Sanibel Thanksgiving

Sanibel Thanksgiving

We’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 listing to the directory, please email us details here. Show All Businesses Adventures In Paradise 13499 […]

A Day in the Life of an Island Inn Guest

Experience a day in the life of a guest at the Island Inn on Sanibel Island. Adventure on-site & later explore all the islands have to offer, post Hurricane Ian. From kayaking in the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Refuge to souvenir shopping and scrumptious snacks on a sunny Sanibel day, there’s something for everyone in […]

sanibel businesses open post hurricane

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! We at Sanibel Island Inn have worked hard to restore our terrific […]

Sanibel Hotel Open After Hurricane Ian

The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel Island

Information for Guests – Know Before You Go! The Island Inn reopened its doors as the first hotel on Sanibel Island to receive guests post-Hurricane Ian. Thanks to major capital investments made over the past decade in our property’s infrastructure and coastal resilience, we are proud to continue to offer a beachfront oasis on Sanibel […]

Hurricane Ian Sanibel Island Inn

Hurricane Ian

To our loyal guests who have shown unwavering love and compassion for our historic piece of paradise, First and foremost, we are happy to report that the Island Inn Family (staff) are all accounted for and we sincerely thank you for the amazing number of prayers and well wishes we’ve received in this regard.  Steve […]

Island Inn Sanibel history Phister Patent

American Innovators Tied to Historic Sanibel Hotel

While we’ve always known our cherished Island Inn has great history, it’s always exciting when we unveil new pieces to our quaint, beachfront puzzle. One of these most recent instances pertains to our Phister Cottage. Benjamin H. (Ben) Phister and his wife Dee were long time guests of the Island Inn, and friends with the […]

sccf adopt a mangrove

The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

As the Islands’ oldest hotel, the Island Inn shares a common goal with local environmental organizations of preserving the well-being of our estuaries, the health of our local ecology, and the quality of life for those that live, play, and stay on Sanibel Island. Starting in the Summer of 2022, we’ve partnered with the Sanibel […]

wall street journal article on Island Inn

Wall Street Journal: Florida’s Best Beaches

The Island Inn, Sanibel’s #1 hotel & inn, was named in the Wall Street Journal for Florida’s BEST beaches! We are incredibly proud of this recognition and definitely agree that our 550ft of pristine beachfront checks all the boxes for ‘best beach’; especially for those looking for seashells! Island Inn Noted ‘Best Beach in Florida’ […]

Airplane Flying to Florida | Airplane Flying to Florida | 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 of Florida. To start, most new guests find our Where is Sanibel Island page helpful. It provides information about the island […]

Woman on vacation in Florida | What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts? | Island Inn

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 that wish will come true. For this reason, more guests than ever before are asking the […]

Dog on Beach | Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel Island

Where to Stay: Pet-Friendly Hotels on Sanibel Island

While 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 fur-babies. Let’s explore some of the most popular choices for pet-friendly hotels on Sanibel Island, FL. […]

Sanibel Causeway Park | On my way to Island Inn, will I pay a Sanibel Causeway toll?

On my way to Island Inn, will I pay a Sanibel Causeway toll?

One of the most common questions we hear at the Island Inn Sanibel is, “How much is the toll for the Sanibel Causeway?” Other booking guests ask whether there is a Sanibel Causeway toll discount. Thankfully, the current toll is only a slight fee for easily crossing the bridges and small islands that provide access […]

sanibel christmas information

Sanibel Christmas and New Year’s Activities, Services + Restaurant Hours

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want our guests to know all things holiday related on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Below you will find current information on Sanibel Christmas & New Year’s activities, church services & restaurant hours – we also included some off-island information should you wish to explore! We […]

Newest Vacation Rental Homes on Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island has become one of the most sought after destination in the world because of its peaceful atmosphere, pristine beaches and world-class seashell collecting! And as its popularity has grown, the Island Inn has been growing alongside it. That’s why we’re excited to show you the newest way to vacation, Sanibel Style! Our monthly […]

historic 1950's island inn envelope

Sanibel Family Vacation Tradition: A Historic Guest Story at the Island Inn

Travel back in time with us with this story of a Sanibel Family Vacation Tradition from the 1950’s.

Luminary Festival

The Sanibel Luminary is quite the holiday scene each year on our beautiful, tropical island. The Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce event will be taking place in traditional fashion on Friday, December 3rd, and Saturday, December 4th! Enjoy a fun-filled weekend of holiday cheer, live music, special deals, free refreshments, and more! Cherished […]

Thanksgiving on Sanibel

We’ve collected the below information for our guests to make your Sanibel Thanksgiving holiday with the Island Inn the best experience possible. Church Services Captiva Chapel by the Sea – Outdoor Thanksgiving Eve Service 11580 Chapin Lane – 4PM Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church Thanksgiving Day Service 2304 Periwinkle Way – 10AM Saint […]

The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance

A Guide for Driving to Sanibel Island Sanibel Island is the perfect drive-to destination for people looking for a tropical, secluded beach vacation, without having to deal with the hassle of booking airline flights. Whether you rent a car or drive your own, most folks living in the Southeast, Midwest and Mid Atlantic United States […]

father and son play on sanibel beach

Island Inn Family Vacation Guide on Sanibel Island

NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with your family. From shelling on the beach, biking paths, and various guided and boat tours, there are activities and places to visit for families of any size and children of any […]

The 83rd Annual Shell Festival Is Almost Here!

The 83rd Annual Sanibel Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House in just over a week! From March 5th – March 7th see what amazing shell seekers do with all of their wonderful shells they find on our local beaches! You’ll see shells, shell art, crafts, books, Judged Artistic & Scientific exhibits […]

Turtles at the Island Inn

Have you ever walked along the shores of Sanibel and noticed one of these? These staked-off sections are where sea turtles have made their nests! As part of our ongoing efforts to be stewards of the environment, the Island Inn has partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in their ‘Adopt-a-Beach’ program to sponsor our […]

Support the Shell Museum for a chance to WIN GOLD from Congress Jewelers

Support the Shell Museum for a chance to WIN GOLD from Congress Jewelers General Manager of the Island Inn, Chris Davison, has been selected as a “Celebrity Waiter” for the 2019 Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Celebrity Island Dinner! An annual tradition on Sanibel, this fundraiser enables the museum to fulfill its mission of connecting people […]

best hotel sanibel 2018

Best Hotel Sanibel Has to Offer! Island Inn Wins 2022 Award for ‘Best Of’…

NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Wondering what the best hotel Sanibel has to offer is? The Island Inn was recently awarded the 2022 ‘Best Hotel & Inn’ on Sanibel & Captiva islands in an annual polling of area visitors & residents completed by the Sanibel […]

Sanibel Island Family Activities

There 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 family. There are activities and family friendly places to visit for families […]

boy plays in shore on sanibel beach

Ellie and Jared Visit Sanibel

This past May, the Island Inn hosted our friends Ellie and Jared Mecham. Ellie and Jared spent lots of time with their family learning all about Sanibel and all the amazing things to do while vacationing on our beautiful island. We’ve compiled their awesome footage documenting their entire stay from arrival into Matthews Cottage, to […]

Sanibel Island Sunset

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 the premier destinations in Florida. Travelers flying into Florida typically […]

sanibel easter flyer

Sanibel Island Easter Events & Services

For the benefit of our guests we have compiled a list of scheduled activities taking place on or around Sanibel and Captiva over the holiday weekend. Please note, the Island Inn is not hosting an Easter event this year. Should you require any additional information regarding the events taking place, please contact the host directly. […]

How to See Sanibel Island Dolphins

Take a dolphin watching tour. To your advantage, dolphin tour operators are often “locals” who know the most likely places and times for observing dolphins.

How to Choose a Sanibel Island Cottage

There are many cottages on Sanibel Island; your choice says a lot about you and the kind of vacation traveler you are. Ask yourself: Am I happiest when I am among my friends and new acquaintances in a restaurant or night club? Or do I mostly look forward to spending hours under a palm tree – or walking on nature trails by myself? Fortunately, the Island Inn is a convenient choice for both of these approaches to leisure.

A Day in the Life of an Island Inn Guest

I am really looking forward to our first day at Island Inn on Sanibel Island. We arrived last evening just after dark and were tired from our long drive. Boy is it quiet here; don’t know why I woke up. It’s still dark outside and my wife is still asleep. I guess I’m just used to getting up early.

We left the windows open while we slept. I’m glad we did that because I love breathing that beautiful salt air! I can just barely hear the waves sloshing on the shore. It sure is a relaxing sound – maybe I’ll just lay back and listen for a few minutes while I decide what to do next…