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"Unless you're a hobby sheller, Sanibel Island flies delightfully under the radar. Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, this family-friendly, 33-square-mile barrier island is famous for its collection of shells-especially scallop, clam, and tulip varieties-and sand dollars, forming a veritable treasure trove for collectors. Thanks to its unique geography and curved shape, Sanibel, together with its little sibling, Captiva Island, is one of the best places in the world for shelling."
"Sanibel Island is commonly known as the 'Seashell Capital of the World,' as there are more than 400 species of shells that can be found on our beaches,"
"That, combined with the fact that 70 percent of the island is in conservation-there are no traffic lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, no franchises, and over 25 miles of bike trails-makes this island a truly unique destination not just in Florida, but the world."
Sanibel Island lies about 25 miles south of Fort Myers and covers 33 square miles as a family-friendly barrier island. The island hosts abundant shells—including scallop, clam, and tulip varieties—and sand dollars, with the curved geography and proximity to Captiva concentrating shells, particularly at the southern end where currents bring shells from the Caribbean. Seventy percent of the island is under conservation, with no traffic lights, no buildings taller than a palm tree, no franchises, and over 25 miles of bike trails. Sanibel earned recognition among Travel + Leisure's 50 best places to travel in 2025 after recovering from Hurricane Milton in 2024. Local leaders include long-time resident and tourism executive John Lai and museum director Sam Ankerson.
Read at Travel + Leisure
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