The Sanibel and Captiva Farmers Markets (2024)

The Sanibel and Captiva Farmers Markets are a colorful collection of creative vendors presenting fine arts, food, unique trinkets, and more.

Shopping At The Sanibel Farmers Market

The Local Roots Farmers Markets are a few of the many treasures of Sanibel and Captiva. Every Tuesday from December to Apri on Captiva and every Sunday from October to May on Sanibel the farmer’s markets are a great place to experience local businesses.

With around 45 vendors at each, you can find anything you’re looking for. The booths include local meat, cheese, baked goods, fresh fruit smoothies, fish, art, jewelry, and so much more!

When we stopped by we had to get a few things to take home. First, we got the chocolate croissants from the French Bakery.

Next, we stopped by the guacamole stand where they make and pack the guac right in front of you. Then for dinner, we got some locally caught fresh fish to bring home and grill.

Among the things to do on Sanibel and Captiva, it doesn’t get much more culturally immersive than the local markets.

The History of The Sanibel Farmers Market

The Sanibel Farmers Market was started in 2008 by Jean Baer and Betsy Ventura as a small venture in the Tahitian Gardens Shopping Center.

The market now resides at 800 Dunlop Road between the Sanibel Library and Sanibel City Hall. Given the success of the Sanibel location, the markets have expanded to 8 locations across Lee County.

The Downtown Fort Myers Farmers Market actually runs year-round if you happen to miss the island season. Visit buylocallee.com to find all of their locations, times, and seasons.

Thanks to the success of Local Roots they are actually able to partner with F.I.S.H. Of SanCap to do some charitable work. All of the leftover food from the markets is donated directly to their food pantry to help feed the less fortunate around Lee County and the islands.

Watch our interview with Jean Baer on The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast.

Beaches Near The Sanibel Island Farmers Market

One of our favorite things to do during Farmers Market Season is to grab some fresh food and drinks before heading over to the beach!

Whether it’s a quick bite to go or a pic-nic-worthy spread the Sanibel Farmers Market has just what you need.

Tarpon Bay Beach

Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel Island

The nearest beach to the Sanibel Island Farmers Market is Tarpon Bay Beach. This beach is one of the best for shelling, swimming, fishing, and of course relaxing!

The amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, and the parking is only a short walk from the beach entrance!

The waters are often quite calm and there are many sandbars making this a wonderful and safe place for swimming with the family.

Fishing is phenomenal some of the most common catches are Tarpon, Snook, Snapper, Grouper, King Mackerel, and Redfish! There are boat rentals with charter captains available nearby.

👉Explore The Best Beaches Of Sanibel Island

Where To Stay Near Sanibel and Captiva Island Farmers Market

Stay Near Sanibel Island Farmers Market

There is a handful of wonderful ways to stay beachfront on Sanibel Island! The Farmers Market is inland and closer to many of Sanibel Island’s restaurants and shops.

While the hotels, resorts, and rental homes are down Tarpon Bay Rd right on the beach!

👉Explore All Your Options To Stay On Sanibel!

Stay Near Captiva Island Farmers Market

ariel of south seas

The Captiva Island Farmers Market is located near the entrance to South Seas Island Resort!

This is one of our favorite places to stay across both Islands. The amenities are amazing with a variety of pools, water sports rentals, amazing restaurants, and so much more!

Staying at South Seas will put you steps away from the Farmers Market and is a magnificent way to enjoy all of Captiva Islands’ beauty!