Fall on Sanibel Island is not your typical picture of the autumn season. The leaves stay green and the air stays a balmy 80 degrees well into September, making it the perfect place to visit if you want to extend your summer by a few months. There’s still plenty to do and it will be less crowded than the more popular summer and winter seasons. Here are some ideas of fun things to do while on Sanibel in the Fall:
Tennis and Golf
There is no shortage of golf and tennis facilities on Sanibel Island, and the cooler fall temperatures make it the perfect time to work on your game without working up too much of a sweat. Most facilities have daily, weekly, monthly, and annual rates to choose from. So whether you want to become a regular at the courts or just want to have a fun day with the family, Sanibel’s facilities have got you covered. Sanibel Island Golf Club offers facilities for both sports, and The Sanctuary Golf Club does the same. If you’re just interested in tennis, be sure to check out Beachview Tennis Club and Blackwood Tennis, which has one location on either end of the island.
Visit Historical and Cultural Sites
While beach-going and sunbathing are definitely still possible and popular activities during the fall, it can be good to take a break from the beach and visit just some of the many historically significant sites around Sanibel Island. The most popular of these sites is the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village that offers both guided and self-guided tours of the island’s history through photographs, exhibits, and live presentations. Another popular site is the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1884 and is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or have a picnic. One more must-see spot on Sanibel is the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, which is both a teaching hospital and visitor education center that dedicates its time to saving wildlife. CROW is a great place to visit to understand the importance of maintaining the mutually beneficial relationship that residents of Sanibel Island have with wildlife.
Biking Tours
Biking is one of the most popular activities on Sanibel Island, no matter the season. With almost 35 miles of paved biking trails, Sanibel is definitely the place to be during the fall months. Many people come to Sanibel to submerge themselves in nature, which is why the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a top spot for bikers and nature enthusiasts alike. Admission to this four mile trail is only $1, and it includes an education center where you can learn more about all the wildlife you saw on your ride. If you want to bike to a beautiful destination, try biking to Bowman’s beach, which is one of Sanibel’s most beautiful yet most secluded beaches and is accessible as it’s located in the midpoint of the island.
Attend Area Festivals
Sanibel Island has an amazing community that comes together for days of fun and exploration. One of these days is “Ding” Darling Day, where people gather at the wildlife reserve for tram tours, live wildlife presentations, origami, birding tours, hot dogs, archery, kids crafts, wildlife yoga, nature sketching, and other fun activities. They also offer free paddleboarding clinics, as well as discounts on kayak rentals and tours and boating excursions all day. “Ding” Darling Day is held in mid-October and is the perfect way to get a taste of the Sanibel Island culture and interact with some of the locals.
For more information about Sanibel Island or real estate opportunities in the area, contact Kingfisher Real Estate.