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Southern Living just released the ‘South’s Best of 2025′, covering categories from ‘Best Seafood Dives’, ‘Best Cruise Lines’, and of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to the South without scoping out the ‘Best Beach Towns‘.
No offense to Southern living, but the big winner was a Georgia island we covered before their big reveal — and yes, it definitely lives up to the hype.
As for Florida, the Sunshine State always packs a punch, whether it be world-renowned cities or vibrant Caribbean-esque beaches.
In this case, a white sand island in the midst of making a significant comeback was crowned Florida’s top destination for 2025.
Hit hard not once, not twice, but three times by hurricanes in the past couple of years, Fort Myers’ Sanibel Island is ready to embrace vacationers yet again — with a caveat.
Before making plans, you should check the latest updates here for major announcements that could affect your vacation.
Florida’s Most Authentic Island: No Stoplights Or Eyesore Resorts
Us humans are an odd bunch.
One moment, we’re searching for the best of the best resort getaways, and the next, we’re seeking rustic small towns with old-timey soda fountains and cozy cottages to escape the city grind.
Sanibel offers a mix of both with a handful of resorts and small town charm, but the island is far from flashy, even with exclusive gated communities like the Kenzie Island neighborhood.
Beachgoers won’t find towering condos overpowering swaying palm trees; just a tranquil, unhurried pace of life to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, whether it be white-sand beaches wrapping the island or ample hiking trails within.
To prove a point about how laid-back Sanibel really is, there are not even stoplights here. Nor are there big-box chains.
Sanibel relies heavily on small businesses and embraces a sense of community, and few places would be happier to welcome you than the locals here as the island has been ravaged by Mother Nature’s wrath multiple times leaving a lasting dent on the economy.
But 2025 is the year Sanibel is turning a corner. So, when you’re seeking your next beach getaway, you can feel a little better knowing your money is reviving a tight-knit community’s beloved natural paradise.
Is Sanibel Island Really Florida’s Top Beach Destination?
We’ve covered numerous white sand paradise ranging from Mississippi’s Ship Island to lesser-known Florida hideaways.
With so many scenic escapes across the South (and particularly Florida), one has the right to question if Sanibel Island is really worth being crowned the top beach destination fresh off disastrous hurricanes.
If you ask me, it all boils down to what type of traveler you are. If you’re a rowdy springbreaker looking for the best beach parties, Sanibel isn’t for you.
If you’re in the 30-and-up crowd like me, then experiencing a serene setting along blue-water beaches and little crowds couldn’t be more enticing — and that’s the big draw for Sanibel.
Plus, it’s easy to reach from well-connected Fort Myers, and there’s plenty to do. I mean, even bucket-list paradises like Bora Bora have been dubbed “Boring Boring”, so what’s the point?
Sanibel is a beautiful island with just enough resorts, small-town charm, quaint cottages, and seemingly endless nature to explore that will captivate you.
In fact, many first-time vacationers wish they had booked one way flights here rather than have to go back home — that’s how alluring Sanibel can be.
Whether it be perusing shops along Periwinkle Way, biking 25 miles of trails, or indulging in southern staples at MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, if you’re like everyone who visits, you won’t want to leave!
Albeit the one drawback from recent visitors has been the water coloration due to the aftermath of the hurricane, which seems to be hit or miss depending who you ask.
Sanibel’s Longstanding Claim To Fame
While snorkeling, paddle boarding, kayaking, and even rocking the knee-high socks-and-sandals combo while treasure hunting is always fun, what visitors look most forward to in Sanibel is shelling.
In fact, it’s safe to say Sanibel is Florida’s unofficial shelling capital. Believe it or not, a Fort Myers news report claims one local beachcomber gets so excited to shell, she’s been nicknamed…wait for it…”Shelly”.
I guess we now know who sells seashells down by the seashore.
There are all types of shells washing ashore, but if you’re new to the shelling game, Southern Living claims finding a Junonia shell is basically like winning the lottery.
And if that doesn’t put an official stamp on ‘shelling capital’ status, then surely a visit to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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