What to Pack

Plan for sunshine! Shorts and sandals are considered the "island uniform." Pack a hat to shade your face and head, swimsuits, t-shirts and sunscreen a "must". Winters are mild on Sanibel (average daytime temperatures range in the 70s and 80s) and dry. Slacks and light sweaters for dining out and sweatshirts for the beach is great evening attire. Summer temperatures, range in the 80's to low 90's with brief afternoon showers, followed by more sunshine and magnificent sunsets. Casual dining attire is accepted at the many island restaurants (shirts and shoes required). Fail to pack something? You'll find most anything you need (and few things that you just can't do without) at The Seahorse Shops, just a short walk from Sea Winds Cottage.


Getting Here By Car

From the north traveling on I-75, take Exit 131 (Daniels Parkway) and head west to Summerlin Road.  Turn Left on Summerlin Road and follow to Sanibel Causeway ($6 toll).

From the south traveling on I-75, take Exit 128 (Alico Road) and head west to Highway 41/Tamiami Trail.  Turn north (right) and follow to Gladiolus Drive.  Turn left and continue, staying in the left lane and taking the rampway to Summerlin Road, which you will then follow to the Sanibel Causeway ($6 toll).
Drive across the causeway and onto Sanibel Island. Be sure to stop at the Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center for a red carpet greeting and to pick up maps and information about Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Just past the Chamber of Commerce at the four-way stop at Periwinkle Way, either a right or left turn will lead you to beaches, shops, accommodations, etc.

From Interstate 95
Traveling south into Florida  on I-95, turn west on I-10 (near Jacksonville), then south on I-75 and follow the directions above.
From Miami take I-95 north to I-595 west and follow signs directing you to I-75 north (toward Naples).  Follow directions above for I-75 from the south.

From Interstate 4
From Orlando, head west on I-4 to I-75 south and follow directions above for I-75 from the north.

Arriving by Air
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Ft Myers and the nearest airport to Sanibel.  The terminal is accessible off I-75’s exit 131 and exit 128.  An easy 30- 45 minute drive brings you to Sanibel via Daniels Parkway and Summerlin Road.  Most major airlines serve the airport.

Links

Sanibel - Captiva Chamber of Commerce
Sanibel Bike Rentals - www.billysrentals.com
For accomodations in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee - http://smokychaletrentals.com