Do You Know the Best Place for a Scenic Drive in Sanibel Island?

On Sanibel Island, you will be in the lap of luxury.

There are gorgeous beaches to explore, beautiful nature to observe, and delicious food to indulge in. But one of the best things to do on Sanibel is taking a good old-fashioned road trip! With so many breathtaking sights around you, you can take a long drive and let the wind in your hair while you spend time with the ones you love. For the ultimate scenic drive, you’re going to want to reserve some time to spend on the Sanibel Causeway.

About Sanibel Causeway

By far the best drive in the Sanibel area is along the Sanibel Causeway. This three-mile stretch of road connects Sanibel Island to the mainland in Punta Rassa, Florida. The history of Sanibel Causeway dates back over a century, as around 1912, the only way to transport cars between the island and the mainland was by ferry. Once the idea of a bridge was proposed, many residents were skeptical and claimed that the bridge would ruin the isolated atmosphere and beauty of Sanibel.

The bridge itself wasn’t actually built until the 1960s, and it has been repaired multiple times since then, mainly due to structural concerns caused by natural disasters. Today, there are 3 bridges connecting the island to the mainland with 2 man-made islands between.

Bridge A is the tallest bridge in the county at 70 feet and is closest to the mainland. The bridge was constructed in June 2007. Bridge B was the first of the 3 current bridges to open, transporting its first people in April 2007. This section is the shortest and middle bridge, and there is no navigation channel underneath. Bridge C is closest to the island, and it’s also the longest section. It opened for traffic in September 2007.

What to Do

Besides just experiencing the drive, there are other fun activities you can do at Sanibel Causeway. Of course, the best part of the Causeway is the gorgeous view. The water spans as far as the eye can see, making for a perfect photo op or a great background for a romantic afternoon. It’s even better at sunset!

Nature lovers will also want to visit Sanibel Causeway to spot the birds or fish. Plenty of picnic tables are available so you can eat lunch right near the water, and you can also jump in for a swim or park the boat and hang out. Stroll the water to pick up a unique sand dollar, Sanibel Island’s best souvenir! Be sure to visit the two islands as well for even more fun!

Cost

Heading to Sanibel and Captiva Islands on the Causeway will cost you $6 per car. You can use credit and debit cards, but cash is much faster and more convenient for both you and your fellow drivers. There is no charge for cars leaving the islands. There is also plenty of parking along the Causeway, which costs $5 per hour.

Sanibel Causeway not only provides a way to get on and off the island, but it’s a journey in and of itself. You and your loved ones can spend the whole afternoon sunbathing, splashing, picnicking, and more right on the Causeway, all with the gorgeous backdrop of the water. When you’re done for the day, take the Causeway right back into Sanibel to reach our Sanibel vacation rentals.