Our lives are made brighter and richer with our furry canine companions. Dogs have held a special place in our family homes for thousands of years. It is believed that they were first domesticated in Europe 16,000 years ago and then again in Asia 14,000 years ago. Archaeologists at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History are examining dog bones from Colorado believed to be 11,000 years old!
The dogs we bring into our lives bring great benefits to ourselves and our families. They make us more social, happier, feel less alone, and can calm our nerves during times of crisis (dog sales and adoptions increased dramatically during the pandemic). In return, we are charged with providing great care for our animals' well being. Including dogs in weekend adventures and locating dog friendly activities is a breeze on Sanibel Island. There are many Sanibel Island dog friendly beaches to visit, dog friendly dining, dog friendly hiking, and dog friendly fishing opportunities.
Sanibel Island has a lot of recreational and social activities to keep your dog smiling and coming back for more!
A Dog’s Day on the Beach!
Gulfside Beach (Algiers Beach): This beach is a dog favorite and received a near perfect 4.9 gold bone review on bringfido.com. The beach is on the southern part of the island and is surrounded by greenery. Dogs are required to be on a leash, which a lot of small dogs might appreciate when meeting some of the larger guests along the surf. This is a great spot for families to swim, with dolphin sightings, and plenty of soft sand for dogs' paws. The bathrooms and showers are clean, including a small shower to wash the sand off your dog at the end of the day. The beach also has a dog drinking fountain to keep your pet refreshed.
Causeway Islands Park: This beach is located on both sides of the Sanibel Causeway. It is a quick and easy place to stop for a romp in the sand with your dog on your way in or out of Sanibel Island. Dogs are required to be on a leash.
Bowman’s Beach: This beach is another dog friendly favorite. The beach includes rinsing stations, a dog drinking fountain on the Captiva side of the parking lot, and hiking trails for a pleasant walk through the mangroves. Dogs are required to be on a leash.
Lighthouse Beach Park: This beach is dog friendly with restrooms and outdoor showers. There is a sandbar for you and your dog to explore. Leashes are required.
Lee County Dog Beach (Bonita Beach Dog Park): This beach is a short drive from Sanibel Island in Fort Myers Beach, FL. Here your dog will enjoy an off-leash experience on the beach and swimming in the shallow calm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There are plenty of other dogs to play and swim with here.
A Dog’s Day on the Trails!
If you and your dog enjoyed walking the trails and exploring the mangroves at Bowman’s Beach you will have a great time exploring the sights and smells on the trails at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Dogs are permitted on the “Wildlife Drive” “Indigo Trail” and “Bailey Tract” walks and required to be on a 6 foot leash. Fishing and crabbing are allowed on the “Wildlife Drive” and kayaking and paddling are allowed on the right side of the drive.
Dog Friendly Shopping, Fishing Charters, and Restaurants!
After a fun filled day at the beach or a long walk at the wildlife refuge, you can do a little shopping before taking your dog to one of the many dog friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island. You can shop for dog essentials and homemade dog treats at Island Paws before heading off to dinner. There are many dog friendly restaurants on Sanibel Island including Sanibel Seafood Grille, Blue Giraffe Restaurant, Schnapper’s Red Hots, and The Island Cow. The Island Cow may very well be the most dog friendly restaurant on the island. It also offers a unique dining experience where the chef can cook your freshly caught fish…perhaps from a dog friendly fishing charter you took earlier that day from Port Sanibel Marina.
Kingfisher Real Estate associates are the most well respected group in today’s marketplace serving Captiva & Sanibel Island. When you and your dog are ready to buy a home and become permanent residents in this vibrant and dog friendly community look no further. Contact us today!