Is Sanibel Island open to visitors? What to know about beaches, hotels, things to do

Mark H. Bickel, Fort Myers News-Press
·3 min read
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Not surprisingly, significant numbers of people are going on social media every day and asking questions about places in Southwest Florida like Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach and Pine Island.

They are also going to Google and typing in questions in the search box and asking: Are the beaches open? What restaurants are open? Where can I stay? What is there to do?

We are in the second tourist and snowbird season since Hurricane Ian clobbered the region on Sept. 28, 2022. People who skipped visiting here last winter are coming back. It started before the 2023 holidays and it will continue until after Easter (March 31).

There's little question things are improving. More business are opening and even more people - compared to last year - are making Southwest Florida a destination.

Here's a closer look at some of the questions people are asking about Sanibel:

What restaurants are open on Sanibel Island?

Last week our Food and Dining reporter Robyn George answered that question in the story "30 restaurants now open on Sanibel and Captiva, from Gramma Dot's to Mucky Duck."

That story was published on March 1. As of today (March 8) there are 35 restaurants open, according to the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce website, which keeps track of restaurants, businesses, where to stay and where to play.

Hotels, resorts, rentals: Where are places to stay on Sanibel Island?

The News-Press caught up with John Lai on Thursday (March 7). Lai is the President and CEO of Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce. We asked him what's the latest on accommodations. Lai reported that "there are currently 20 resort/cottage properties open and 18 vacation rental companies."

FOR MORE INFORMATION: See what resort and cottage properties are open.

What beaches are open on Sanibel Island, Florida?

All of the public beaches are open.

They are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Park, Tarpon Beach, Bowman's Beach, Blind Pass Beach.

There is a beach re-nourishment project underway that is expected to wrap up in April. More than 400,000 tons of sand is being trucked to the island's beaches.

Sand party: 400,000 tons of sand is coming to Sanibel. What to know from impact on traffic to shelling

What about parking on Sanibel Island beaches?

Here's everything you need to know about parking at all Lee County beaches including Sanibel.

Has the Sanibel lighthouse been fixed?

Yes and no. The missing leg of the famous and iconic and beloved landmark was replaced earlier this year. The leg was ripped off the lighthouse from the historic storm surge of Hurricane Ian.

It was the second big moment involving the lighthouse post-Hurricane Ian. The first big moment was when the light at the top of the lighthouse was beaming brightly again on Feb. 28, 2023, warming the hears of all who cherish the lighthouse.

The lighthouse is currently draped in tarps. A crew is sand-blasting the structure and getting it prepped to be painted, the final phase of its restoration.

Jose H. Leal, Ph.D. Science Director & Curator of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium on Sanibel displays a Odontocymbiola simulatrix Leal & Bouchet, 1989, AKA the "Similar VoluteÓ on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024. The volute was discovered by Leal and a colleague, Philippe Bouchet, Ph.D. during a month long research trip off the coast of Brazil in 1987. It was named by them in 1989.

How is the shelling on Sanibel Island?

Never better. In fact, some people will tell you it's been better since Hurricane Ian. And more good news. On March 1 the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum re-opened for the first time since Hurricane Ian. The museum suffered catastrophic damage, including the loss of its prized octopus. Like the lighthouse, the shell museum represents the strength of an island on the comeback trail.

Can you drive your car to Sanibel Island? Is the Sanibel Causeway fixed?

More: No more Causeway Creep: Officials promise Sanibel bridge traffic will ease by Dec. 30

It's getting there. Many major portions of the causeway have been repaired and the work continues.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: What to do on Sanibel Island, Florida: What's open after Hurricane Ian