Sanibel and Captiva islands: Pure Florida
Of
the 100 coastal islands that make up Florida's Lee County, Sanibel and its
neighbor Captiva are best known. Connected to the mainland by a dazzling
three-mile-long scenic drive across a causeway from the mainland, Sanibel
is known worldwide for its shelling and the associated posture referred to
as the "Sanibel Stoop." More than 200 varieties of shells litter
the beaches, particularly after an especially high or low tide. The annual
Sanibel Shell Fair is attended by thousands of visitors from throughout
the world. For most visitors, however, shelling is a delightful excuse to
enjoy hours of sun-worshipping along some of the most beautiful shoreline
in North America and to absorb the unspoiled island atmosphere the natives
so effortlessly maintain.
Sanibel's main street is Periwinkle Way, a picturesque, lush thoroughfare
framed by a canopy of Australian pines and tall, graceful palms.
Interesting shops, galleries, and restaurants dot the road from the
Sanibel Lighthouse to Tarpon Bay Road, making frequent stops a must.
Located toward Sanibel's northwestern tip, the J. N. "Ding"
Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to exotic species of birds and
plants. Naturalists and sightseers get opportunities to witness a variety
of wildlife as well, including the ubiquitous alligator, in their natural
settings. You can drive, bike or hike through this sanctuary, or take a
narrated tour by tram or canoe. In all, the refuge occupies 6,000 acres,
over 65% of the island. More natural beauty can be found across Pine
Island Sound in Pineland.
Captiva Island, Sanibel Island's northern
neighbor, is one of the most beautifully preserved and well-known areas on
the Gulf Coast. The nation's foremost authority on beaches, Dr. Stephen
Leatherman (also known as Dr. Beach) has recognized Captiva's beaches as
the country's most romantic two years in a row, noting its key features of
abundant shells and its overall tranquility.
The main attraction on Captiva is that there are no attractions, only the
pristine white sand, the calm water and the warm fresh air. Visitors can
sit back and let the hours fly by, sunning, walking the beach, fishing, or
just doing nothing. Anne Morrow Lindbergh was so inspired by Captiva's
surroundings that she wrote her best-selling love letter, "A Gift
From the Sea" while a guest on the island.
Although this tiny barrier island has changed in many ways since the
causeway to the mainland was opened in 1963, it remains among Florida's
most beautifully preserved destinations. It offers top-rated resorts with
an abundance of outdoor activities such as kayaking, biking, swimming or
boating.
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