Sanibel Island
 

Sanibel Island Beach Access

Sanibel beach sunset
Sanibel Island is known around the world for its premier shelling beaches.  The island's geography and Gulf tidal currents result in great quantities of shells washing up on the fine white sand.
 
Riding a bike or walking/running gives you access to Sanibel beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by car.  Parking around some access points is limited to cars with special permit tags -- indicated by "restricted car parking" in the list below -- but cyclists can find bike racks at all of these access points.  Even at the general public beach parking lots, cars will pay an hourly rate (listed here), while cyclists park their bikes for free.
 
The general public beach access points (those without restricted parking) all have restrooms and water.
 
Sanibel beaches allow pets, if they are on a leash, and you must clean up after them.  Pets are not allowed on Captiva beaches.