Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

#1 Bowman's Beach Bowman's is well known for having beautiful, unusual shells, but you'll have to put a little effort into finding the true gems along this beach. Recent travelers found ... Read more » paparutzi / Flickr

#2 Captiva Island Most people think of Sanibel and its quirky little sister island, Captiva, as interchangeable. True, they're both quiet spots with great shorelines, but there are a few differences. Here ... Read more » Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

#4 Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is small but packs quite a punch. In just a few choice exhibits, you'll be able to learn more about any sea treasures you might ... Read more » Jessica Lucia / Flickr

#5 Schoolhouse Theater This bright pink Sanibel landmark started out as a one-room schoolhouse in 1896. Now, it’s the 90-seat BIG ARTS Herb Strauss Theater, a performance venue that welcomes Broadway shows ... Read more » Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau

#6 J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Named after a political cartoonist and conservationist, the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge was originally meant to conserve the Sanibel Island mangrove forest. Now, the refuge (which occupies ... Read more » cletch / Flickr

#7 Sanibel Lighthouse One of the first lighthouses on Florida's Gulf Coast, this station on the island's eastern end used to light the entrance into San Carlos Bay. Now, this iconic ... Read more » Todd Ryburn Photography / Getty Images