Sanibel & Captiva are located just north of Naples & south of Tampa with over 15 miles of beautiful, Florida beaches.

Plan for sunshine. Our winters are mild (average daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s) and dry (it rains just enough to keep our islands lush). Summer temperatures, ranging from the high 80s to low 90s, are tempered by cooling sea breezes and brief afternoon showers, followed by more sunshine and glorious sunsets.

With all the area offers, it's no wonder so many people who visit Sanibel & Captiva end up calling it home.

On Sanibel-Captiva, the warm sun washes over you and fills you with the serenity of the islands.  This is the place you've been longing for. Rise early and stroll our powdery white beaches under a rosy morning sky.  You won't be able to resist bending down to pick up the magnificent seashells that washed ashore while you slept. More elegant activities abound, too.  Sanibel-Captiva offers the finest restaurants and the most unique shops, galleries and boutiques--all in lush surroundings.  You're sure to find treasures here. As the sun climbs, visit the wildlife refuges and experience our islands preserved the way nature intended.  You'll be delighted as the beautiful and exotic animals run free in their natural habitats.  Go boating, fishing or snorkeling in the vast Gulf of Mexico for heart-pounding adventure you've only imagined before. At the day's end, slow down, and watch the setting sun infuse the sea and sky with colors of lavender, coral and gold.  But don't fall asleep yet--Sanibel's glittering nightlife beckons, and you won't want to miss a minute of the fun. Beaches Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Gulfside City Park Tarpon Bay Beach West Gulf Beach Bowman's Beach Sanibel Restaurants Beachview 239-472-4394 Biddle's Bucket 239-472-2323 Blue Giraffe 239-472-2525 Cheeburger Cheeburger 239-472-6111 Courtney's 239-472-4646 Doc Ford's 239-472-8311 Dolce Vita 239-472-5555 Rassa 239-472-0201 Ellington's 239-337-JAZZ (5299) Grandma Dot's 239-472-8138 Great White Grill 239-472-0212 Greenhouse Grill 239-472-6882 Hungry Heron 239-395-2300 Il Tesoro 239-395-4022 Island Cow 239-472-0606 Island Pizza Co. 239-472-1581 Jacaranda 239-472-1771 Johnny's Pizza 239-472-3010 Lazy Flamingo 239-472-5353, 239-472-6939 Lighthouse Cafe 239-472-0303 Mad Hatter 239-472-0033 Matzaluna 239-472-1998 McT's 239-472-3161 The Mermaid 239-472-1242 Over Easy Cafe 239-472-2625 Sanibel Cafe 239-472-5323 The Sanibel Grill 239-472-HIKE (4453) Sanibel Steakhouse 239-472-5700 Schnapper's Hots 239-472-8686 Sunset Grill 239-472-2333 Sweet Melissa's Cafe 239-472-1956 Thistle Lodge 239-472-9200 The Timbers 239-472-3128 Traders 239-472-7242 Traditions 239-472-1561 Twilight Cafe 239-472-8818 Normandie Seaside Cafe 239-472-1541 Captiva Restaurants The Bubble Room 239-472-5558 Cantina Captiva 239-472-0248 The Green Flash 239-472-3337 Keylime Bistro 239-395-4000 Mucky Duck 239-472-3434 R.C. Otter's 239-395-1142 Holy Smoke Heavenly Barbecue 239-472-7501 Sunshine Seafood Cafe 239-472-6200 The Old Captiva House 239-472-5161  Attractions Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce J, N, "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge   The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum The non-profit Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world. Exhibits are devoted to shells in art and history, shell habitat, rare specimens, 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. Sanibel Lighthouse Perhaps the most photographed structure on Sanibel, the Sanibel Lighthouse was first lit in August 1884.  In 1972, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it would extinguish the light, but then abandoned the plan when faced with public outcry.  The Florida Coast Guard continues to maintain the lighthouse, which is not open to visitors, but the City of Sanibel now manages the surrounding property, including the keeper's quarters, fishing pier and beach access.  Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Sanibel Historical Museum and Village was founded in 1982 as a tribute to the early pioneers on Sanibel  Island. Each building has been restored to its original state. Volunteer docents guide visitors through this mystical place. Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center