Sanibel Island on the southwest coast of Florida is one of the most beautiful places in the world for a get-away. Whether you are planning a family vacation, a wedding, a honeymoon, or just wanting to escape the harsh northern winters, Sanibel is calling to you.

There is no need to board a boat to get to Sanibel. There is a spectacular causeway of three bridges. It hops from shore to a small island, then hops again to another small island, and then finally to the the island itself.

Just opened in 2007, this high-span bridge offers a wonderful view of San Carlos Bay with its mangrove islands. The mangroves are uninhabitable, but the inlets and outlets make them heavenly place for boating and fishing.

The island's location and shape with an offshore shelf just under the surface acts as a giant scoop for millions of seashells transported in by the prevailing currents. You will have no doubt as to its moniker "The Seashell Island" when you see for yourself the endless alabaster beaches encrusted with white seashells.

Soon you will find yourself adopting "the Sanibel Stoop", as you reach down to examine these marvelous gifts of nature. Indeed, some of the very best souvenirs are free for the picking.

While you are in Florida, be sure to visit the world famous Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. You just might want to schedule your vacation to coincide with the shell show that draws visitors from all over the world for four days each year.

The island is home to a wide variety of birds such as ospreys, roseate spoonbills, and bald eagles. If you are not a birdwatcher, you may soon become one because they are an awesome sight. It seems that migrating birds like this area of Florida in the winter as much as humans do.

It won't take long for you to notice the huge J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It encompasses half of the island and offers the visitor a chance to see all manner of birds and wildlife. You can access the area on foot, by boat, bicycle, or motorized conveyance. Watch out for the alligators!

This tropical paradise almost sounds too good to be true. But it is true and very accessible by automobile down Interstate I-75 to Exit 131 which is Daniels Parkway. Proceed west to Summerlin Road and on to the Sanibel Causeway. Have six dollars ready for the toll. It will be well worth it!

If you just can't wait to get there, why not fly? Book your flight to the newly-expanded Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. From there it's only about a forty minute drive to your fabulous holiday on Sanibel Island.

For more information about Sanibel Island Florida vacation, visit SouthwestFloridaTravelGuide.com - With just a click, you can view all the accommodations, attractions, dining, car and boat rentals you need to plan your perfect Florida vacation.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 12th, 2010 at 12:05 pm and is filed under Destinations. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.