Very low key beach resort off of the Gulf Coast near Fort Myers. It definitely isn't Miami Beach! The pace in Sanibel is definitely a lot slower than on some other resorts in FLA. They have very tight zoning regulations here, so you don't see a lot of big highrises; nothing higher than 4 stories. They also keep a tight lid on new business development. You see a lot of local stores around, very few national chains are present there. Outside of Captive Island Plantation, there are no large resorts here. Most are small locally operated proprietorships that have been in business for a long time. Not a whole lot of new hotels in the area. Restaurant options are relatively limited, and the best options are overpriced and lacking in quality. Tourist food in other words.

Beaches here are good, but not the best on the Gulf Coast. You don't see the soft, white powdery sand here like in Longboat Key or Clearwater/St. Pete, which I regard as some of the best beaches on the Gulf Coast. If you like seashelling, this is your spot. Beaches are good, but not the best.

Lots of families come in the summer, and older retirees show up after November. This is a resort for those looking for a quiet trip. If you're looking for a more active vacation, go to Miami or elsewhere in the state.

I live on Marco Island... A paradise for many... But I love to escape to Sanibel...
The drive alone is ladened with anticipation.
I have no need to spend the night but perhaps I will soon enough.
Plenty of quaint picturesque places to spend the night.
The beaches are all that ... sugary and depending when you comb the beaches... accounting for tides to storm activity... they have the best shelling!
This is a place that everyone should say that they visited along with a statement that they have returned as well!~
Jeff~

This island was discovered by trendy families with to much dough to blow way too long ago and it shows...If it's quiet and not 300$ a room, it's cause it's summer and nobody in their right minds would be out sweatin' like a pig for fun. The beach nearly has more seashells than what they carry at the "She sells seashells by the seashore" store... I heard a fisherman tell me he had caught and reeled in a 5 foot shark from the beach so don't swim with chum around you...Oh , I almost forgot...they've also got plenty of ugly lil' malls filled with tourist traps or bad, overpriced restaurants.

Too many yankees.

I went during the off season (September) and just loved it! Without the crowds it was very peaceful and I can't wait to go back again.

Wow, I am surprised how far down on the list Sanibel Island is. I remember visiting my grandparents during their stay in Florida and Sanibel Island was an exciting day trip. The beach itself was beautiful, clean and perfect for finding shells. The town is charming and unique..reasonable yet accomodating to tourists and locals alike. Unique shops and eateries make Sanibel a pleasant and relaxing day trip.

The gulf side has a different vibe than the ocean side of FLA. The sand is different, the water is different, there are shells everywhere, and it is just PEACEFUL.