SANIBEL ISLAND VACATION RENTALS, FLORIDA |
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Sights and Attractions in Sanibel Island |
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| Sanibel is home to quite a few historic and cultural sights and what better way to know more about a place than delving into its past. |
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Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Sanibel Historic Village and Museum
Barrier Island Group for the Arts
J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation |
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| Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum |
| Located on Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is one of a kind and showcases shells and mollusks. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, it has more than 25 exhibits and a collection of about 150,000 lots. Children below the age of 4 are admitted free, $4 is charged for kids between the age of 5 to 16, and adults 17 and above have to shell out $7. Discounted rates are available for a group of more than 10 people. You can also shop for unique presents and collectibles at the Museum Store which has special books, puzzles, and toys for children. |
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| Sanibel Historic Village and Museum |
| The Sanibel Historical Village and Museum takes you back to the late 19th and early 20th century with restored buildings of the era. It has a handicapped accessible boardwalk and shell paths. Some popular structures are Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, Clarence Rutland’s home, and the 1926 post office. A $5 donation per adult is welcomed. The establishment remains open November through mid-August, Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Summer hours may vary. It closes mid-August to October. |
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| Barrier Island Group for the Arts |
| Barrier Island Group for the Arts, or BIG Arts as it is popularly known, aims to provide high-quality cultural programs to the residents. Located on Dunlop Road, it is home to two art galleries, a 414-seat concert hall, and a Sculpture Garden. A number of special events are held here every year, like the Annual Art Fair and The Ink Spots. The office is open Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 04:00 PM. Through the year many performers take part in the music and dance events. Those who have performed here in the past include The Austin Lounge Lizards, Judy Carmichael, and The Renaissance Classical Orchestra. The charges differ with each event. The complex has special facilities for the handicapped, including hearing-aids. |
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| J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge |
December through March, bird-watchers can enjoy a special treat at the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Many migratory birds take refuge here through the year. The Reserve’s facilities include The Education Center that remains open January to April from 9 AM to 5 PM and May to December from 9 AM to 4 PM. The Center has a special hands-on area for kids, a bookstore, and many interactive exhibits.
The Wildlife Drive remains open Saturday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to half hour before sunset. Vehicles are charged $5, and walkers and bikers over 15 years old have to pay $1. The facility does not close on Federal holidays and is located in the parking lot of the Education Center. Various entrance passes, such as the Golden Age and Golden Eagle, can be purchased at the Education Center or the entrance. Indigo Trail, Wulfert Keys Trail, and Shell Mound Trail can be accessed from Wildlife Drive.
Fishing and boating are allowed in specific areas. Not all areas are open for fishing and over 2800 acres of land has been designated as a non-motorized zone. You can refer to the Fishing and Boating brochure for rules and regulations.
You can launch a kayak or a canoe along Wildlife Drive. Guided tours are available along the drive by Canoe Adventures and by Tarpon Bay Explorers in Tarpon Bay.
Bicyclists can take an 8-mile loop along Wildlife Drive returning along Sanibel-Captiva Road or a 4-mile loop along Wildlife Drive returning through Indigo Trail. |
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| Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation |
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation runs a nature center that educates visitors about the island’s flora and fauna. 4½ miles of trails are available to explore the various exhibits and habitats. An observation tower, a butterfly exhibit, a marine life touch tank, a nature shop, and a native plant nursery all add to the experience of discovering nature.
Guided tours to the Butterfly House are conducted every Tuesday at 10 AM. Recommended donation is $1 per person. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours any time of the year. A guided walk through the Center will teach visitors about native habitats, history of the area, and preservation efforts by the foundation. You can take advantage of these Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM from January through April; and on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 AM from May through December. Adult non-members pay $3.
The Native Plant Nursery is open Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM from October to April. Beginning November it opens on Saturday as well 10 AM to 3 PM. The summer operation hours are Monday to Friday 8:39 AM to 5 PM. |
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