{"id":34707,"date":"2013-01-24T17:00:52","date_gmt":"2013-01-24T21:00:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=34707"},"modified":"2025-09-01T22:21:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T02:21:38","slug":"things-to-do-in-sanibel-florida","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/34707\/things-to-do-in-sanibel-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"oM Way Off: Things to Do in Sanibel, Florida"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you think Florida is all early bird dinner specials, strip malls and children waiting on line to hug a black-eared mouse, you\u2019ve never been to Sanibel.<\/p>\n

The spirit here is authentic Old Florida, recalling the days of laid-back beach tourism. Locals have worked hard to keep Sanibel pristine and unspoiled, with nearly 70% of its land set aside as conservation area. There are no big-box stores, no fast food outlets and no high-rise condos. In a world defined by bigger is better, Sanibel permits no structure higher than a palm tree.<\/p>\n

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Getting Around Sanibel <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sea Shells<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is a prominent rest stop along a major bird-migration route and hundreds of species have been spotted here. The Wildlife Drive is a bikeable one-way loop that offers supreme animal viewings. You can also cover the loop by riding the guided open-air tram that leaves from the education center parking lot. Closed Fridays.<\/p>\n


\nGet Friendly with Sea Life<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Spend the Day on a Desert Island<\/b><\/p>\n

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Wildlife Healing in Action<\/b><\/p>\n

The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, widely known as C.R.O.W<\/a>., is Sanibel\u2019s wildlife hospital. They compassionately care for thousands of sick and injured animals annually. The goal of these real-life Doctor Dolittles is to get the animals back to their natural habitat as quickly as possible. The Healing Winds Visitor Education Center is a must-see for those who are interested in learning how humans can best help animals. You will learn behind-the-scenes information about traditional and holistic methods of wildlife medicine. There are loads of interactive exhibits, including live video footage fed from the veterinary hospital. Children should enjoy the touch-screen \u201cBe the Vet\u201d game, where participants try their hand at patient diagnosis. If you are going to be doing any shopping, the gift shop here is the perfect place, as 100% of the profits go towards patient care at the clinic.<\/p>\n

Where to Stay<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\nWhere to Eat<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A morning meal at the Over Easy Caf\u00e9<\/a> is\u00a0de rigueur\u00a0<\/em>in Sanibel, thanks to the low prices and menu of yummy breakfast classics. Chef Melissa Talmage trained in Manhattan at the French Culinary Institute, then kitchen hopped from places like Union Square Cafe to Commander’s Palace in New Orleans before opening Sweet Melissa’s Cafe<\/a>, a 20-minute bike ride from the West Wind Inn. For delicious, innovative cuisine in a more upscale environment, this is the best spot on the island.<\/p>\n

How to get there<\/strong><\/p>\n

Southwest Florida International Airport <\/a>is easy to navigate. It is served by many airlines, including Delta and Jetblue non-stop from LaGuardia. Roundtrip flights for February from $215. Sanibel Limo<\/a> and Sanibel Taxi<\/a> are reliable airport-to-Sanibel taxi services that must be booked in advance. The cost is approximately $60. For more information on vacationing in Sanibel, visit The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel<\/a> website. Visit carbonfund.org<\/a> to offset your roundtrip flight for $4.<\/p>\n

For more Way Off adventures without a car, visit offMetro World<\/a><\/p>\n