Sweet, Simple Sanibel Island

I have had an ongoing argument with my peers about the best beaches in the U.S.
East vs. west, the bougie vs. the laid back, but to me it's always been about the sand and the sun. The sunset after-party is just as important as the beach itself but only in your twenties and thirties. Once you have kids, the party is over, so it goes back to the sun and the sand. At my age, I want to know where the live music is at Happy Hour. The end. Breakfast. Sun. Happy Hour.



I personally believe the west coast beaches are the best; the cleanest, the best sand, nicer crowds. I have found east coast beaches to be rocky, dirty and over crowded with tourists. To be honest, the locals are not that friendly either - seemingly agitated at the tourism income their town brings in.




Not until I visited Waikiki Beach had I ever witnessed the same kind of over population and crowds that I see on the east coast beaches consistently. Now, Sanibel island was a beautiful, long awaited surprise.

The sea shells of Sanibel

Sanibel has all my favorite things; white, clean sand, beautiful shells everywhere, and the tourists seem more mature - actually respectful of the small island and it's charm. The locals were laid back and simply, nice people. Most were happy to have the business from people they know are their bread and butter.The restaurants were very traveler friendly, and there is no weirdness between locals and tourists (that I witnessed).

The locals are very aware of their footprint and you will find signs at the beaches that read, "Leave nothing but your footprints on the beach". This should be a worldwide notice. Stop trashing our world!



Then there is the lighthouse - the sweet Sanibel lighthouse that looks like four guys in overalls built it by hand. It exemplifies everything sweet, good and hand made on the island. Respect. History.
There is a small plaque beneath the base of the lighthouse that explores why it took so long to be built but no real history of the people of Sanibel or how the island came to be populated. I would love to read the history of the secrets of Sanibel Island and find out how it stayed so exclusive and remote.

Sanibel is a sweet island reminiscent of all the good things of the past. It delivers a sense of family and friendship, of good, clean living. There are all the assets of resort living, with the small town feel of restaurants, shops, and people biking instead of driving. It is quaint and wonderful.

"Do not leave anything on the beach except for your footsteps"