Sanibel Island has earned a reputation as one of the world’s premier shelling destinations thanks to its east-west hook at the south end, which intercepts shells washing up from the Caribbean Sea. A state-of-the-art shell museum celebrates that reputation with beautifully styled exhibits that illustrate the seashell’s role in history, science, and art. Highlights include a children’s lab and the...

Originally an acronym for Barrier Island Group Arts, it’s simply known as BIG ARTS today. Aptly so: It is the meeting place for most of what goes on artistically on the islands. Its 409-seat Schein Hall hosts everything from films to symphony. Two galleries and a sculpture garden pay tribute to the visual arts, plus the center hosts workshops and...

People are gonna tell you that you HAVE to do this. You don’t. But if you have kids or you want a kitsch, nostalgic flashback to the 30s and beyond, THEN you have to. Every corner of this place — from the glass-topped showcase tables to the electric train that runs around the ceiling and the pics of stars from...

For nearly 50 years, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) has been applying TLC to injured and orphaned animals from near and far – some 4,000 patients a year these days. In 2009 it opened an impressive interactive visitors center where you can watch surgical procedures on Critter Cam and learn more about how vets help their patients...

Colorful and beckoning, the Hirdie Girdie is as artistic on its beach-cottage outside as it is on its art-filled inside. Sixteen artists display their photography, pottery, paintings, jewelry, and shell art, plus Haitian art is for sale. The local artists take turns running the store, so visitors have an opportunity to meet and talk to them and occasionally watch them...

This longtime Sanibel institution has two screens in two intimate theaters that play mainstream, first-run movies. The anti-franchise movie theater is a favorite with locals as well as visitors. It does matinees and evening shows daily, but closes in the summer.

Feel like you’ve walked into an old country story at this Sanibel Island antique shop. Vintage nautical paraphernalia fills one backroom, and every shelf, drawer, nook, and cranny holds bits and pieces of bygones and nostalgia. Lots of fun to browse – plan on spending some time.

Sanibel’s most-visited attraction (after its collective beaches) takes up more than half of the island, providing window to some of Florida’s best wildlife sightings of creatures such as its signature roseate spoonbills and alligators, reddish egrets, great blue herons, ospreys, pileated woodpeckers, white pelicans, and some 250 other species of birds. You can drive the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, but it’s...

Anchored by a supermarket, the shops here perch above a lush garden setting where caged parrots greet you with hellos and whistles. Shopping ranges from diamond jewelry to casual wear and inexpensive beach toys. Jerry’s Foods also has a restaurant, plus there’s a liquor store. Covered parking keeps your car cool while you peruse.

This tiny shop is packed full of books of local and general interest, plus a small selection of stationery cards earns it the “Paper” in its name.

Bargain-hunters will love this little thrift shop. Tucked into a building behind St. Michael & All Angels Church, it’s the pick of locals and visitors in-the-know. Profits benefit the church. Expect to find like-new cast-offs and something that sparks fond memories of “the good old days.”

This is the anti-mall shopping experience, where browsing takes you around a park-like setting with a playground for the kids, a candy store, boutique clothing and gift shops, a day spa, a restaurant, a surf shop, and a variety of outlets.

Once a booming port town, today’s downtown Punta Gorda centers around the Peace River with historic and new buildings filled with restaurants, galleries, and shops. Historic murals cover a number of the buildings. Recently expanded Laishley Park has a full-service marina, huge seafood restaurant, riverwalk, and playground with interactive fountains. Must-try restaurants include The Perfect Caper for utmost ingenuity. Away...

This collection of historic buildings has evolved over the years from the original Charles Rutland “Cracker” home, which today holds the main museum collection, to include a one-room schoolhouse, tea house, post office, general store, homes, and a pioneer garden. The newest addition holds exhibits relative to the island’s black history. Docents take you on tour through Sanibel’s past, which...

Only on Sanibel would you find a library with rocking chairs on the back porch and an identification collection of seashells. If you’re going to be on the islands for a spell, get an inexpensive visitors card and check out some beach books. Ask about kids programs in case there comes a rainy day. It costs nothing to use the...

Short-term memberships allow visitors to take advantage of all this complex, known affectionately as Sanibel Wreck, has to offer: a kids’ play pool with fountains and a slide, a lap pool, a nicely equipped fitness center, tennis, a small skate park, and aerobic, spin, yoga, and other classes.

Tahitian Gardens may be smaller than nearby Periwinkle Place, but the shops and restaurants it does hold are all of good quality and diverse wares. Its most popular shops include Pandora’s Box and Needful Things – full of things you really DON’T need, but are fun and nostalgic. Both of the center’s two restaurants — Cheeburger Cheeburger and Sanibel Cafe...

The islands attract and inspire artists with their tropical vibe and beautiful seascapes. Many live in the area and display their work here. Set in a charming Caribbean-style beach house, this artists’ cooperative specializes in fine tropical art by more than 20 area artists. Some favorites are the masterful black-and-white photography by the late Charles McCullough and Sheila Hoen’s expressionistic...