12 Compelling Reasons to Make Fort Myers & Sanibel Your Summer Family Vacation Destination
Along Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast, the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel provide a serene, laid-back vacation haven in the Sunshine State. Forget theme parks and nightlife—here, families enjoy welcoming activities, affordable lodging, Florida's finest unspoiled beaches, and thriving natural environments. And yes, abundant seashells.
Our travel experts visit regularly—one even owns T-shirts from every island—so we've curated 12 reasons why Fort Myers & Sanibel tops our summer vacation picks.
1. Prepare to Be Amazed by the Seashells
The "Sanibel Stoop" and "Captiva Crouch" describe the bent-over stance you'll adopt while hunting seashells on these offshore Florida islands. Gulf and Caribbean currents converge with the east-west oriented beaches of Sanibel and Captiva, depositing unbroken shells from distant shores. Each wave reveals treasures like alphabet cones, lightning whelks, calico scallops, dwarf arrow tritons, rare lion's paws, and more. 
Seashells are a passion here, from Pinterest boards and the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to shelling cruises at Cayo Costa and the Shellebration sweepstakes for National Seashell Day (June 20, 2016).
For prime shelling, arrive early at low tide to explore sandbars and shallow pools. May through September is peak season, with up to 60 varieties possible in one day. The Blind Pass between Sanibel and Captiva is a hotspot.
2. Chase the Legendary 'Green Flash'
The Green Flash is a fleeting green light burst at sunset as the sun dips below the horizon. Iconic sunsets draw crowds, especially at Captiva's beachfront Mucky Duck restaurant. Arrive by 3 p.m. for parking, relax on the beach, then sip a drink with toes in the sand. Miss it? Tomorrow's sunset awaits. 
3. Walk in the Footsteps of Edison and Ford
Innovation legends Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were neighbors in Fort Myers; their estates are now public attractions. Tour their homes, museums, labs, and gardens. Families love the Young Inventors' Tour with hands-on science activities every Saturday at 11 a.m. (Adults $12, kids 6-12 $5, under 6 free). 
4. Dive into Underwater Adventures
Beyond stunning beaches, warm Gulf waters beckon. Gentle waves suit beginner snorkelers. Paddle the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway by canoe or kayak amid manatees and dolphins through mangroves, Lover's Key, Estero Bay, and more. 
Anglers chase tarpon from boats or the famed "fishingest bridge in the U.S.," the Matlacha Bridge between Pine Island and Cape Coral.
5. Embrace the Natural Wonders
Venture beyond palms to prehistoric-like nature parks and preserves. Sanibel's J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, America's largest undeveloped mangrove system, offers hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding trails. Bring binoculars for 200+ bird species. 
Additional pursuits include camping at Pine Island or Cayo Costa State Park, biking via Billy's Rentals on Sanibel, golfing Jack Nicklaus and Donald Ross courses, or fishing charters to Boca Grande Pass.
6. Savor Exceptional Dining
Indulge in Floribbean flavors: fresh seafood, tropical fruits, spices, and bold tastes. Expert picks: Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille beach bread, Bubble Room's orange crunch pie, Bert's Bar & Grill grouper sandwich, and Queenie's ice cream. 
7. Capture True Vacation Bliss
Ditch the crowds. Cozy inns, condos, and resorts like Captiva's South Seas offer kitchens and villas. Bikes and golf carts outnumber cars on Sanibel's Periwinkle Way. Mom-and-pop shops, galleries, and eateries keep "island hours" for beach time. 
8. Ideal for Family Bonding
Calm, shallow white-sand beaches spanning 50+ miles are family favorites. Claim your spot for kites, sunbathing, sandcastles, shelling, or dolphin spotting. 
9. Shop Smart at Premium Outlets
Enjoy retail therapy with deals at Estero's Miromar Outlets (Guess, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren) or Fort Myers' Sanibel Outlets (Coach, Nike Factory). 
10. Immerse in Vibrant Arts
Southwest Florida's arts scene thrives at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center and monthly Downtown Art Walks in Fort Myers' River District. 
11. Discover Nighttime Magic
Skip nightclubs for stargazing under dark skies or witnessing loggerhead turtle hatchings (May onward—maintain distance, no flashlights). 
12. Extend Your Stay with Deals
Many properties offer a 4th night free this summer—perfect for longer escapes. 
