At the east end of the island, around the historic lighthouse, persist the roots of Olde Town Sanibel. In 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse first shone upon San Carlos Bay, warning sailors and cattle shippers away from treacherous sandbars. A small village of about 100 settlers grew up. In 1928, the Kinzie brothers constructed docks at the east end of Ferry Road, and from then until 1963, Ferry Road and Olde Town served as the hub of island guest activity. Today a number of charming inns and cottages, all completely renovated, along with colorful restaurants and shops, make up the enduring core of Olde Town Sanibel.

Captiva's intriguing past of fishing and farming is told at the Captiva History House, a smidgeon of a museum at the doorstep to South Seas Plantation Resort.