Southern Living simply launched the ‘South’s Best of 2025′, protecting classes from ‘Best Seafood Dives’, ‘Best Cruise Lines’, and naturally, it would not be a visit to the South with out scoping out the ‘Best Beach Towns‘.
No offense to Southern residing, however the large winner was a Georgia island we lined earlier than their large reveal — and sure, it positively lives as much as the hype.
As for Florida, the Sunshine State at all times packs a punch, whether or not it’s world-renowned cities or vibrant Caribbean-esque seashores.
In this case, a white sand island within the midst of creating a major comeback was topped Florida’s prime vacation spot for 2025.
Hit arduous not as soon as, not twice, however thrice by hurricanes up to now couple of years, Fort Myers’ Sanibel Island is able to embrace vacationers but once more — with a caveat.
Before planning, it’s best to examine the newest updates here for main bulletins that would have an effect on your trip.
Florida’s Most Authentic Island: No Stoplights Or Eyesore Resorts
Us people are an odd bunch.
One second, we’re looking for one of the best of one of the best resort getaways, and the following, we’re looking for rustic small cities with old-timey soda fountains and comfortable cottages to flee town grind.
Sanibel provides a mixture of each with a handful of resorts and small city allure, however the island is much from flashy, even with unique gated communities just like the Kenzie Island neighborhood.
Beachgoers will not discover towering condos overpowering swaying palm bushes; only a tranquil, unhurried tempo of life to benefit from the sights and sounds of nature, whether or not it’s white-sand seashores wrapping the island or ample mountaineering trails inside.
To show some extent about how laid-back Sanibel actually is, there usually are not even stoplights right here. Nor are there big-box chains.
Sanibel depends closely on small companies and embraces a way of neighborhood, and few locations could be happier to welcome you than the locals right here because the island has been ravaged by Mother Nature’s wrath a number of occasions leaving a long-lasting dent on the economic system.
But 2025 is the yr Sanibel is popping a nook. So, if you’re looking for your subsequent seashore getaway, you may really feel just a little higher figuring out your cash is reviving a tight-knit neighborhood’s beloved pure paradise.
Is Sanibel Island Really Florida’s Top Beach Destination?
We’ve lined quite a few white sand paradise starting from Mississippi’s Ship Island to lesser-known Florida hideaways.
With so many scenic escapes throughout the South (and notably Florida), one has the proper to query if Sanibel Island is actually price being topped the highest seashore vacation spot contemporary off disastrous hurricanes.
If you ask me, all of it boils right down to what sort of traveler you might be. If you are a rowdy springbreaker on the lookout for one of the best seashore events, Sanibel is not for you.
If you are within the 30-and-up crowd like me, then experiencing a serene setting alongside blue-water seashores and little crowds could not be extra engaging — and that is the massive draw for Sanibel.
Plus, it is simple to achieve from well-connected Fort Myers, and there is lots to do. I imply, even bucket-list paradises like Bora Bora have been dubbed “Boring Boring”, so what is the level?
Sanibel is a fantastic island with simply sufficient resorts, small-town allure, quaint cottages, and seemingly limitless nature to discover that can captivate you.
In truth, many first-time vacationers want they’d booked a method flights right here reasonably than have to return house — that is how alluring Sanibel might be.
Whether it’s perusing outlets alongside Periwinkle Way, biking 25 miles of trails, or indulging in southern staples at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, in case you’re like everybody who visits, you will not wish to depart!
Albeit the one downside from current guests has been the water coloration because of the aftermath of the hurricane, which appears to be hit and miss relying who you ask.
Sanibel’s Longstanding Claim To Fame
While snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even rocking the knee-high socks-and-sandals combo whereas treasure looking is at all times enjoyable, what guests look most ahead to in Sanibel is shelling.
In truth, it is protected to say Sanibel is Florida’s unofficial shelling capital. Believe it or not, a Fort Myers information report claims one native beachcomber will get so excited to shell, she’s been nicknamed…anticipate it…”Shelly”.
I assume we now know who sells seashells down by the seashore.
There are all varieties of shells washing ashore, however in case you’re new to the shelling sport, Southern Living claims discovering a Junonia shell is principally like profitable the lottery.
And if that does not put an official stamp on ‘shelling capital’ standing, then certainly a go to to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accredited or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the publish.
