If you’re heading to the Ft. Myers area soon, you’re probably wondering what’s open on Sanibel Island.
The good news is several of the island’s establishments – stores, restaurants and resorts – have reopened. Longtime island favorites of Mudbugs and Doc Ford’s are open are open. Many of the island’s beaches, including Lighthouse Beach, Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass Beach are open.
Click the links buttons below to jump to a category.
For the latest on what is open as peak season approaches, bookmark this page or subscribe to our monthly email for updates.
Related: What’s Open on Captiva Island
What’s Open on Sanibel Island
As the area continues to recover from Hurricane Ian, be sure to contact local businesses directly for operating hours and availability.
Open beaches include Blind Pass Beach, Bowman’s Beach, Gulfside City Park, Lighthouse Beach Park, and Tarpon Bay Beach.
This list was updated on Sept. 10, 2023
What Resorts and Inns Are Open On Sanibel
The following resorts are open and accepting reservations:
- Island Inn (website)
- Sanibel Island Beach Resort (website)
- Tarpon Tale Inn (website)
The Royal Shell Sanibel Welcome Center is open, as are several local realtor offices. For vacation rental information, contact the owner or listing agent.
What Restaurants Are Open on Sanibel
- Bleu Rendezvous (website)
- Blue Giraffe Food Truck (website)
- Cielo (website)
- Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille (website)
- Grandma Dot’s Food Truck (website)
- Great White Grill (website)
- Huxters Market and Deli (website)
- Island Pizza Company (website)
- Jerry’s Foods Coquina Coffee (website)
- Rosalitas Cantina (website)
- Sanibel Deli and Coffee Factory (website)
- Sanibel Grill (website)
- The Shack of Sanibel (website)
- Timber’s Restaurant (website)
- Trader’s Restuarant (website)
- Tutti Pazzi (website)
Activities & Excursions
- Adventures in Paradise Cruises (website)
- Big Arts (website)
- Billy’s Rentals (website)
- Community House (website)
- Finnimore’s Bike Shop (website)
- Flip Side Charter (website)
- Island Time Dolphin& Shelling Cruises, Inc. (website)
- J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge (website)
Shopping & Rentals
- Ace Hardware
- Community House (website)
- Footloose H2O Outfitters at Jerry’s Plaza
- Jerry’s Foods (website)
- Macintosh Books + Paper (website)
- Mango Bay Surf Company (website)
- Nanny’s of Sanibel (website)
- Rachel Pierce Art Gallery & Community Outdoor Market (website)
- Sanibel Island Farmers Market (website)
- Sanibel Spirits (website)
- Sanibel Surf Shop at Jerry’s Plaza
- Tower Gallery (website)
- Traders Gift Shop (website)
- Tuttle’s Seahorse Shell Shop (website)
- Whitney’s Bait & Tackle (website)
- Winds (website)
Opening Soon
The following establishments have published a reopening date:
- Grandma Dot’s: Oct. 1, 2023 (more)