Ocean views, swaying palms, and beautiful white-sand beaches sprinkled with shells draw visitors irresistibly to Sanibel Island in southwest Florida. Reached by a causeway from the mainland at Punta Rassa, and just 15 miles long, Sanibel is a picture-perfect vacation destination. Bike to Lighthouse Beach Park, hunt for shells on the pristine sands, or stroll along the boardwalk that meanders through the coastal marshes to spot local wildlife. Sanibel vacation rentals range from beachfront condos to beautiful, traditional stilt homes – perfect for dolphin or manatee spotting by day and enjoying the sunsets creep, pink and gold, over the water come dusk.
After a fun morning collecting shells on the beach, why not head to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to compare treasures? Its collection includes many different types of shells and fossils, as well as showcasing how Sanibel’s original inhabitants, the Calusa people, used the shells. You can discover more of Sanibel’s history at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. The historic buildings include a traditional cracker house and tell the story of the Calusa and Spanish pioneer families who settled on the island.
Sanibel Island is perfect for biking: there are many miles of trails so it’s easy to explore Sanibel town on 2 wheels or to bike around the island’s beaches. Or why not explore on a Segway tour? Sanibel is famous for shell hunting, with the shells themselves washing ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re staying at your Sanibel vacation rental with kids, wandering along the sweeps of sparkling sand hunting for shells is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The beaches are also known for sport fishing. Alternatively, head to the causeway beaches to enjoy watersports including canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, kite boarding, or jet skiing.
You can enjoy a pleasant stay at a Sanibel vacation rental whatever the season. Sanibel Island enjoys a typical southern Florida subtropical climate, which means that, even in the depths of winter, temperatures in the 70s are not uncommon. This makes the island a popular winter sun destination. In the summer, high temperatures can reach into the 90s. That said, the summer heat is cooled by a welcome fresh ocean sea breeze that rolls in from the Gulf of Mexico across the island.
More than half of Sanibel Island is covered by the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a wonderful wild preserve of mangrove forests, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches. It’s home to a great variety of birds and other wildlife, including crocodiles and Florida’s famous residents, endangered giant manatees. As well as wildlife spotting and birdwatching, the refuge offers opportunities to explore by kayak. Its serene, mangrove-lined kayaking trails offer a peaceful way to pass an afternoon. For a longer trek, the Great Calusa Blueway offers a 190-mile-long canoe and kayak trail which can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
The beaches of Sanibel are one of its biggest draws. Vacation homes are available near places like Sanibel Island, an inhabited island with white-sand beaches and tranquil waters, and Bowman’s Beach, a popular beach with seashells for beachcombing and calm waters for swimming. You'll also like Lighthouse Beach Park, a scenic bayfront park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
The nearest airport is in Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW), located 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Charlotte County Airport (PGD), which is 32.3 mi (52 km) away.
Kids will love the unique attractions in Sanibel. Vacation rentals are close to places like Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, a facility with a nature and garden center with educational programs, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, a wildlife rescue facility with exhibits and demonstrations for education. Kids will also like Everglades Day Safari, a safari tour of cypress forests and fresh and saltwater swamps to glimpse native wildlife.
Whatever you're seeking in a vacation, you'll find a rental in or around Sanibel that's perfect for you. These are some of our favorites:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Sanibel vacation rental for you.
Punching above its weight when it comes to charm and character, a tiny house vacation rental in Sanibel offers a front-row seat to big adventure. Power down your tech and turn your focus to Mother Nature at one of these fun-sized escapes:
Nothing's better than a brief break to make you feel alive again. Pack your carry-on bag and catch your breath at one of these enticing weekend getaways in and near Sanibel:
Typically compact, affordable and conveniently located, it's hard not to be charmed by a studio apartment. Make yourself comfortable in one of these vacation rentals and discover the culture of Sanibel up close:
There are many attractions around Sanibel to add to your itinerary. Satisfy your inner culture lover with a visit to Florida Repertory Theater and Alliance for the Arts.
Just because you only have a day or two free doesn't mean you need to spend it in a lifeless hotel. Get away but still have the comforts of home at one of these short-term rentals in or around Sanibel:
Whether spent in a cottage, a cabin or a condo, a romantic weekend getaway is a fantastic way to add some zing to your relationship. Whisk your sweetheart off for a couple of leisurely days at one of these popular escapes in or near Sanibel:
You'll find some lavish mansions for rent in and near Sanibel. If you're in search of somewhere spacious with loads of wow factor, these architectural stunners will tick all your boxes:
Take a look at these large group vacation rentals in or near Sanibel and forget about leaving anyone off your guest list:
A pool is often a must-have amenity when deciding where to spend your vacation, especially if you've got kids in tow. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Sanibel and fill your days with frolicking and fun:
Sanibel has a tropical savanna climate, with average summertime temperatures ranging between 80 ºF and 90 ºF. But there's no need to wait until summer to visit. Take a look at the search bar at the top of the page and adjust the filters to find the perfect Sanibel vacation rental and plan your escape for whenever you like.
It's always more fun when you share wonderful times with the ones that are closest to your heart. Whether you're planning a family catch-up or catching up with your best friends, Vrbo has a large vacation rental that's right for you. These are two of our best in and around Sanibel:
If you'd like to do some sightseeing, there are loads of family-friendly attractions nearby to stick on your itinerary. Sun Splash Water Park, Fishing Pier Fort Myers Beach and Jungle Golf Ft. Myers are fine places to start.