Sanibel Island

This secluded Fort Myers offshoot is thought to be even more low-key, quiet, and quaint than its Gulf Coast neighbor, which is saying a lot. On Sanibel Island, casual is the order of the day; a shabby chic vibe pervades the Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants, and shops; and seashells cover every sandy and linoleum surface. In fact, the abundance of seashells has become this island's (and Captiva's) claim to fame. On any long stretch of sand, you'll see plenty of beachcombers doing the "Sanibel Stoop" – what locals call shelling. If the mood strikes you, plan on joining them for at least one afternoon of your stay. Sanibel's laid-back residents wouldn't have it any other way.

Sanibel is a city and an island in Lee County, Florida, in the United States. The population was 6,469 at the time of the 2010 census, with an estimated population of 7,402 in 2018. It is included in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Combined Statistical Area. The entire city is built on the island, also known as Sanibel Island. It's a barrier island, a sand spit on the leeward side of Pine Island, which is made up of more solid coral-rock.