Annual Sanibel Shell Festival

Learn the story of the Annual Sanibel Shell Festival that is heading into its 85th year in 2022!

The Annual Sanibel Shell Festival is entering its 85th year in 2022! Each year, shell enthusiasts from all over flock to take part in this much-loved island tradition. Always held in March and now housed at the Sanibel Community House, the Annual Sanibel Shell Festival consists of shell art, crafts, books, live mollusk exhibits, and more! It’s a great event for the whole family. It is interesting and educational. Kids can learn all about the amazing creatures living on the local beaches and learn all about responsible shelling and what tools to use! The festival is outdoor and indoor. To go to the inside exhibit is $5 which gives you a free pass to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The outside exhibits are free and well worth a visit.

History of the Annual Sanibel Shell Festival & The Island Inn

The Island Inn was established in 1895 by Will and Harriet (Granny) Matthews. They had moved to Sanibel from Kentucky with the pioneer dream of finding a better life for their four children. Granny Matthews was an avid shell collector. She chose the location on West Gulf Drive at the southernmost point because that’s where the shelling was best. In 1937, Granny Matthews held the first Shell Festival on the porches of the inn. Since then, the festival has grown tremendously. Thousands of visitors come each year to find the shell treasures the beaches have to offer. Granny Matthew’s was a pioneer on Sanibel, find out about other pioneers of the island, the first settlers, and more fascinating island history.

Directions

The Sanibel Community House is located on Periwinkle Way. When you cross the causeway, take a left at the four-way-stop onto Periwinkle Way and continue all the way down to 2173.

The Sanibel Community House

2173 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2155
Visit The Sanibel Community House Website

Restaurants Near Annual Sanibel Shell Festival

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

The Island Cow
2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0606
Visit The Island Cow Website

Fun, cow-themed casual dining good for breakfast, outdoor dining offered.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

The Clam Shack New England Seafood (Located in the Islander Center)
2407 Periwinkle Way #5, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6882
Visit The Clam Shack Website

Down-to-earth hangout offering New England-style cuisine, including clam chowder & lobster rolls.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining