Sanibel Named One of Most Charming Beach Towns in USA

Sanibel Island, FL shells (Photo: Jeremy T. Hetzel via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)

TravelMag listed 30 of the most Charming Beach Towns in the USA. They asked a broad array of writers, travel bloggers, photographers and other in-the-know professionals to pick the five beach towns they consider to be the most charming in the United States. To be eligible for inclusion, a town or city had to have a population of fewer than 30,000 people. Here is what the article said about Sanibel Island:

Sanibel Island, Florida
"Located off the southwest coast of Florida, the barrier island of Sanibel is known for its shells. Beachcombers can pick their way along the long expanses of coarse sand, like those at Bowman’s Beach, looking for their own specimens. Alternatively, see the grand collection at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Sanibel Island’s human story is largely one of first conquering the elements, by controlling the wetlands and building a causeway from the mainland. In recent decades however, the focus has shifted more towards long-term goals through conservation and protection of these delicate environments, with much of the island dedicated to wildlife refuges, particularly JN Ding Darling, where you might be lucky to see roseate spoonbills, mangrove cuckoos, pelicans, alligators, turtles and even a bobcat."

-From the TravelMag List of 30 Most Charming Beach Towns in the USA