Should you tire of simply listening to the birdsong, the cool breeze rustling through the palm trees, and the gentle lapping of the ocean, verdant Sanibel has much to offer. “The lifestyle cannot be beaten,” Selby says. “There are many outdoor activities—boating, fishing, paddleboarding, miles of paved bike paths, 13 miles (21 km) of beach, golf courses, country clubs, art festivals, theater, a farmers’ market, shopping, and shelling [the island is the unofficial shelling capital of the world and is home to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum]. It has a small-town feel with a strong sense of community.”
