Rekindle your storybook romance in a place that’s pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. On The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, each day begins with a soft sea breeze and each night ends with a brilliant sunset making it impossible not to fall in love on our shores. And while nearly every moment here has potential for passion, these 8 seaside date ideas are sure to make sparks fly.
Set sail for romance on a sunset cruise down the Caloosahatchee River. As the ship meanders along the waterway, the magnificent and blazing Southwest Florida sunset paints the perfect backdrop for the mangrove estuaries and historic sites you’ll encounter. And, be sure to keep an eye on the water as well as the sky, because you’re likely to catch a glimpse of the area’s indigenous wildlife – like dolphins, manatees and even bald eagles.
Pack a cooler and head to Captiva Island to discover your own secluded spot in the sand. The northern-most public beach on Captiva, Alison Hagerup Beach Park, is as far from the beaten path that you can get without having to hop on a boat. The sands here are littered with thousands of brightly colored shells ripe for the picking. And the locals know that this tucked-away locale is by far the best place on the island to watch an amazing sunset with your special someone.
You won’t find any paved roads on this tiny island, but you will find winding nature trails and 100 acres of tropical foliage just waiting to be explored. And at the center of it all, the Cabbage Key Inn sits atop a 38’ Indian shell mound. At the inn you’ll find casual dining and a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. With nine private cottages on the island, your date here doesn’t have to end when the sun sets.
Captain your own ship for an afternoon of affection on the high seas. At Tarpon Point Marina, experienced boaters can rent hurricane deck boats by the day or hour and independently explore the waters of the river and Gulf. However, if you don’t have boating experience – fear not. A few hours’ training with one of the marina’s licensed captains will have your crew sea-worthy in no time.
Dine like royalty aboard the Sanibel Harbour Princess – a 100-foot private luxury yacht. The ship’s two-hour Sunday brunch cruise takes you from San Carlos Bay out into the open waters of the Gulf. As you indulge in mimosas, bloody marys and an expansive buffet loaded with classic brunch necessities – plus some locally inspired dishes that will surely have you coming back for seconds.
Once only accessible by boat, it was said that lovers would make their way to this remote estuary to find seclusion near the sea. These days, a short trolley ride or stroll across the boardwalk will lead you to two and a half miles of pristine beaches where you’ll find dolphins playing in the surf, ospreys and eagles flying overhead, and piles of shells waiting to be collected from the sand.
You’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a Hemingway novel as you share a meal at this massive seaside manor. Set at the edge of Casa Ybel Resort’s sprawling grounds – Thistle Lodge serves an award-winning blend of Floridian, European and Asian flavors that even the pickiest palates won’t be able to resist.
Pedal the day away on the packed-sand beaches and over 27 miles of paths on Sanibel. Billy's Rentals offers bicycles by the hour or by the day – giving you plenty of time to explore every corner of the island.
And if none of the above ideas tickle you and your lover’s fancy, a walk on the beach is one of the simplest and most beautiful moments to have on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Visit our Beaches page to find the perfect romantic beach for you and your loved one.
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