Sanibel Island itself is considered off the beaten path – boasting no stoplights, a maximum speed limit of 35 MPH, no franchise restaurants (Subway and Dairy Queen being the only exceptions), and its one-of-a-kind classic island feel. See below for our list of off the beaten path suggestions and things to do on Sanibel Island.
SANIBEL ISLAND OFF THE BEATEN PATH
 
SWFL Craft Breweries
Hop on the craft brew bandwagon! With over 16 breweries (and counting), Southwest
Florida has plenty to choose from. Most breweries offer tours, including free samples -
a perfect way to spend a few carefree hours. CLICK HERE for a map of all Southwest Florida craft breweries.

 Ambu Yoga (Captiva Island)
Ambu Yoga is quite unique. All classes are open to the public and the studio is right across the street from Starbucks. Visit Ambu Yoga for more info, including class schedules.

 Dancing With The Island Stars
Just like the popular TV show, Sanibel Island conducts a ballroom dancing competition featuring both professional and local dancers, many of whom are leaders in the Sanibel community. The event doubles as a fundraiser for the Sanibel Community House and is a hugely popular event on the island. Tickets sell out very quickly (including tickets for the dress rehearsal), so it’s best to purchase them as early as possible. However, if you are not able to get tickets, several restaurants throughout the island show a live feed of the event.   Website

 Periwinkle Blue Skies Preserve Trail
Travel West down the bike path on Periwinkle and look for a small gazebo to your left (across from the Sanibel Community Church) and you’ll find the Periwinkle Blue Skies Preserve Trail. A pleasant 0.6 mile looping trail with a variety of tropical plants, wildlife, and a small boardwalk, the Periwinkle Blue Skies Preserve Trail is a nice little hidden gem surrounded by thousands of trees and shrubs. Accessible by bike path only, not by car.  Visit SCCF for more trails.

Botanical Gardens Tour at Sanibel Moorings Resort
Home to Sanibel’s only botanical garden, Sanibel Moorings Resort offers guided walking tours Wednesdays at 9 am. With a variety of tropical gardens, butterflies, birds and more, you’ll be dazzled and delighted on this relaxing, educational tour. Tours are approximately 2 hours long and pre-registration is required. $5 donation per person. Call (239) 472-4119 to sign up.

Bob Wigley Preserve
Bob Wigley Preserve is an impressive 27-acre nature preserve that includes two short trail overlooks, one to the Sanibel River and the other to the Gazebo. Featuring classic Sanibel scenery and surroundings (beautiful trees, greenery, birds, wildlife, nestling areas, golf course), it’s one of finest preserves on the island.  The entire preserve (again, 27 acres) includes three tracts, the Andrea Waitt Carlton Family Tract, the John and Mary Jo Boler Family Tract, and the Pete & Pat Allen Family Tract.
Off Periwinkle Way, on Casa Ybel Road. Continue on Casa Ybel Road and trails will be on your left side.  Accessible by foot or bike only.


George & Wendy's Sunday Jazz Brunch
Waffles, fresh custom omelets, eggs, bacon, biscuits/gravy, juices, fresh fruit and live jazz!
A great way to start your Sunday. Sundays, 9 am - 1 PM   NOVEMBER-APRIL ONLY
2499 Periwinkle Way
 
Fleamasters Fleamarket
With over 900 stores of very unique variety, there is an enormous selection available at Fleamasters Fleamarket, where you can easily spend the entire day browsing till your heart’s content. From home décor, clothing, souvenirs, memorabilia, dollar stores, golf gear, hair salons, paintings, rugs, zany hats, fresh foods, wine bar, jewelry, pets, to even bingo supplies, if you think of it, it will be at Fleamasters Fleamarket. PLEASE NOTE: It is recommended to bring cash, as many stores and vendors do not accept credit or debit cards.  Open year round, 8 am – 4 PM Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. 
4135 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.   Fort Myers, FL


Motorized Canoes @ Tarpon Bay Explorers
Fantastic fun way to see Tarpon Bay. The good thing about Tarpon Bay is it's only 4 feet
deep in it's deepest spot so it's perfect for beginners.
900 Tarpon Bay Rd.   Sanibel Island, FL   (239) 472-8900   Website


Segway Tours
Available at Segway of Sanibel, 1509 Periwinkle Way (239) 472-3620

25¢ Duck Feeding
At the grounds of the Periwinkle Park & Campground is a small pond engulfed with a variety of ducks and birds, including a black swan. There is a gumball-style vending machine right next to the pond. Great off the beaten path thing to do for kids.
1119 Periwinkle Way

Capri Sun Wine Boxes @ Sanibel Tropical Wines
Sanibel Tropical Wines offers Capri Sun Juice Boxes (think when you were a little kid) -
but this time filled with wine! All wines are made from 100% pure Florida Citrus Juice for that unique fruit flavor. Mango Mamma, Florida Banana Wine and Cocoa Beach (semi-sweet orange & chocolate wine) to name a few flavors.
2340 Periwinkle Way, Suite C-1   (239) 472-3398   Website


Santiva Saltwater Fishing
Native, experienced guides will show you the "best back bay fishing in Florida...snook, tarpon, red fish and so many more." The company also runs snorkeling, shelling, and other excursions, including a trip to Cabbage Key (which was according to legend the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger in Paradise."

Beach Bums Boat Rentals
Spend the day out on the water. Multi-day rentals available.
15951 Captiva Dr. Captiva, FL
(239) 472-6336
Website