Blog
Sanibel Island Easter Events & Services
Sanibel Easter Events & ServicesEASTER ACTIVITIESEaster Boat Cruise & Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny Celebrate Easter island style with a scenic Easter Cruise through San Carlos Bay, featuring dolphin sightings and a 1,000-egg hunt on Picnic Island for kids 11...
The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel Island
The First to Welcome You Back to Sanibel IslandExperience Sanibel’s pristine shoreline from the comfort of Island Inn — the first hotel to reopen on the island, and still the best place to stay for an authentic Gulf-front escape.Photo taken December 2025Island Inn...
Sanibel Christmas and New Year’s Activities, Services + Restaurant Hours
Your complete Sanibel & Captiva Holiday Guide with Christmas activities, church services, musical events, and restaurants open for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day. Plan your island holidays with up-to-date local listings and festive things to do.
Luminary Festival
Sanibel Luminary Celebration at the Island Inn ✨🌴 Experience one of Sanibel’s most beloved holiday traditions right here on our island shores. Each December, the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Sanibel Luminary, a magical evening...
Island Inn Family Vacation Guide on Sanibel Island
Island Inn Family Vacation Guide on Sanibel IslandSanibel Island is a great place to vacation with your family, and Island Inn prides itself on being one of the best family-friendly hotels on Sanibel. Seasonal Events: Some of the best events to bring your family to on...
Sanibel Thanksgiving
Sanibel ThanksgivingWe've put together the following list for Thanksgiving dining, activity & worship happenings taking place on Sanibel & Captiva on Thanksgiving day. Make sure to check with each vendor for specific details. If you would like to submit a...
What Businesses Are Open on Sanibel Island?
What Businesses Are Open on Sanibel Island?Florida’s Sanibel Island took a large toll from Hurricane Ian, but business are bouncing back and “The Island” is returning to the beautiful tropical getaway you remember. Is it perfect? No. Is it still paradise? Absolutely!...
Major Renovations at Island Inn
The historic Island Inn, the oldest Inn on Sanibel, has just completed phase one of a major refurbishment program modernizing all aspects of the Inn. More than $250,000 has been invested over the past year to upgrade and enhance the facilities….
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel Island
Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel IslandWhile the Island Inn does not accept pets, we are always pleased to refer visitors to Sanibel Island hotels and resorts that are pet-friendly. In fact, you have plenty of options here if you wish to travel with your...
National Interior Designer Enhances Charm of Island Inn
Melinda Graham was commissioned to redecorate the guestrooms and cottages to reflect what the Inn represents to so many people today – a beautiful, cozy, home away from home on the beach – without losing its charm or history.
May & June Means Tarpon Fishing here on the Islands!
Some of the worlds best Tarpon fishing can be found right here on Sanibel and Captiva, and year after year Island Inn guests return for this annual Spring Event.
Island Inn’s Accommodations Are All About You
Island Inn’s accommodations have been providing travelers and vacationers a place to enjoy their stay on Sanibel Island for almost 120 years! During this time we have learned how to provide the perfect Sanibel Island vacation for our guests.
Island Inn: The Best Choice Among Sanibel Island Resorts
You have many choices when deciding where you’ll vacation in South Florida. Those who wish to experience the unique and wonderful mix of southern and island culture know the secret ingredient is Island Inn.
Great Blue Heron
Wow! What a magnificent bird! This picture of a Great Blue Heron in flight was taken by Chris Dunwody as the bird flew over the Gulf.
Great Blue Heron Fishing
Check out a picture of the Great Blue Heron snapped by Island Inn guest Ty Shimko. That’s one unlucky fish!
A Cyclist’s-Eye View of Sanibel Island
As Sanibel’s oldest resort, Island Inn has relaxation down to a science. And like most worthy pursuits, true relaxation, true vacation, is a multi-faceted pursuit. In other words, we know you want to come here to sit on the beach. By all means, we want you to sit on the beach, but we also know that mixing it up with fine dining, shopping and touring will make your stay even more enjoyable. Go on, grab a bike and tour Sanibel!
Are Vacations To Sanibel Island Good For Us Physically?
Many Island Inn guests say that Sanibel Island is just what the doctor ordered. It turns out, that might be more than a figure of speech.
Holiday stress or bitter-cold weather, the negative effects of the winter season can become quite debilitating. The winter weather may already be taking its toll on your body. Here are a few ways to detect the early warning signs and suggestions for overcoming the winter blues.
Where is Sanibel Island?
Where is Sanibel Island?NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Sanibel is nestled in a strand of barrier islands that spans the Gulf shores of the west coast of FL from Fort Myers to Boca Grande, and is one of...
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?The past several years of the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us all that travel plans are never a sure thing. No matter how much we want to enjoy a vacation getaway to a beautiful island, there is no promise...
Introducing Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites
Introducing Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites Take A Live Tour! Watch the Video Above... The historic Island Inn, the oldest hotel on Sanibel (Est 1895), is excited to announce the launch of the next phase of its refurbishment program. The Inn’s latest multi-million dollar...
Hurricane Ian
Matthews Lodge at the Island Inn standing strong & proud after the eye-wall of Hurricane Ian crossed over Sanibel Island on September 28, 2022 To our loyal guests who have shown unwavering love and compassion for our historic piece of paradise, First and foremost,...
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!The 79th Annual Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House March 3rd- March 5th. Doors will open on Thursday & Friday from 9am and close at 5pm, followed by Saturday from 9-4pm. This fundraising event will bring...
Sanibel Island Florida: Paradise on the Gulf
Imagine an island retreat nestled in the warm, tranquil waters of the Gulf of America. Picture a destination big enough to offer a variety of exciting activities and opportunities for solitude, but small enough to avoid the hassle of the sprawling resort towns. In your imagination you just conjured up Sanibel Island Florida, truly a jewel in the Gulf region.
Sanibel Island Family Activities
Sanibel Island Family ActivitiesThere are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a...
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?If you have recently booked a stay with the Island Inn on Sanibel Island, you probably wonder what airport is closest to Sanibel Island. This is a common question, particularly for guests arriving from outside...
Visitor Reviews
A Sunny Return We returned to The Island Inn for our first visit since Hurricane Ian and was heartened to see construction underway and Sanibel rebounding. We had a beautiful ocean-view room for six nights in the Matthews Lodge, which was extremely quiet and included a screened in balcony patio and a fully equipped kitchen. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We encourage you to support this historic property. 
