What Businesses Are Open on Sanibel Island?
What Businesses Are Open On Sanibel Island? Florida’s Sanibel Island took a large toll from Hurricane Ian, but business are bouncing back and “The Island” is returning to the beautiful tropical getaway you remember. Is it perfect? No. Is it still paradise? Absolutely! We at Sanibel Island Inn have worked hard to restore our terrific […]
The First of Any Open Hotels on Sanibel Island
Information for Guests – Know Before You Go! The Island Inn reopened its doors as the first hotel on Sanibel Island to receive guests post-Hurricane Ian. Thanks to major capital investments made over the past decade in our property’s infrastructure and coastal resilience, we are proud to continue to offer a beachfront oasis on Sanibel […]
Hurricane Ian
To our loyal guests who have shown unwavering love and compassion for our historic piece of paradise, First and foremost, we are happy to report that the Island Inn Family (staff) are all accounted for and we sincerely thank you for the amazing number of prayers and well wishes we’ve received in this regard. Steve […]
American Innovators Tied to Historic Sanibel Hotel
While we’ve always known our cherished Island Inn has great history, it’s always exciting when we unveil new pieces to our quaint, beachfront puzzle. One of these most recent instances pertains to our Phister Cottage. Benjamin H. (Ben) Phister and his wife Dee were long time guests of the Island Inn, and friends with the […]
The Island Inn highlights Mangroves and the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
As the Islands’ oldest hotel, the Island Inn shares a common goal with local environmental organizations of preserving the well-being of our estuaries, the health of our local ecology, and the quality of life for those that live, play, and stay on Sanibel Island. Starting in the Summer of 2022, we’ve partnered with the Sanibel […]
Wall Street Journal: Florida’s Best Beaches
The Island Inn, Sanibel’s #1 hotel & inn, was named in the Wall Street Journal for Florida’s BEST beaches! We are incredibly proud of this recognition and definitely agree that our 550ft of pristine beachfront checks all the boxes for ‘best beach’; especially for those looking for seashells! Island Inn Noted ‘Best Beach in Florida’ […]
Sanibel Christmas and New Year’s Activities, Services + Restaurant Hours
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we want our guests to know all things holiday related on Sanibel & Captiva Islands. Below you will find current information on Sanibel Christmas & New Year’s activities, church services & restaurant hours – we also included some off-island information should you wish to explore! We […]
Sanibel Family Vacation Tradition: A Historic Guest Story at the Island Inn
Travel back in time with us with this story of a Sanibel Family Vacation Tradition from the 1950’s.
Thanksgiving on Sanibel
We’ve collected the below information for our guests to make your Sanibel Thanksgiving holiday with the Island Inn the best experience possible. Church Services Captiva Chapel by the Sea – Outdoor Thanksgiving Eve Service 11580 Chapin Lane – 4PM Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church Thanksgiving Day Service 2304 Periwinkle Way – 10AM Saint […]
The Perfect Beach is Within Driving Distance
A Guide for Driving to Sanibel Island Sanibel Island is the perfect drive-to destination for people looking for a tropical, secluded beach vacation, without having to deal with the hassle of booking airline flights. Whether you rent a car or drive your own, most folks living in the Southeast, Midwest and Mid Atlantic United States […]
The 83rd Annual Shell Festival Is Almost Here!
The 83rd Annual Sanibel Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House in just over a week! From March 5th – March 7th see what amazing shell seekers do with all of their wonderful shells they find on our local beaches! You’ll see shells, shell art, crafts, books, Judged Artistic & Scientific exhibits […]
Turtles at the Island Inn
Have you ever walked along the shores of Sanibel and noticed one of these? These staked-off sections are where sea turtles have made their nests! As part of our ongoing efforts to be stewards of the environment, the Island Inn has partnered with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) in their ‘Adopt-a-Beach’ program to sponsor our […]
Support the Shell Museum for a chance to WIN GOLD from Congress Jewelers
Support the Shell Museum for a chance to WIN GOLD from Congress Jewelers General Manager of the Island Inn, Chris Davison, has been selected as a “Celebrity Waiter” for the 2019 Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum Celebrity Island Dinner! An annual tradition on Sanibel, this fundraiser enables the museum to fulfill its mission of connecting people […]
Best Hotel Sanibel Has to Offer! Island Inn Wins 2022 Award for ‘Best Of’…
NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Wondering what the best hotel Sanibel has to offer is? The Island Inn was recently awarded the 2022 ‘Best Hotel & Inn’ on Sanibel & Captiva islands in an annual polling of area visitors & residents completed by the Sanibel […]
Ellie and Jared Visit Sanibel
This past May, the Island Inn hosted our friends Ellie and Jared Mecham. Ellie and Jared spent lots of time with their family learning all about Sanibel and all the amazing things to do while vacationing on our beautiful island. We’ve compiled their awesome footage documenting their entire stay from arrival into Matthews Cottage, to […]
Sanibel Island Easter Events & Services
For the benefit of our guests we have compiled a list of scheduled activities taking place on or around Sanibel and Captiva over the holiday weekend. Please note, the Island Inn is not hosting an Easter event this year. Should you require any additional information regarding the events taking place, please contact the host directly. 2022 Sanibel […]
Sanibel Bird Watching Ranks Top 10 for Birding Around the World in 2018
Millennials are super into birding now. Here are the best places to go birding around the world: 9. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States Photo: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official) Sanibel Island is home to 245 bird species, including the bright pink roseate spoonbill which roam the wetlands. The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge ensures that waders, singers, and peckers […]
Sanibel Shell Planter Tutorial for National Craft Month
Wondering what to do with all of those fabulous shells you just found while on vacation at Island Inn? We’ve got an idea for you! This is a great activity for children, as well as adults, and will keep those Sanibel Island memories alive wherever you are. Use your imagination and creativity and partake in […]
Sanibel Luxury Suites – Introducing the New Matthew Lodge
The historic Island Inn, the island’s oldest hotel (Est. 1895), is excited to announce the Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites on Sanibel. The Inn’s latest investment is in the replacement of the Matthews Lodge, a 12 unit concrete block building built in 1961, with the brand new Matthews Lodge, which offers 12 Gulf View Luxury Suite accommodations. […]
Things To Do During Your Island Inn Sanibel Vacation!
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway with friends or a long vacation with family, Sanibel Island is guaranteed to meet all your expectations and more! Between the abundance of wildlife on the island to its surreal beaches, there’s no denying its beauty. If you are looking to have fun-filled and memorable vacation at, look […]
Sanibel Beach Read Recommendations
When traveling to Sanibel for a vacation you’re probably thinking you’ll relax, soak up some sun, take walks on the beach and get swept away into the newest bestsellers you don’t normally have time to read! Local Sanibel bookstore, MACINTOSH BOOKS & PAPER has shared their beach read recommendations with us. You’ll want to add these to […]
Island Inn Sponsors Classes with ‘Adopt-A-Class’ Program
On May 17 & 18th the Island Inn sponsored a group of 4th grade students from Tice Elementary School in Fort Myers, FL for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum ‘Adopt-A-Class’ Program. For the first time with the program, the students were brought to the Island Inn’s beach for a beach walk! The students were able […]
Introducing Matthews Lodge Luxury Suites
Take A Live Tour! Watch the Video Above… The historic Island Inn, the oldest hotel on Sanibel (Est 1895), is excited to announce the launch of the next phase of its refurbishment program. The Inn’s latest multi-million dollar investment is in the replacement of the Matthews Lodge, a 12 unit concrete block building built in 1961, […]
Sanibel Sea Turtles
Summer is right around the corner here at the Island Inn! The change of the season brings long days at the beach, fun in the sun and a good time. It also brings the start of Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season. From May – October, Sanibel beaches are home to many nests and making sure these […]
Women in History at the Island Inn
ISLAND INN HONORS WOMEN PIONEERS DURING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH Women’s History Month is a great time to offer thanks to the many island women who embraced this almost forgotten little barrier island and battled through hardships and near unbearable circumstances, just to call it home. Here’s to the years when rare shells rolled in endlessly, water […]
Island Inn Beach Romance
Island Inn Beach Romance Nothing can be more romantic than being at the beach with your special someone. If you’re staying close to home on a staycation or traveling across the globe, here are 5 things to do this Valentine’s Day during your beach getaway on Sanibel Island! Sunset Walk Hold hands and stroll as […]
Historic Replica of Islander Ferry Boat on Display
The Island Inn is now displaying a model of the historic Islander ferry, which was used back in the 1950’s to transport visitors to and from the Islands before the Causeway. The newest addition to the Island Inn’s historic projects, the Islander sits above the fireplace in the lounge at Traditions On The Beach. Complete with […]
We’ve Saved You a Seat! Say Cheese!
If you’ve been to the Island Inn lately, you might have noticed a giant new addition, our oversized Adirondak chair! Perfectly positioned for the ideal snapshot to make your friends and family back at home jealous! Next time you visit, make sure to hop on and get your photo taken for a Sanibel keepsake that […]
SPEND 4TH OF JULY IN PARADISE!
Summer season has arrived and the Island Inn awaits! Bring the whole family out to the Island Inn for the 4th of July! Enjoy the pristine beaches, blue waters and beautiful weather at the Island Inn while you celebrate America’s independence! Below we’ve gathered the activities that you, your family and friends can partake in […]
ISLAND INN SPONSORS BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
For the entire month of June attendees at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will be greeted by a 6-foot Island Inn ‘Welcome‘ banner and various other Inn-branded items that will be scattered throughout the 3-level, popular Island attraction. These sponsored materials are a result of the Inn’s continued support for this key Island Non-Profit and the opportunity to […]
