For some, Sanibel and Captiva Islands’ beach scene may be too sedate. When you’re in the mood for a classic, lively Florida beach destination, Fort Myers Beach won’t disappoint – except if you get caught in high-season, high-bridge traffic backup on the way. Tip: Go early or take the beach trolley. Lynn Hall Memorial Park is the central beach in...

Looking for a place to escape where you can forget the rest of the world exists? South Seas occupies a good third of Captiva Island behind a security gate where 330 acres take care of all your vacationing needs. It’s been a longtime leader in destination resorts in Florida. For kids, there’s a water park with two slides and a...

It’s named for a seashell, but like the eponymous ancient method of telling time, it works through sun power and the inching of hours. This is a place to bring the family and be entertained without having to drive anywhere. Restaurants, a beautiful stretch of beach, studio and condominium lodging, pools, kids programs, an eco-center, tennis, and watersports fill lazy and...

Named for its front-door beach and backdoor bay waters, ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort offers the best of both worlds. Similarly, its lodging strikes a balance between charming historic cottages and modern, rather plain hotel rooms and studios overlooking the bay. Built in the 1930s, it was a favorite haunt of Jay “Ding” Darling. The Pulitzer award-winning cartoonist wintered on...