Sanibel & Captiva are two of the most unique barrier islands in the world, having an east-west orientation while most islands are north-south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells. Not to mention a fabulous place to watch the sunsets! As people relax on the islands, they eventually pick up a bright bit of shell. Shells are an integral part of Sanibel & Captiva and conserving the live ones for breeding will insure that they will always remain. Strong winds in summer and winter often catch many live shells up in a sweeping motion and deposit many of them on the beaches. Some species can temporarily be beached at these times and even during normal low tides. Even though these live shells are beached, they are still protected by the City Shelling Restriction, and returning them to the water will likely save most to produce future generations. So please, enjoy your shelling but be sure to leave all of the "live" shells where you find them. Letting them live now will ensure that your grand children will know the same enjoyment in the years to come.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells illustrate the role shells have played in ecology, medicine, literature, religion, art architecture, and as a source of food. Daily slide programs inform visitors about the lives of mollusks, their habits and habitats. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM

The Sanibel Lighthouse The lighthouse stands on Point Ybel Light, or so it is known by the locals. This is perhaps the most photographed spot on Sanibel. The 104 foot light tower was requisitioned as early as 1833. Fifty years later, the government declared the east end of the island a lighthouse reservation and in 1884 the lighthouse was completed.

The Periwinkle Playhouse Welcomes you to a season of rebirth at the J. Howard Wood Theatre! Guided by a team of professionals dedicated to leading a theatre that serves the community - allow them to entertain you with top-rank dramatists. For more info. call (239) 472-0324

J.N. "Ding Darling" Wildlife Refuge Open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, except Fridays (a wildlife vacation from people). This 5,000 acre sanctuary offers hiking, biking, & canoe trails. The 5 mile wildlife drive features more than 200 species of birds, many of them threatened or endangered, alligators, turtles, river otters, armadillos & more!

Old Schoolhouse Theater Built in 1896, this charming island treasure was Sanibel's one room schoolhouse for many years until it was transformed into a theater in 1964 by Broadway veteran Ruth Hunter & her husband Philip. Recently moved to the Sanibel Historical Society.

While on Sanibel try out a few of these dining hot spots. Mad Hatter - fine dining at it's best; you won't be disappointed, Sanibel Steakhouse - prime steaks, chops & seafood, the freshness is unmatched, Lighthouse Cafe - "Worlds best breakfast", something for everyone, The Timbers - fresh seafood and steak with a sports bar atmosphere, Traders Cafe - eclectic American cuisine, cooked in an open-aired kitchen.