History

History of the Islands

Off Periwinkle Way, Dunlop Road holds the present and past of Sanibel Island along its back-road curves. In addition to Sanibel’s proud new library and government offices, a village of history returns you to the days when ferry crossers stopped at Miss Charlotta’s for tea, then made their way to Bailey’s General Store for supplies.

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.

VENUE
ACTIVITIES
SCHEDULE

Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve
One Wildlife Drive (off San Cap Rd)
(239) 472-1100 ext 233

Nature Preserve with education center, walking trails, nature tours, canoe trails, bike trails, wildlife drive.

Open Daily
9:00am – 5:00pm
No fee for education center. For trails: $5/car & $1/person
Tour pricing varies

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
(239) 472-4648

Step right into Olde Sanibel buildings preserved and displayed for your enjoyment. Sanibel Historical Info.

Wed – Sat. 10:00am to 4:00pm
(summers hours differ)
Entry fee $5 (kids get in free)
Open daily Mon – Fri.
Nature tour prices vary/person

VENUE

Ding Darling Wildlife Preserve
One Wildlife Drive (off San Cap Rd)
(239) 472-1100 ext 233

ACTIVITIES
Nature Preserve with education center, walking trails, nature tours, canoe trails, bike trails, wildlife drive.
SCHEDULE

Open Daily
9:00am – 5:00pm
No fee for education center. For trails: $5/car & $1/person
Tour pricing varies

VENUE

Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel
(239) 472-4648

ACTIVITIES
Step right into Olde Sanibel buildings preserved and displayed for your enjoyment. Sanibel Historical Info.
SCHEDULE

Wed – Sat. 10:00am to 4:00pm
(summers hours differ)
Entry fee $5 (kids get in free)
Open daily Mon – Fri.
Nature tour prices vary/person