Romantic Getaways in the Fort Myers Sanibel Area

Beach Stroll at Sunrise

Catch the first light as the sun peeks up over the horizon. From Sanibel, Captiva, Lovers Key or Pine Island’s eastern shores, watch the light streaming across the water – a dazzling start to a fabulous day.

Stroll Sanibel and Captiva’s white-sand beaches in search of perfect shells. About 400 species live here. Find a souvenir of your time spent at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico.

Settle down for a romantic breakfast. Order up room service, complete with white linens, silver tea service, baskets of pastries, and savor your feast outdoors on your balcony.

Kayaking and Two Types of Therapy

Kayak the glassy blue waters before the sun climbs above the treetops. The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail will enchant you as you drift through serene back bays and spot dolphins and manatees.

Once ashore, go shopping in funky art galleries on Pine Island and Matlacha, and explore a quaint shopping village in Boca Grande. Peruse the shops on Sanibel Island’s lush Periwinkle Way, or stop at Captiva’s Andy Rosse Lane for local art to take home.

Then put up your feet and enjoy a massage in the couples suite of Aquagene Spa at the Pink Shell Beach Resort & Spa. Finish by slipping into the couples therapeutic multi-massaging shower.

Lunch, Shells and a Bike Ride

Eat lunch at the Cabbage Key Inn, said to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett's song “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Taking a boat to get to the small island is half the fun.

Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, featuring shells from around the world, including Southwest Florida's barrier islands. Then ride bikes along the lush paths of Lakes Park in central Fort Myers or through the flowered lanes of Captiva and Sanibel.

Ease into the Evening

Sample sumptuous wines at Eden Vineyards and Winery, tucked away on 20 acres in an Old Florida setting in Alva, just east of Fort Myers. At waterfront pubs and downtown bars, happy hour with your beloved is a great way to rekindle the spark of your first date.

Or head out on a sunset cruise and toast the end of a wonderful day from the deck of a boat. Bid au revoir to the sun on Captiva Cruises’ Sunset Serenade Cruise.

Dinner & Dancing

Find one of the many restaurants that serve delectable dishes waterside. Chloë’s Restaurant & Lounge at the Diamondhead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach serves up a breathtaking Gulf view with dinner.

Soak up local atmosphere by catching live music at Bert's Bar & Grill in Matlacha, an establishment that jams with local musicians six nights a week. Then walk hand in hand on moon-lit Captiva Beach, dubbed the country’s “most romantic" by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, a.k.a. “Dr. Beach."

Call It a Night

At the stroke of midnight, toast the end of a wonderful day and the promise of the new one on your hotel balcony. Gaze out at the stars and soak in the warm tropical breezes.

A cozy bed and crisp sheets are sure to elicit sweet dreams. From upscale resorts and fun B&Bs to funky beach motels, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers many charming, romantic places to stay.