Top 10 Things to do in Sanibel Island, United States

Sanibel Public Library is undergoing "Your Library Reimagined" project. Both the beauty and the quality of the Library structure are outstanding, but it is time to replace much of the infrastructure. HVAC, fire suppression, plumbing, lighting, technology, and flooring are being upgraded for greater efficiency; sustainable design features are included with the upgrade. All Library services (like the shell exhibit, for example) may not be available at all times during the 2017 remodel. Updates to the project will be posted on Facebook and Twitter. Please call the Library before your visit if you have questions. The Library provides access to high speed WiFi, as well as printing services—no Library card required. If you do not live in Lee County Florida, you may purchase a Visitor Card for $10, good for one year. Use the Visitor Card to check out books, movies, cooking kits, museum passes, music, magazines, and more—up to 30 items at one time. Also use your Visitor Card to download eBooks, magazines and audiobooks, and stream movies and music through the Library's eShelf collection. Sanibel Public Library hosts programs for kids of all ages throughout the year including storytimes, makerspace events, and special guests. Events are listed at the Library's online calendar.

The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center is your official source when visiting our beautiful islands. Stop in for information on lodging, restaurants, activities, shopping, attractions, and much more!

Founded in 2008, The Sanibel Island Farmers Market is held at City Hall, Sundays, 8am - 1pm, October thru end of May. This open air market features over 40 vendors including: local produce, baked goods, live plants, fresh seafood, cheese, pasta, meats, honey, pet treats, prepared foods, organics and so much more.

An American Association of Museums (AAM) accredited non-profit natural science museum, The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world devoted to shells. Exhibits include shells in art and history, shell habitats, rare specimens, World Record size shells, fossil shells, common Southwest Florida shells, and more. The learning lab features a hands-on play area for children, displays, games, and a tank with indigenous mollusks. A half-hour video, Mollusks in Action, is shown on the hour, and a children's video is shown continuously. The museum store offers a wide selection of shell books

A delightful village museum that recounts the island's history through photographs, exhibits and live presentations.

Established in 1945, this wildlife refuge occupies one-third of Sanibel Island and is a prime spot for birdwatching. Fees are required for Wildlife Drive. Wildlife Drive is closed on Fridays. There's an extensive and informative FREE visitor center, a fantastic wildlife drive, tram tours, kayaking, fishing opportunities, picnic benches, and even a free scavenger hunt style game and wildlife spotting app (Discover Ding) if you prefer a self-guided tour.

Established in 1968, CROW is one of the nation's leading wildlife rehabilitation hospitals for Florida's native and migratory wildlife. A non-profit veterinary hospital, CROW provides medical care for more than 200 species and about 3,500 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife patients every year, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat. CROW provides educational opportunities for students from across the United States and other nations to participate in wildlife rehabilitation process while introducing them to conservation medicine. Although the Hospital and its patients are not open to the public, CROW does provide a Visitor Education Center with interactive exhibits for all ages and live feed cameras of the Hospital intake room and patient enclosures. “Wildlife Walk” Guided Hospital Tours are offered for a chance to go “behind-the-scenes” and see the veterinarians in action. Registration in advance for the tours is required, please see website for available dates.