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 can drive to Sanibel in one day. Sanibel is a small, quaint, island beach town, so we’re the perfect place for solo travelers, couples of all ages, and families too! Our open-air island is spread out with activities for everybody’s taste. From Tiki hut BBQ’s on the beach to romantic dining at five-star restaurants, we’ve got it all!

Drive distances and times to Island Inn Sanibel from around the country.

Click here for driving directions from your current location.

Getting Into an Island State of Mind

• Throw your watch out the window (or tuck it far away) – you’re on island time! Speaking of island time, it’s 5 o’ clock somewhere! No matter what time you arrive, there’s a slew of places to stop in for a cold one!

• Listen to the sounds of Danny Morgan on your way down. He’s our local version of Jimmy Buffet!

• Surf the web for great activities to consider on Sanibel Island while visiting.  How about going on a dolphin watching excursion?  Or maybe ride your bikes over to the world-famous Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to see their Giant Pacific Octopus and touch tanks?  Or maybe order an e-book from New York Times bestselling author and Sanibel Island resident Randy Wayne White. His non-fiction adventure tales center around the character of “Doc Ford”, a retired NSA Agent whose escapades take place on the beaches, bayous and wildlife preserves of Sanibel Island.

How to Tell That You’ve Arrived

Look! It’s a… DOLPHIN! As soon as you get through the Sanibel toll plaza, put the windows down and keep your eyes open for over 50 species of fish, 230 types of birds and 250 kinds of seashells. If you’re lucky, a pelican may escort you across the causeway islands, as they’re known to fly parallel to the cars that are crossing the causeway bridges while searching for their next meal.

Once on the Island, take a quick right-hand turn into the Sanibel Captiva Visitor Welcome Center for a plethora of information on all things Sanibel!

Features of Sanibel & the Island Inn:

Before you land at the Island Inn, stop by our favorite one-stop-shop for everything you’ll need to stock your in-room kitchens and beach bags at Bailey’s General Store. Or, order everything online from Bailey’s before you arrive, and it will be delivered and waiting for you in your cottage or suite!

Make sure to get some local, Florida orange juice from them too! They squeeze it on-site daily! Pro-Tip: Orange juice has many uses! Besides being a great way to start your day, it’s the perfect marinade for dinner dishes and the ideal accompaniment to a glass of champagne or even a margarita! Just ask our on-site, master mixologist, Carlo, when you stop into our award-winning restaurant, bar and lounge for your welcome cocktail upon arrival!

Upon arrival at the Inn, it’s totally possible to ditch the car for the remainder of your vacation! Put those limbs to use and hop on a bicycle, kayak, paddle board or just take a leisurely stroll and soak up the sun’s rays and fresh air. Sanibel has 25 miles of bike paths & there are 15 miles of unspoiled beaches between us and our sister island, Captiva. Visit our front desk for pre-made itineraries of activities of all varieties!

Whatever you decide to do with us on your Sanibel vacation, we know you’ll enjoy your experience. Cherished Memories, Modern Comforts… Enjoy It All at the Island Inn!