortable seat is a great one. The players, sets, staging, costuming and acoustics are all fantastic. The shows provide an off-Broadway experience that rivals any major metropolitan theater. Top that with children’s tickets usually costing only $5.00!

Several top-notch plays are performed every season, and each one is filled with unbelievable enthusiasm by the talented actors. This theater is a real “gem” and adds much to the life of Sanibel.

For more information about Sanibel and surrounding areas, please visit our website or contact us.