Southern Living simply launched the ‘South’s Best of 2025′, overlaying classes from ‘Best Seafood Dives’, ‘Best Cruise Lines’, and naturally, it would not be a visit to the South with out scoping out the ‘Best Beach Towns‘.
No offense to Southern residing, however the huge winner was a Georgia island we lined earlier than their huge reveal — and sure, it undoubtedly lives as much as the hype.
As for Florida, the Sunshine State all the time packs a punch, whether or not it’s world-renowned cities or vibrant Caribbean-esque seashores.
In this case, a white sand island within the midst of creating a major comeback was topped Florida’s high vacation spot for 2025.
Hit onerous not as soon as, not twice, however 3 times by hurricanes previously couple of years, Fort Myers’ Sanibel Island is able to embrace vacationers but once more — with a caveat.
Before planning, it’s best to verify the newest updates right here for main bulletins that would have an effect on your trip.
Florida’s Most Authentic Island: No Stoplights Or Eyesore Resorts
Us people are an odd bunch.
One second, we’re looking for the perfect of the perfect resort getaways, and the subsequent, we’re looking for rustic small cities with old-timey soda fountains and comfy cottages to flee town grind.
Sanibel gives a mixture of each with a handful of resorts and small city attraction, however the island is way from flashy, even with unique gated communities just like the Kenzie Island neighborhood.
Beachgoers will not discover towering condos overpowering swaying palm timber; only a tranquil, unhurried tempo of life to benefit from the sights and sounds of nature, whether or not it’s white-sand seashores wrapping the island or ample mountain climbing trails inside.
To show some extent about how laid-back Sanibel actually is, there should not even stoplights right here. Nor are there big-box chains.
Sanibel depends closely on small companies and embraces a way of neighborhood, and few locations can be happier to welcome you than the locals right here because the island has been ravaged by Mother Nature’s wrath a number of instances leaving a long-lasting dent on the financial system.
But 2025 is the 12 months Sanibel is popping a nook. So, while you’re looking for your subsequent seaside getaway, you may really feel a little bit higher figuring out your cash is reviving a tight-knit neighborhood’s beloved pure paradise.
Is Sanibel Island Really Florida’s Top Beach Destination?
We’ve lined quite a few white sand paradise starting from Mississippi’s Ship Island to lesser-known Florida hideaways.
With so many scenic escapes throughout the South (and notably Florida), one has the fitting to query if Sanibel Island is de facto price being topped the highest seaside vacation spot contemporary off disastrous hurricanes.
If you ask me, all of it boils right down to what kind of traveler you might be. If you are a rowdy springbreaker in search of the perfect seaside events, Sanibel is not for you.
If you are within the 30-and-up crowd like me, then experiencing a serene setting alongside blue-water seashores and little crowds could not be extra attractive — and that is the large draw for Sanibel.
Plus, it is easy to achieve from well-connected Fort Myers, and there is lots to do. I imply, even bucket-list paradises like Bora Bora have been dubbed “Boring Boring”, so what is the level?
Sanibel is a fantastic island with simply sufficient resorts, small-town attraction, quaint cottages, and seemingly limitless nature to discover that can captivate you.
In truth, many first-time vacationers want that they had booked a technique flights right here reasonably than have to return house — that is how alluring Sanibel might be.
Whether it’s perusing retailers alongside Periwinkle Way, biking 25 miles of trails, or indulging in southern staples at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, should you’re like everybody who visits, you will not need to go away!
Albeit the one disadvantage from latest guests has been the water coloration as a result of aftermath of the hurricane, which appears to be hit and miss relying who you ask.
Sanibel’s Longstanding Claim To Fame
While snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even rocking the knee-high socks-and-sandals combo whereas treasure searching is all the time enjoyable, what guests look most ahead to in Sanibel is shelling.
I suppose we now know who sells seashells down by the seashore.
There are all kinds of shells washing ashore, however should you’re new to the shelling sport, Southern Living claims discovering a Junonia shell is mainly like profitable the lottery.
And if that does not put an official stamp on ‘shelling capital’ standing, then absolutely a go to to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.