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


Take a journey along Sanibel’s Island Inn Road and learn about some of the history and the characters who have made the island what it is today.
 
Start at the Bailey’s General Store. Bailey’s has now expanded into a plaza, housing various businesses including Spoondrift Island Bowls and George and Wendy’s Seafood Grille. George And Wendy’s Seafood Grille was once the Coconut Grove Restaurant and the first restaurant on the island!
 
The Coconut Grove was opened by the brother of much loved Sanibel pioneer Mary Aleck. Mary had, at the time, purchased the land the Bailey’s General Store now sits on at a very low price. Close by was her Sanibel Beauty Salon, the first on the island which celebrated its 70th year in business in 2021!
 
Turning onto Island Inn Road, which can be accessed by bike, you will see the Sanibel Gardens Preserve to your right. To your left, you will see The Bailey Tract. Finally, at the end of the road, you will find the historic Island Inn, the oldest inn on Sanibel.


Directions



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.

SCCF Welcome sign on Sanibel Island

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.

Bailey Tract on Sanibel Island

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.

historic island inn on Sanibel Island

Restaurants Near Island Inn Road


traditions on the beach on Sanibel Island

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

Timbers Restaurant Sanibel Island

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

Sandbar restaurant on Sanibel Island

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