Loading...
Check-in - Check-out Date
                               
2 Adults - 0 Children

Things To Do During Your Island Inn Sanibel Vacation!

Whether you are planning a weekend getaway with friends or a long vacation with family, Sanibel Island is guaranteed to meet all your expectations and more! Between the abundance of wildlife on the island to its surreal beaches, there’s no denying its beauty. If you are looking to have fun-filled and memorable vacation at, look no further than the Island Inn.

 

Here are 8 fun activities to put on your list of things to do while vacationing on Sanibel Island:

 

Island Inn Vacation - National Shell Museum - Sanibel Island

1. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Shelling

Everyone knows Sanibel is world renowned for its shells.  That’s why you simply cannot visit Sanibel Island without going to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. This vibrant and interactive Museum is the only of its kind that is solely devoted to shells, mollusk, and the coastal environment they call home. Live animal “tank talks” as well as many other fun, interactive programs coupled with great exhibits make for a wonderful experience at any age.  After a day at the museum go apply your knowledge to our beaches to become a Sanibel shell expert!

Island Inn Paddleboard Rentals

2. Kayaking or Paddleboarding at the Island Inn

Kayaking or Paddleboarding at the Island Inn is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience in the Gulf. Canoe & Kayak Magazine and Paddler Magazine both list Sanibel as a top destination for great weather, abundant wildlife, world-class beaches and proximity to other hot spots such as Captiva and Pine Island. The Island Inn offers kayak and paddleboard rentals directly on the property, just steps away from your room!

Island Inn Vacation - Sanibel Island Farmer's Market

3. Sanibel Island Farmers Market

What better way to experience the Sanibel Island lifestyle than eating locally grown produce, breads, baked goods and more! This popular, open-air market is located on Dunlop Road every Sunday from October through May.  Don’t miss out on the opportunity to meet local islanders and eat delicious food!

Adventures in Paradise Cruise - SWFL

4. Adventures in Paradise Cruise

Feeling like cruising on the water? Think about joining one of the many daily cruises from Adventures in Paradise! Offered at times throughout the day, hop on a Morning Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise, Shelling & Lunch Cruise, Sea Life Encounter cruise or the Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise.  If you’re planning your vacation between October & May, Adventures in Paradise offers free trolley pick up & return to the Island Inn with certain cruises! Be sure to ask about it when making your reservation!

CROW - Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

5. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

If you love learning about wildlife, CROW is the perfect place for you to visit during your vacation. CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, is a teaching hospital and visitor education center dedicated to saving wildlife through state-of-the-art veterinary care, research, education and conservation medicine. Be sure to check out the visitor education tour and become even more connected to wildlife!

YOLO Watersports - Island Inn Vacation

6. Waverunner Excursion or Parasailing at YOLO Watersports

Explore the Gulf of America on waverunners at YOLO Watersports, located on Captiva Island. Many excursions have the fortune of seeing dolphins, West Indian Manatees, rays, turtles and more! Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime experience… YOLO.

Sanibel Day Spa - Island Inn Vacation

7. Sanibel Day Spa

Once you’re done exploring the outdoors, be sure to stop by the Sanibel Day Spa to enjoy a relaxing, therapeutic massage, facial and more. Show your Island Inn exclusive promotion card and receive 10% off! You’re on a Sanibel vacation… treat yourself!

Shopping on Sanibel

8. Shopping at Local Boutiques

Sanibel and Captiva feature many shops and lots of fun local boutiques! For a new stylish outfit stop in to a few of our favorites and check out the shopping plazas around Sanibel & Captiva to find that special item to cherish your vacation!

Why Knot

    • Located within the Village Shops on Sanibel, Why Knot provides island fashion to women of all ages! A favorite with locals and visitors to find an outfit that is comfortable and stylish!

Chloe’s of Captiva

    • This boutique is located on Andy Rosse Lane on Captiva, Chloe’s of Captiva features fashionable brands and many styles for multiple occasions!

You Might Also Like:

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...

A Day in the Life of an Island Inn Guest

A Day in the Life of an Island Inn Guest https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgc2RjH4-W0 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...

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!...

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...

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,...

American Innovators Tied to Historic Sanibel Hotel

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....

The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation FoundationAs 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,...

Wall Street Journal: Florida’s Best Beaches

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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

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...

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 &...

The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance

The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance  A Guide for Driving to Sanibel IslandSanibel 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....

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...

The 83rd Annual Shell Festival Is Almost Here!

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...

Turtles at the Island Inn

Turtles at the Island Inn!Have you ever walked along the shores of Sanibel and noticed one of these?Sea turtle nest at the Island InnThese staked-off sections are where sea turtles have made their nests! As part of our ongoing efforts to be stewards of the...

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

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...

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...

Ellie and Jared Visit Sanibel

Ellie and Jared Visit SanibelThis 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...

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...

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...

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.

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…

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.

Trip Advisor Recognizes Island Inn for Excellent Lodging

Whether you and your family have been coming to Sanibel for years, or if you are just looking for ideas or lodging options, it pays to do your homework. Looking at a map of Southwest Florida, seeing tiny Sanibel curled up just offshore of Fort Myers, you wouldn’t know there are hundreds of lodging choices on the island.

Sanibel Island Hotels

Island Inn offers eleven accommodation styles to choose from including spacious and flexible cottages, suites, rooms and lodges. The variety of choices ensures that, no matter your travel style or preferences, Island Inn has you covered.

Check Availability to Book Now!

Visitor Reviews

5 star rating 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.
read more
David 2/01/2026
media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1

Get Social

Don't Miss An Update

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest updates, news, and offers.