Top Romantic Vacation spots to visit in Florida

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a beautiful small place located on the west coast of Florida, near Fort Myers. Sanibel is really made up of two Islands, Captiva and Sanibel. These two islands are the perfect place for either a romantic or family vacation. You can enjoy nature at the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge on one of the many bike paths, go bird watching, play golf, go fishing, and go snorkeling. If you'd like a little culture mingled in with the entire outdoor fun experience, the islands are scattered with many artistic and historical attractions for your viewing and learning pleasure.

The Sanibel and Captiva Islands have over 20 miles of bike paths, 15 miles of white sand beaches to explore and shell on, and some 50 types of fish to try and catch and a huge number of birds to try and capture a picture of. Being islands and surrounded by water, it's easy to get caught up in the actions on the beaches. Shelling is what Sanibel Island is particularly known for because of all the fantastic shells that wash up on shore there, making it one of Best Beaches.

The Sanibel Lighthouse

It was almost extinguished by the Coast Guard, in 1972, the people of Sanibel protested so strongly that the plan, not the Lighthouse, was abandon. It's made of iron with a brown tent, shaped like an emaciated pyramid and has a center column. Its tower is 102 feet tall with a third order Fresnel Lens that became automated in 1949, and has a focal plain of 98 feet. The Light is still operational, maintained by the Florida Coast Guard, and is not open to visitors. However, the keeper’s quarters, fishing pier and beach access are managed by the City of Sanibel and are opened to the public.

Captiva Island

Captiva is the little sister island of Sanibel just over a small bridge that crosses at Turner Beach. The beach extends 5 miles to the northern tip of Captiva Island and is a great place to catch a prize fish or for finding the stunning shells that these islands are so famous for. While you’re there, be sure to head down scenic Captiva Drive, where you'll pass colorful bougainvilleas, giant cactus and many other humid plants as you travel your way into the downtown area of the village of Captiva.

While on in the islands, you can enjoy restaurants, shopping and wonderful accommodations such as tennis, golfing, boating, shelling and fishing, not to mention the wonderful sunrises and sunsets. You will be fascinated by these beautiful little places, knowing that at one time, it is said that pirates roamed its white sand beaches, conquistadors explored its thick underbrush and Calusa Indians called it home. So whether you want an exotic tropical wedding, or maybe just looking for a weekend getaway, the Captiva and Sanibel Islands invite you to come relax and enjoy.