An Island Escape in Southwest Florida: Sanibel Island
One of our absolute favorite places to “get away from it all” is to head to Sanibel Island, Florida. This
small island is in the Gulf of Mexico and features everything from amazing sunsets, beaches, island life,
and a little history. Check it out on our KidFriendlyVenues app or website.
When looking for accommodations, I highly recommend finding a vacation rental home which offers
both privacy and their own pool or those that are located very close to a beautiful beach area. This is
very convenient when visiting with children of any age. You can find these rentals on KidFriendlyVenues.com or you may choose to contact one of the local vacation rental locations on the island.
Once you arrive, it’s time to explore. One of our favorite places to go with our kids is shelling on one of
the beaches. Make sure there is no living creature still in the shell before you remove it. This gives the kids a chance to visit the ocean and we always come back with a box full of shells that we have collected and put in a jar when we arrive home (which they love). Afterwards, I suggest checking out the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. It features some of the rarest and largest shells in the world. This is the only museum in the entire United States completely devoted to shells and mollusks.
If you prefer the open water, another thing we absolutely love to do as a family is rent a boat from the Sanibel Marina. They offer half-day and daily rates for their boats. All you need is a valid driver's license. You have access to travel and explore nearby Captiva Island as well which increases your options for families with children of all ages.
As far as food options on Sanibel Island go, there are so many great choices for families. One of our
absolute favorites is The Lazy Flamingo located in downtown Sanibel on Periwinkle Way. A second one is located on Pine Avenue by the beach. It is a favorite of both tourists and locals in the area. They have amazing island cuisine and cold drinks for the adults. If you are looking for fresh seafood during your stay another one of our favorites is The Timbers Restaurant and Seafood Market. You can dine there as well as buy fresh fish from their retail counter. The Blue Point Oysters are a must-have if you love oysters, and the fresh catch of the day is always a hit.
In the end, Sanibel Island is one of the best places for a relaxing, yet not boring, family vacation. My 15 year old says " "I love to just escape and be able to relax while living island life.  The pools at the rentals are so much fun and we can walk to the beach or go shopping whenever we want."  Five star recommendation on KFV!!

Ashton G