Take a journey with us through history from the first store to the first resort on Sanibel’s Island Inn Road.
Sanibel’s Island Inn Road
Directions
Island Inn Road
From Baileys General Store Plaza to The Island Inn, Sanibel, FL 33957
Learn About Sanibel & Captiva History
Learn About The Sanibel Cooper House
Learn About The Historic Sanibel Beauty Salon
Learn About The Historic Sanibel Cemetery
Sanibel Gardens Preserve
The Sanibel Gardens preserve, run by the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is 265 acres of freshwater wetlands but, in the 1920’s it was slated to be Sanibel Gardens/Tarpon Bay Sub-divisions, approximately 1200 homes. Luckily in the 1970’s the SCCF started to acquire land for preservation and in 1987 the City of Sanibel began acquisition on the remaining properties. There is a plaque dedicated to the citizens of Sanibel for their foresight in protecting and restoring this land.
The Bailey Tract
The Bailey Tract is a nature trail that is part of the J.N Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Noted for great bird watching in the morning, this easy trail runs for approximately 2.2 miles with the option to take shorter routes. There is no admission fee and it is open from dawn till dusk. The whole area of the nature preserve is 100 acres.
The Historic 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 and 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. The Shell Festival has continued and in March 2021, celebrated 84 years running at the now host The Sanibel Community House.
Restaurants Near Island Inn Road
Traditions On The Beach (Located at the Island Inn)
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-4559
Visit Traditions On The Beach Website
Longtime Italian-Med eatery with a seafood-centric menu and beautiful water views. A great place for live music & dancing.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-2722
Visit Timbers Website
Sticking to their tagline that at Timbers “Fish Happens!”, this busy island staple with outstanding wood décor offers a vast menu of seafood and claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Oysters!
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
The Sandbar
2761 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0305
Visit The Sandbar Website
Upscale seafood spot with crab cakes, oysters & steaks in a warm, modern space with a good happy hour.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining