Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
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Looking for things to do on Captiva and Sanibel Islands with kids? The Scary Mommy Travel Guide was created because there is nobody better to help you survive traveling to a unfamiliar destination than a mom who lives there. Read the ever growing guide here, or submit your own hometown!
Captiva is just over an hour from Ft. Myers and relatively easy to get to, but feels like a tropical paradise. Just before is Sanibel, which is the larger and (slightly) more commercial of the two islands. Should you ever find yourself on Sanibel or Captiva Islands, here are some things you must do!
1. Hit the big grocery stores in Fort Myers on your way. Food shopping on the islands is ridiculously expensive and you’ll kick yourself if you end up having to buy a week’s worth of food there. Trust me.
2. Go shelling. One of the main reasons I love coming here so much is for the shells. Little makes me happier than roaming the beach, looking for treasures. Find out when low tide is and hit the beach before anyone else can snatch up all the good stuff. Sanibel and Captiva have some different shells, so be sure to hit beaches on both islands.
3. Visit Cayo Costa Beach. You to get to the beach by boat, and it’s simply amazing. The shelling is the best and the kids love climbing all over the driftwood and making their way through the forest. It’s amazing!
4. Stuff your face at Island Cow. There is something for everyone on the menu and the servings are enormous. Kids can easily split a kids meal, especially if they fill up on the bottomless muffins that come first. And why wouldn’t they do that?
5. Eat at RC Otters. You can show up in a bathing suit and flip flops and get everything from salad to burgers to fried alligator. The french fries are really good. Don’t get suckered into ordering the “special” kids’ drink, though. It’s nothing more than a six dollar Shirley Temple with a plastic shark stuck in it.
6. Take a dolphin sight-seeing boat ride. It’s not cheap, but the kids will love it. So will you.
7. Get Dessert at The Bubble Room. This place claims to be “Florida’s most outrageous and award-winning restaurant.” Maybe it was back in 1980 when there weren’t Houlihan’s and Friday’s in every roadside town. Now? Not so much. Definitely skip dinner there, but head over for dessert and the photo opps outside.
8. Watch the sunset on the beach. Pick a beach, any beach, and head on over after dinner. Bring a bottle of wine and let the kids get their entire bodies feet wet. Don’t forget the camera — some of my best shots have come at this time.
9. Head to Matzaluna for some variety. This Italian restaurant on Sanibel isn’t the best thing ever, but after days of burgers, nachos and shellfish, it tastes like it is. They have a great kids menu, too, and are really patient with annoying children.
10. Leave the kids with your husband and get a massage at the ‘Tween Waters Inn. It’s a nice place to stay, but the spa is especially wonderful. And Lord knows you’ll need an hour of relaxation being away with your family.
Ever been to Captiva or Sanibel? What are your favorite spots?
{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }
It looks like a beautiful trip. Good tips too.
Mom Off Meth recently posted..What Must the Neighbors Think
I live in Naples, and I always forget how awesome our little piece of paradise is…so glad you had a great trip!
And I remember, back in the day, when we were allowed to take all the sand dollars and starfish we wanted….beat the pants off of shelling!
Not a Perfect Mom recently posted..I love 50 Shades, but
I was psyched to find that sand dollar, but it broke three seconds later. The only downside!
We just booked our condo for our third year in a row this coming February. Dead on – Island Cow is a must.
We hit the grocery store off island on our way in and use Baileys for quick stuff.
But seriously I find the service and food at most restaurants blows!
Go to shell! LOL.
I’m jealous. Have a muffin for me. Or, twelve. :)
I love Sanibel. I’ve visited every year since I was a little girl, and have grown to appreciate it even more as I get older. I LOVE Island Cow, favorite restaurant on the island I think. We stay at Sanibel Cottages, and make a trip or two over to Captiva during our week-long stay. It’s a great vacation to just relax, enjoy the beach, family, shelling, etc etc. The beaches and water are amazing. Looks like you had fun, thanks for sharing your experience!
Ohhhhh, gorgeous. Adding that to my list of must-visits!
Just got back from that area as well :) We had an awesome time. I have a relative that just opened a restaurant in Fort Myers Beach. I think I gained 10 pounds in the four days we were down there. Thanks for the tips :) We will try to hit some of the highlights next time
Heidi Bryan recently posted..Mommy’s night out…
Um, yeah. So did I.
Try Chuck’s Last Stop In Fort Myers Beach next time you guys head down :) He has a great little place right across the street from the beach. The food is awesome, and it is brand new in the area. My husband’s uncle is finally “living the dream.”
Heidi Bryan recently posted..When I turn 16…
I love Sanibel, and my aunt and uncle have lived there for many years. I totally agree on RC Otter’s and Island Cow! Mezzaluna is good too, and the Pink Flamingo for grouper sandwiches. Thanks for the lovely reminders!
Kristin Shaw recently posted..Mental Snapshots
Excellent tips!!! We’ve been once and I can’t wait to go back.
I’m green with envy…
Tinne from Tantrums and Tomatoes recently posted..And then she kissed me and mended my broken heart….
We had a lovely week-long stay on Sanibel and agree with all of your recommendations! We went one morning, before dawn, with our youngest (then six months old) strapped to my chest in an Ergo, left our 4yo with grandma at the condo, and went shelling at low tide watching the sun rise. It was just gorgeous! It’s a great family-friendly island and next time we’re renting bikes / bike trailer for the whole family.
Ann Siegle recently posted..Pinterest is rooted in inspiration
Those are the best moments. My family usually rents bikes, too. I sit that one out and blog. ;)
My grandmother lives down there and I always feel like it’s a bit of heaven with the tranquility.
Cathy recently posted..a little respite
Beautiful! I need to put this place on my bucket list asap.
Kat recently posted..Thanks A Lot Catholic School
Thanks. It’s great to hear about new spots. I can’t wait to take my kids to the Treasure Coast when they’re old enough. And totally appreciate honest restaurant reviews. There’s nothing worse than a disappointing meal (that you’re not forewarned about, of course).
Stephanie recently posted..A Baby Story: Crack for Moms
I can remember visiting my Grandmother in Ft Myers and making day trips to both islands. I always loved the bridge part (though I’m sure my parents hated the toll.) I clearly need to go back as an adult, your pictures remind me how gorgeous it is there!
My grandparents escape the frozen tundra that is Minnesota and live on Marco Island for the winter. We’ve visited them and love this part of Florida. Stan’s is one of our very favorite places to patronize.
What a gorgeous place! Someday, I want to take my family to a place like this.
Jen recently posted..Living with Seven Little Men?
I went a few years ago! Loved every second!
Susan @ Mommy Mind Trip recently posted..Flyover Country
Really nice photos and ooh – a sand dollar!!
Mod Mom Beyond IndieDom recently posted..Twisted Children’s Books I Would Have Written
My parents go there every year. Now why the hell do they never invite us?
tracy@sellabitmum recently posted..Evening News
We love the panhandle of FL because it’s a pretty easy drive from here and well, we’ve simply fallen in love with it. But this place sounds great too.
Elaine recently posted..Grand Memories
I’m from that area. Check out Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers. Also, if you’re looking for the nightlife read the Downtown Diva section of the News-Press. If you’re really into Theatre check out Theatre Conspiracy in Fort Myers!
Twinisms recently posted..Alaska Heatwave
I want to bring my kids on this sort of place!
Heather Chester recently posted..The Importance of a Healthy Sexual Health
Gorgeous pictures
Sounds like the perfect getaway and those are some awesome tips. Shelling is our prime activity at the beach. It’s a downer when we go and come home with nothing special.
Karen recently posted..In Moment of Grief, I Could Have Been a Better Mom
That’s the kind of beach I love – the quiet ones! Lovely pictures. I love sunset at the beach – the colors are amazing.
Deb recently posted..Sometimes it’s best to keep your thoughts to yourself
This is perfect place to have a family vacation. White sand, pristine and clean water makes our vacation complete.
Katleen Quinlan recently posted..Male Potency and Natural Ways to Be Sexually Potent Men
We are super-lucky that my mother and father-in-law live on Sanibel in the winter, and Wisconsin in the summer. We’ve spent every New Years on the island for the past 5 years! Now that our kids are walking, we’ll have to get the water shoes for their tender tootsies.
Thanks for the tips!
The place is so magical. For sure my kids would enjoy the beauty and the pristine water of the place.
Leah Cron recently posted..How to Get a Beautiful Smile with a Teeth Whitening
We got married there 12 years ago this week! We absolutely loved it and have been wanting to take our kids. Great list!
Ok….what about visiting in August….i hear those stories about no-see-ums….will it destroy our family trip!
We’re from NJ and are considering a vacation to Captiva in Nov. I’m hearing that the beaches are not shells than sand and good restaurants are scarce. Any opinions on South Seas? Is renting a car a must? We thoguht we would just pay for transporation to and fromt he airport.. Travewling with 5 & 6 yr olds. Any must Do activites?
We have been there twice and are going for a week, next week. We have found the beach houses in Captiva are the best rates for your money. We are planning a fishing/shelling trip too. Girls and kids get dropped off to shell on Cayo and boys can fish. Bike rentals are great there too! We did a Segway tour once as well. It was expensive, but fun and learned a lot about the island. Huxters makes a super great sandwich for a quick sack lunch! Walking to the lighthouse in Sanibel is cool too! Also manatee watching from Jensen’s is fun!