Sanibel Island is a doggie's dream - all the beaches are dog-friendly, the large nature reserve is dog-friendly, there are miles of pathways to explore, and there are numerous restaurants that allow al fresco dining with your pup.
The beaches along the coast of Sanibel are most famous for their shells. So much so that the posture of bending down to sort through the shells that line the beaches is called the "Sanibel Stoop". Any visitor will be drawn to look at all the different colors, sizes and styles of shells, and will become accustomed to this position. Dogs, on leashes, are allowed to help you hunt for shells, although they may get distracted by the waves! The beaches are very natural - lined with sand dunes and sea grasses (instead of high-rise hotels and condos). It isn't your typical Florida beach vacation but it offers a great quiet alternative.
Wondering what there is to do on Sanibel besides the "Sanibel Stoop"? Head to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This dog-friendly park has a Wildlife Drive that loops through wetlands. The park is home to alligators, night herons and white ibis as well as many other types of waterfowl and mammals (we saw raccoons!) Fishing, boating, kayak/canoeing, bicycling, nature photography and bird watching are all activities available at the park (some are not dog-friendly). The drive offers places to pull over in case you spot a bird (or other animal) and want to take a closer look. In January, the road was lined with bird watchers with their telescopes and other equipment.
Finding a place to eat with Fido shouldn't be too difficult - as long as the weather is nice. Most restaurants both on Sanibel and neighboring Captiva island have outdoor seating where dogs are allowed. Try the amazing breakfasts at Over Easy Cafe on Sanibel (served until 2pm) or the Tex-Mex fare at Cantina Captiva. For more dog-friendly choices, click here.
The typical accommodations on Sanibel are not fancy but offer quaint accommodations that are very beach-y. Don't expect it to be too luxurious - especially when traveling with a pet - but there are comfortable options all located within a few steps from the sand and shells. The very helpful Chamber of Commerce has a list of pet-friendly accommodations which can be accessed by clicking here. Read my article about the Castaways Beach and Bay Cottages by clicking here.
And no visit to Sanibel with a dog (or cat!) will be complete without a visit to Island Paws, a boutique for dogs and cats. They have a wide range of products from healthy treats and food to toys and pet-themed gifts. It is in the same shopping area as the Over Easy Cafe making it a great place to take your dog after they wait so patiently while you eat.
Sanibel Island is located off of the southwest coast of Florida - across a bridge ($6 toll) from Fort Myers. It is a quiet island with no traffic lights, miles of biking and walking paths, and a laid-back attitude that is authentically Floridian. It is only 12 miles long and three miles wide which makes it an easy destination to explore. Neighboring island Captiva is even smaller, at 4 miles long and just a 1/2 mile wide, but the beaches here aren't dog-friendly.
From Orlando: Head west on I-4 to I-75, then head south towards Ft Myers then follow signs to Sanibel and Captiva. The drive takes about 3.5-4 hours.
To read more about our stay at the Castaways Beach and Bay Cottages, click here.
For more information:
Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce - Excellent resource for visitors to Sanibel with links to accommodations, restaurants, attractions and more. The friendly staff are available to answer questions either by email, telephone, in person, or by their handy chat feature on their website.
Island Paws - cute pet store with yummy treats and cute toys!
Over Easy Cafe - Great choice of breakfasts (served until 2pm) as well as lunch and dinner
J.N. Ding Darling NWR - Wildlife drive is open everyday except Friday's. There is a $5 fee per car or $1 per walker/biker. There are also three trails to explore and an Education Center.
Castaways Beach and Bay Cottages - Read the article about my recent stay at the Castaways.
Need help planning your vacation? I specialize in pet vacations and will be happy to help you with your travel plans. Click here to email me or visit my website at www.AndASmallDog.com. Subscribe to my articles to receive weekly updates on places to explore with your pet as well as travel tips and advice.
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Comments
Good article! For those lucky folks who have a month to spend on Sanibel, you might want to check out the dog friendly homes. Like my own home, Toucan House, a home will give you and your tail wagger much more space and generally more amenities than a cottage or condo. But almost all the homes are mandated to rent for a minimum of 28 nights. Toucan House can easily be found on the internet. Just search Toucan House Sanibel Island. Great rates!
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