The Dunes Travel Guide
Sanibel
Popular places to visit
Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
You can find out about the history of Sanibel with a trip to Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Bowman's Beach
Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.
Periwinkle Way
The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
See almost anything that flies, swims or crawls in Florida in this protected area. Become acquainted with wildlife while learning about varied species.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village during your trip to Sanibel. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Things to do
Dolphin Wildlife Cruise Fort Myers Beach
Parasailing Adventure on Fort Myers Beach (400 Foot Flight)
Ft Myers Beach 3hr Tiki Pub Tropical Sandbar Getaway Cruise
Southwest Florida Sunset Sail
Dolphin and Shelling Cruise Tour at Fort Myers Beach
Top hotels in The Dunes
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
Amazing
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
It’s a Motel. However, after visiting other facilities (I would NOT call them “resorts”), this seems somewhat ordinary. Think, 1970’s island resort with 10-20yrs of upgrades. It’s still a Motel, most are on the island. Nothing fancy, quiet and small. The island is very natural, so not expect beauty ...
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Baymont by Wyndham Fort Myers Central
Staff was helpful and nice. Clogged toilet they took care of right away. Room smelled, hair in the bed, on the floor, on the towels. Sketchy area is a motel not a hotel. Pool was closed by the state.
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area by IHG
Very clean room, comfortable bed and sheets. Good breakfast-especially the coffee!
Reviewed on 1 Mar 2026
Lani Kai Beachfront Resort
Yes
Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers
Hotel was clean and in a safe area. Pool was a key feature as it was heated and a decent size. Breakfast not included in rate but avail for $18. Room was quiet and updated. We had an issue with the bed fitted sheets coming off which we reported on day one. Same thing happened on days 2 and 3. Seems ...
Reviewed on 3 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around The Dunes
Shell Harbor
While Shell Harbor isn't home to many top sights, Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Sea School are some notable places to visit nearby.
Sanibel Isles
While Sanibel Isles isn't home to many top sights, Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way are some notable places to visit nearby.
Mid Island
If you're spending some time in Mid Island, Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Southern Beach are top sights worth seeing.
Gumbo Limbo
Though Gumbo Limbo may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club.
East End
While visiting East End, you might make a stop by sights like Sanibel Island Northern Beach and Sanibel Island Lighthouse.
Beachview Country Club Estates
While visiting Beachview Country Club Estates, you might make a stop by sights like Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club.
