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All the United States Florida Sanibel

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sanibel

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sanibel, Florida

Updated May 31, 2019
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Unusual Attractions in Sanibel

A sailor’s valentine.

Sanibel, Florida

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

In a city crazy for seashells this museum educates and amazes visitors using the wonder of cast-off exoskeletons.
A Pistol Shrimp

Sanibel, Florida

Pistol Shrimp of Ding Darling

Just below the surface, shrimp are producing temperatures hotter than the sun.
The grave itself is overgrown with agave, poison ivy, and lots of other sharp pointy objects, so wear protective clothing!

Sanibel, Florida

Grave of Captain Oliver Bowen

The bizarre story of the mysterious death and hidden treasure of one of Sanibel Island's early homesteaders.
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Fort Myers, Florida

Punta Rassa Telegraph Station

A telegraph station used to send information from Cuba to the U.S. during the Spanish-American War.
2 miles from Sanibel
Mound Key, in southwestern Florida’s Estero Bay, is an artificial island made from layers of shells and other material.

Estero, Florida

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Long before Europeans arrived, Native Americans built an artificial island out of shells that has withstood a millennia of hurricanes.
9 miles from Sanibel
The Bubble Room

Captiva, Florida

The Bubble Room

This kitsch eatery is chock-a-block with bric-a-brac.
11 miles from Sanibel
The orange vanilla swirl soft serve is a Sun Harvest Citrus specialty.

Fort Myers, Florida

Sun Harvest Citrus

Established to give visitors a taste of Lee County’s natural bounty, this shop offers fresh fruit, soft-serve ice cream, and preserves.
Sponsored By Fort Myers
11 miles from Sanibel
In partnership with KAYAK

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Sanibel, Florida

Haunted 1
Museums 1
Gravestones 1
Animals 1
Bioluminescence 1
Mystery 1
Tombs 1
History 1
Burial Places 1
Treasure 1
Local History 1
Graves 1

Sanibel Leaderboard

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Places Visited

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Visit a place in Sanibel.

Recent Sanibel Activity

  • stacey508978

    wants to go to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

  • ccatrambone

    has been to Pistol Shrimp of Ding Darling

  • wevegotmoviesign

    wants to go to Pistol Shrimp of Ding Darling

  • morgannday

    wants to go to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

  • explorer2126

    has been to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Stories About Sanibel

This Aplidium stellatum came ashore near Destin, Florida.

The Secret Life of 'Sea Pork,' The Organ-Like Blobs on Your Beach

Contains no actual pork.
by Jessica Leigh Hester
May 15, 2019
Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
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