Discover a selection of 111 vacation rentals in Sanibel, FL that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and private pools. Prices start at $279 per night, and houses and condos are popular options for a stay in Sanibel. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.
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Top rated rentals — Sanibel
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Destination guide

Picture-perfect Sanibel

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.

Things to do

Discover Sanibel’s history

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.

Activities

Fun in the sun on Sanibel 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.

Weather

Enjoy winter and summer sun in Sanibel

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.

Natural features

Sanibel’s natural wonders

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.

Beaches

Beach locales near Sanibel vacation rentals

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.

How to get there

Traveling to and around Sanibel

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.

Family friendly

Family fun near Sanibel vacation homes

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.

What are the top vacation rentals in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • Around 2 miles from the center of Sanibel, you'll find it hard to resist "Gulf Front Sanibel Rental Recently Renovated". It has 2 bedrooms and a range of conveniences like books and a kitchen island.
  • "5 Star, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage And Mins To Beach" also promises a memorable escape, offering 2 bedrooms, a nearby beach, nearby birdwatching activities and more. It's around 3 miles from Sanibel.

For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Sanibel vacation rental for you.

What are the best tiny house vacation rentals in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • Look forward to a simpler way of living at "New Tiny House - Introductory Price Minutes From Sanibel And Fort Myers Beach". Amenities at this gem in Iona include a washing machine and coffee and tea making facilities.
  • "Hobbit House, Tiny Home" comes with plenty of conveniences, such as a kitchen and a pool. Located in Jacarandas, you'll be able to live large in this small but cleverly designed property.

What are the top-rated vacation rentals for weekend getaways in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • Enjoy a refreshing change of scenery at "Beautiful Villa Lake View Heated Pool", which is around 12 miles to the northeast of Sanibel. There's plenty of nature and adventure to keep you busy here. Try some snorkeling and rafting or just enjoy the sights of Museum of the Islands and Arrowhead Golf Course.
  • Alternatively, enjoy a short and sweet break at "Historic 1911 Cottage With Pool". Stay in with your feet up, or head out for some golf and kayaking. When you're ready to explore more of the area, visit Walker Honey Farm and Don Pedro Island Beach. This attractive vacation rental is around 25 miles northwest of Sanibel.

Can I find studio apartments for rent in and around 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:

  • Make "Gulf Front Condo Completely Remodeled" your home away from home. This fantastic vacation rental features amenities including coffee and tea making facilities and outdoor furniture.
  • Alternatively, get away to "Nature Lovers Paradise - Lovers Key Resort", which comes with conveniences including a fitness facility and a beach.

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.

Can I find short term rentals in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • If you're eager to be near the action, "4 - Bedroom / 2 - Bathroom / Tiki Hut On The Water" will be just the thing. It's within reach of the heart of Sanibel and an excellent base to explore sights like Edison and Ford Winter Estates and Sun Splash Water Park.
  • "To Infinity And The Beautiful Beyond" is another enticing option. We suggest adding Imaginarium Hands - On Museum and Bell Tower Shops to your travel itinerary when you're ready to sightsee.

What are the best romantic weekend getaways in or near 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:

  • Sneak off on Friday for a few passion-filled evenings at "Gulf Front Sanibel Rental Recently Renovated". Around 2 miles from Sanibel, this place comes with lots of nice touches, like beauty services and a swimming pool.
  • Otherwise, spend a few days sipping wine and canoodling at "5 Star, Pet Friendly, Sunny, Private Old Florida Charm Cottage And Mins To Beach", around 3 miles from Sanibel. Beauty services and shopping facilities will help set the mood.

Are there mansions for rent 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:

  • Character, style and charm — "Bonita Beach - Family Mansion House. 4 Bed" has it all in abundance. Approximately 20 miles east of Sanibel and offering a swimming pool and golf, this gorgeous place is hard to beat.
  • Alternatively, score Brownie points with your crew and settle into "Quaint Mansion In Aquitaine Estate With Private Garden". It's approximately 3 miles to the southeast of Sanibel and comes with golf, a swimming pool and more.

What are the best large group vacation rentals in or near Sanibel?

Take a look at these large group vacation rentals in or near Sanibel and forget about leaving anyone off your guest list:

  • A wide array of amenities including a firepit and a swimming pool make "6 Bedroom, 5 Bath Pool Home With - 2 - 110' Tv's 1 At Pool And 1 In Livingroom" a favorite. This generous retreat has 6 bedrooms and sleeps up to 14 people. From the heart of Sanibel, it's around 9 miles away to the east.
  • Nothing takes priority over hanging out with the people you love, and "1 Minute To Beach, Luxury Pool Home" is the perfect place to do that. Located around 13 miles to the northwest of Sanibel, as many as 18 guests can stay in this vacation rental which has 7 bedrooms. A garden and a swimming pool are among the various amenities here.

What are the best houses for rent with a pool in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • Switch to vacay mode at "140 Primo Dr Waterfront House, Htd Pool", where your biggest priority will be enjoying the pool. Amenities such as a balcony and outdoor furniture help make this retreat a favorite with guests.
  • Spend lazy days swimming or simply unwinding beside the water at "Rockstar Beach House North Captiva Island - Accessible By Ferry Boat Only". This vacation rental is another favorite and comes with childrens activities, a living room and more.

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.

What are the best large family vacation rentals in or near Sanibel?

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:

  • Sleeping up to 10 guests in 4 bedrooms, "4 - Bedroom / 2 - Bathroom / Tiki Hut On The Water" is the perfect place to hang out with the family. This top-rated retreat is 13 miles to the northeast of Sanibel and has amenities such as on-site watersports and a microwave oven.
  • "To Infinity And The Beautiful Beyond" is also a top pick for families. It's around 16 miles to the northeast of Sanibel, has 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. Useful amenities here include a dishwasher and a porch.

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.

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