Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Sanibel Island

"J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places to view wildlife on Sanibel Island. Fond of wildlife and nature?. Do yourself a favor, and put the J.N."

"Since Lovers Key State Park is a state park, its lands get a little bit more care and protection than other beaches. For that reason and the unique amenities here, Lovers Key State Park is one of the best beaches in Fort Myers Beach. It’s open 365 days a year, and therefore the perfect fix for even the most spontaneous beach day!"

"​Day Four: Lovers Key State Park, Love Boat Ice Cream, Pool, and Fine Folk Pizza There are so many outdoor and water activities in Ft. Myers so on this day we tried our hand at canoeing at Lovers Key State Park. We were able to rent a canoe for half the day for $48 (they only charged us the 1-2 person rate due to the kids ages)."

"This beautiful 3500 acre wetland park is home to a plethora of amazing creatures including turtles, otters, alligators, birds, and more. At Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, you can walk along a boardwalk to get a close look at the wetlands or visit the interpretive center to learn more about the flora and fauna that live there. It is a great place to visit before heading to the Everglades if you want to develop a decent base of knowledge about what you will be seeing."

"Measuring roughly 3,500 acres, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has a fantastic 1.2-mile boardwalk through the Florida wetlands. Nature lovers will really enjoy taking a few selfies at this preserve’s many lookout points. This preserve is usually open between dawn and dusk every day, but always check the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve’s website for info on closures."

"The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) is a wildlife rehabilitation facility that cares for over 3,000 orphaned, injured and sick migratory and native wildlife patients per year. Unlike your typical zoos, this veterinary hospital rehabs these creatures and aims to return them to their natural habitat. To make the most of your visit, join their daily presentations, which are led by a pro."

"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..."

"Like the Cypress Slough Preserve, the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve in Cape Coral has a wonderful boardwalk through the Florida wetlands with plenty of photo ops. Plus, this preserve is attached to the Veterans Memorial Park, which features many impressive war monuments. The Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is open between 8 AM till dusk on most days."

"Measuring over 100 acres, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a fantastic way to get children interested in ecology. After watching a show at the 87-seat planetarium, go on a hiking trail, visit live animals, and check out the butterfly room. Typically, Calusa is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 AM – 4 PM and on Sundays from 11 AM – 4 PM."

"This is a museum as well a performing arts center in Pelican Bay. The purpose of this museum was to awaken the love for colors and arts. It is basically a visual arts museum which focuses a lot on the works of modern and contemporary artists."

"Hirdie Girdie Gallery is a local artists' cooperative with a variety of styles and media including watercolor, oil, pastel and acrylic paintings, colored pencil and fiber, photography, Raku, pottery, basketry, sculptures, fused glass, turned wood, fiber and jewelry. All of the artwork displayed has been created by the members of their cooperative and our guest artists. You will always find a friendly and knowledgeable artist at the gallery."

"Hirdie-Girdie Gallery, located just minutes from our premier Sanibel Florida rentals, is another fantastic Sanibel art gallery. For over 20 years, Hirdie-Girdie has been supplying visitors and locals with visual stimulation and inspiration. Visit their website to learn more about the vast variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional offerings, as well as information on specific features artists."

"With recipes handed down through the generations, long before its founding in 1952, the Farmers Market Restaurant is the oldest operating restaurant in the county. Old-fashioned breakfast favorites include farm-fresh omelettes alongside traditional southern dinner staples such as fried chicken gizzards, creamy shrimp and grits, and country fried steak. You’ll find the fried green tomato and bacon club sandwich for lunch just as warm and welcoming."

"Farmers Market Restaurant is one of the longest running and best restaurants in For Myers. Opened in 1952 Farmers market has been serving home cooked comfort food with recipes that have been passed down several generations. Each meal is served in big portions and great quality since opening!"

"The Farmers Market Restaurant is a local treasure just on the outskirts of downtown. This restaurant has been established for over 65 years serving home-cooked southern meals to the community. Serving familiar southern staples, you will not leave hungry."

"Stopped by here before heading to the airport since my home state doesn't have a Krispy Kreme. It was a little after 4 AM so things were a little sl..."