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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.

11 miles from Sanibel

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Sanibel, Florida

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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, Atlas Obscura

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.

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