Trails On Sanibel Island
Although Sanibel Island is known for its sandy beaches and abundance of shells there are quite a few enjoyable walking and hiking trails found on and near the islands!
A majority of the trails are low difficulty and can be a nice way to get outside and enjoy Sanibel Nature with the whole family!
Make sure to pack your sunscreen and bug spray, to protect from Florida’s typical climate, especially during the summer months of the year!
The Bailey Tract
Late 1800s Sanibel settler Frank P. Bailey (founder of Bailey’s General Store) was the first owner of the land where this southwest Florida trail system now resides!
The Bailey Tract is the hidden gem of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This preserve is filled with amazing lesser-known trails and nature walks, however, a majority are all found along Wildlife Drive.
The Bailey Tract is located off of Tarpon Bay Road which also means it is open on Friday unlike Wildlife Drive at the main refuge!
The trails are anywhere from 0.3 to 1.1 miles in length. The Bailey Tract series of impoundments make it a stellar spot for birding, which is always excellent early morning!
The absolute best part about this trail system is that they are almost never crowded! You can choose to walk or bike and both are wonderful experiences.
In terms of wildlife be on the lookout for Osprey. It is almost impossible not to see one! There will also be many marsh birds such as herons, pelicans, and maybe even a gator!
Our favorite time to go is for a sunrise walk if you can manage to be up and about that early!
What To Expect During The Bailey Tract Hike
At the trailhead entrance, you will find the trailhead map kiosk! From here you can check out all the different trail systems and ways to explore the area.
One of the best Bailey Tract dirt trails is the perimeter red loop, this loop takes you around the entirety of the trails with amazing views, and wildlife, and will reach the full length of 1.1 miles.
All of the trails are unpaved shells. Each trail is clearly marked by different colored arrows. You can mix and match or keep your eye on one color the whole time.
As you hike the red trails you’ll follow the red arrows for the entirety of the way. As you start along the trail you’ll eventually reach another map marking the trail junction, where the trails begin to cross over each other.
This junction has informative signs and plaques regarding the wildlife you will find along the Bailey Tract. Keep your eye on the red and continue walking along a narrow track through the dike.
These trails are fairly quiet without too much foot traffic. They are a very peaceful and tranquil way to experience Sanibel Island’s beauty.
As the sea breeze rustles through the vegetation and wildlife, you’ll see marsh plants such as cattails.
Through the course of the Bailey Tract trails, you’ll pass by the freshwater marshes, brackish impoundments, mangrove islands, large leather ferns, and buttonwoods.
There are so many island native plant species to see and different types of biomes scattered along the trails giving a home to so much wildlife!
There are a handful of benches scattered among the trails where you can sit back, take a break, and watch the Ospreys fishing.
As you near the end of the Bailey Tract trail you’ll find yourself along a canal lined with gorgeous Sanibel Island homes. There will also be several mounds where gumbo limbo and cabbage palms tend to grow.
You’ll cross over the wetlands by a boardwalk and pass by a large birdhouse. This marks the closing of your walk as next, you’ll see the trailhead kiosk. Walk past and continue on to the Bailey Tract parking area.
Walking Meditation & Hike at Bailey Tract
Something we must mention and bring to your attention is The Bailey Tract’s newest addition of a self-guided mindfulness trail!
The origins of the Refuge’s Mindfulness Trail can be traced to the beginning of COVID-19. When the Island was shut down and people’s mental health status was declining due to the isolation they were facing.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Ranger Jessica Barry came up with the idea to have mindfulness walks at the Bailey Tract. She began guiding small groups in mindfulness exercises. The popularity and turnout for these walks were so great she elevated the experience to another level!
Click the link below to listen to The Sanibel Captiva Guide Podcast #72. Ranger Barry chats with us about the origin of the mindfulness trail.
Fun Fact Ranger Barry grew up in Fort Myers and started as an intern at “Ding” Darling thanks to funds from the “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society. She is now a full-fledged Ranger.
We are so THANKFUL for this wonderful addition to Sanibel!
Ranger Barry along with other dedicated staff members came up with the idea to implement a self-guided walk so anyone can enjoy this immersive nature experience!
As Sanibel Island locals we know how peaceful and relaxing connecting with the island’s nature can be. Creating a Meditation Trail to bring visitors and locals more connected to themselves and the environment is such an exciting step in Sanibel’s history!
This meditative trail showcases five QR code stations which will connect hikers to guided meditations via podcast. These podcasts give listeners an insight into the nature around them and how to enhance their well-being through meditation.
The Meditative Trail makes up 0.35 miles of The Bailey Tract and is the perimeter of Ani Marsh. Ani Marsh is a popular spot for wildlife watching making for a nice mindful walk.
The podcast’s introduction begins with the health benefits of a deeper connection with nature as explained by Dr. Joe Blanda, an orthopedic surgeon who’s promoted exposure to nature for his recovering patients.
As he enters retirement he is still focused on helping people with well-being and connectivity outdoors.
Some of Dr. Blanda’s various benefits of mindfulness are the fact that connecting with nature is completely free. There are over 1,000 studies confirming the health benefits of being outdoors.
He closes off with a quote by ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, “Nature is the best physician”.
As you explore the trails you’ll find four more podcast pieces from the informative program. All of them run for about four minutes and focus on topics of grounding, mindful listening, feeling, and viewing.
If you’re interested in a guided walk, these are still available on select dates in the Winter time! To secure your spot head over to the J.N. “Ding” Darling NWR Eventbrite site to view times and register!
A big THANK YOU goes out to Ranger Jessica Barry for this wonderful addition to the island and for bringing the community together in the best way using different mindfulness exercises!
Getting To The Bailey Tract & Parking
Like all of Sanibel, you’ll have to cross over the Causeway Bridge if you’re coming from off the Island. The bridge has a toll of $6 for physical transponder pass holders and $9 for non-pass holders.
After crossing the Causeway you’ll turn right onto Periwinkle Road. Keep driving down this road to the very end.
Turn left at the 4-way stop onto Tarpon Bay Road. Carry on down Tarpon Bay Road for about half a mile and you’ll see the Bailey Tract entrance on your right, soon after a pedestrian crossing.
There is a decent amount of parking spaces, and the parking is free! There is also no entrance fee here unlike the Wildlife Drive at the J.N. ‘Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge trails.
Where To Eat Near The Bailey Tract
If you’ve worked up an appetite after spending the day hiking around the Bailey Tract we have a few recommendations for where you can enjoy a meal and refuel!
👉Check Out All The Best Restaurants On Sanibel Island
For Breakfast
The Sanibel Cafe
One of our favorite spots for breakfast is The Sanibel Cafe! Located just off Periwinkle Way you can’t miss it on your way home from The Bailey Tract!
This laid-back cafe is family-friendly and a welcoming environment to get your day started! Offering both breakfast and lunch served all day long!
The menu has a variety of choices from classic American cuisine, southern classics, and island favorites!
Located at: 2007 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: 7am-2pm
For Lunch
Spoondrift Island Bowls
This is the perfect spot on Sanibel Island to grab a quick bite with plenty of healthy choices and island vibes!
Known for their fresh build-your-own Poke and Acai bowls there are plenty of bases and toppings to create your own original bowl!
They also have a menu of Boba Teas and Lemonades for a delicious post-hike refreshment! Offering both to-go bowls or outdoor seating enjoy any bowl your way.
Located in the plaza at the corner of Tarpon Bay and Periwinkle Road you’ll be sure to spot this on the way home from the Bailey Tract.
Located at: 2441 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: Monday-Friday 11am-4pm & Saturday 11am-3pm, CLOSED on Sunday
Visit Spoondrift Island Bowls Website
For Dinner
Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille
This will always be one of our favorite restaurants on the Island! Delivering an upscale take on Sports Bar culture and tropical tastes, it doesn’t get better than that!
Doc Ford’s has a wonderful menu filled with fresh seafood dishes like our favorites the Yucatan Shrimp and Lime Panko-Crusted Fish Sandwich.
Of course, as it is a Rum Bar there is an extensive collection of tropical cocktails, with a special menu for all rum-crafted specialties!
This is a great choice for both lunch and dinner and is very near-by the Bailey Tract located just off Tarpon Bay on Island Inn Rd!
Located at: 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Hours: 11 am-10 pm Daily
Beaches Near The Bailey Tract
Tarpon Bay Beach
The nearest beach to The Bailey tract is Tarpon Bay Beach! If you turn right out of The Bailey Tract parking and continue on down Tarpon Bay Road you’ll come up upon Tarpon Bay Beach!
👉Check Out All The Best Beaches On Sanibel Island
This is one of the best Sanibel Island beaches for shelling! It is also usually calm making it a nice place for swimming as well!
There is plentiful parking a short walk away from the beach entrance, parking is $5/hr. There are restrooms, showers, and picnic areas located here as well!
This is a wonderful place to come and relax after a hike at the Bailey Tract! You can lay out in the sun, find a shaded table, or stroll along the shore!
Location: 111 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Where To Stay Near The Bailey Tract
There are plenty of wonderful hotels all throughout the Islands Of Sanibel!
If beaches, nature trails, and bike paths are at the top of your list, here are a few locations where you’ll be minutes away from everything!
👉Explore All Of The Sanibel Island Stays
Casa Ybel
This is one of the Island’s most well-known and reputable hotels! From weddings, family vacation fun, and ocean views you’ll find it all at Casa Ybel!
It is almost impossible to miss the ocean view from any of Casa Ybel’s rooms, as they’re all equipped with beach-facing windows!
Staying at Casa Ybel will give you access to their wonderful pool, private beach, and many in-house restaurants. Not to mention you’ll be minutes away from the Bailey Tract!
👉Start Exploring Casa Ybel And Plan Your Stay!
Pointe Santo De Sanibel
This Sanibel Stay is a collection of privately owned condominiums, cottages, and more! A unique factor of Pointe Santo for families is their children’s program!
This program runs Monday through Friday and gives your children a supervised way to enjoy many activities and beach-centric adventures while you take a break from the kids!
Pointe Santo is directly beachside and sits upon one of Sanibel island’s best shelling beaches! There are also many amenities such as a pool, hot tub, tennis and pickleball courts, grill stations, and lounges with umbrellas on the beach!
