By now you've covered Sanibel and Captiva like a pro: Your pockets are bursting with shells, you've seen dozens of birds, you've endured sensory overload while dining, and conquered the great outdoors on bike, boat and kayak. You deserve a civilized sunset sail and a few cocktails to boot.
Head directly to Captiva Beach--your perfect evening begins and ends at the 'Tween Waters Inn.
It's time for some active pursuits. And considering the islands have an average year-round temperature of about 75 degrees, there's no good reason to stay inside.
For an island experience that's equally as unique, look no further than The Bubble Room, a kitschy, hodgepodge of a restaurant that specializes in quirky meals and wacky décor. Picture TGI Friday's on crack and you'll begin understand what this place is all about.
By now your pockets are overflowing with seashells, after all, yesterday was spent combing the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva, by far two of the best islands in the country to spot a rare find. Looking for a break from the sand?
Head to JN "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge--with over 6,400 acres of mangrove forest and submerged seagrass beds, plus more than 220 species of migratory birds, the refuge is perhaps one of Florida's finest sites to view nature in the raw.
Forget about year-round sunshine and miles of beaches--what travelers to Sanibel and Captiva really want are seashells. Just 14 miles west of Fort Myers on Florida's southwestern coast, the two islands have consistently been rated one of the country's top spots to find shells of all kinds including coquina, conch and about 275 other varieties.
It's perhaps the number one reason people visit--but certainly not the only one. Want to discover where to dig up the best of the bunch? Find out after the jump.
