advice for Sanibel/Fort Meyers?

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of trying to go to Sanibel/Fort Meyers for Spring Break. The main attractions would be the beach and probably a spring training game or two. Any advice on where to stay or what else to do (with a 7 year old).

[Anonymous]

We love Sanibel and Captiva! Been there several times, with and without kids. If you're going with kids, I recommend getting a condo rental, so you'll have more room and a kitchen. There are many condo developments to choose from; just google Sanibel or Captiva rentals and you'll find a bunch. There's also South Sea resort, which is supposed to be nice. And if you go, don't miss a visit to the Bubble room! Desserts to die for!

[Anonymous]

My family has been going to Sanibel/ Captiva for more than 20 years.

On Sanibel there's the Ding Darling Wild Life Refuge- you can drive through, take walks, or rent a boat/kayak/canoe/bike.

I loved going to Captiva as a kid but South Seas is under new ownership since the last hurricane and has gotten kinda snobby/pricey. You can still rent a condo/timeshare there but do it privately rather than using South Sea's office (they jack up the prices).

There's an awesome mini golf in Fort Meyer's too.

There are lots of fun restaurants on Sanibel/Captiva. There's the Island Cow and the Mucky Duck in addition to the Bubble Room. And one night a week there are hermit crab races at Tween Water's on Captiva- goofy but fun.

[Anonymous]

I stayed at Tween Waters Inn and thought it was decent. They have traditional hotel room style options and "cottage" options.

A few annoying points about Sanibel/Captiva:
It costs something like $8 to get on the island every time you leave.
Captiva is farther away from the bridge than Sanibel, so it seems to take forever to drive out there because it's a 2 lane road with a very very low speed limit.

That being said, I felt like the two islands were very quiet and residential feeling. I'm sure you could have a peaceful relaxing time.

[Anonymous]

What's is like during the summer? Bearable? Or not?

[Anonymous]

Is the water warm enough for swimming in March?

[Anonymous]

i'm one of the pps and i went in january, so i don't know about the spring or summer. though i imagine summer would definitely be hot and spring could potentially be warm enough. january was barely warm enough to use the heated pool but definitely too cold for the ocean.