Gulf Shores Travel Guide
Sanibel
Visit Gulf Shores
Popular places to visit
Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
You can find out about the history of Sanibel with a trip to Sanibel Island Lighthouse. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.
Bowman's Beach
Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.
Periwinkle Way
The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
See almost anything that flies, swims or crawls in Florida in this protected area. Become acquainted with wildlife while learning about varied species.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
You can spend time studying the exhibits at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village during your trip to Sanibel. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.
Top hotels in Gulf Shores
Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral-Fort Myers Area by IHG
Great breakfast, pool area, staff and rooms. Very accommodating. Recommended Jungle Bird which is right behind the parking lot and the food is excellent. Would definitely stay here again. Close to everything.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
It's 5'o clock somewhere! Honestly, this is the best place I've ever stayed. Colorful, smells good, lots of fun activities and the steak and egg breakfast was heavenly! Started the day with a wonderful massage. Maybe one last dip in the beach before I leave! It was a great weekend away!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Clean room, easy walk straight out to beach, tiki bar best around and pool water warm and relaxing
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Lani Kai Beachfront Resort
Beach view the best!
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers
Clean, well kept.
Reviewed on 8 Mar 2026
Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove, Bonita Springs
Great place to stay! The time share people are a little pushy but other than that, nothing but 5 stars for this resort.
Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Gulf Shores
Gulf Pines
While Gulf Pines may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Bowman's Beach.
Chateaux Sur Mer
While Chateaux Sur Mer isn't home to many top sights, Bowman's Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are some notable places to visit nearby.
Tradewinds
While there might not be top attractions in Tradewinds, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bowman's Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
West End
If you're spending some time in West End, J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Bowman's Beach are top sights worth seeing.
East Rocks
While there might not be top attractions in East Rocks, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Heron's Landing
When in Heron's Landing, you can plan a visit to Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
