Sanibel Island Light House
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A carbon copy of the Cape San Blas Lighthouse in the Panhandle, the
Sanibel Island light was first lit in 1884. It is the last one heading south
until you reach the Dry Tortugas, 130 miles away. The lighthouses on the
gulf coast are far apart, unlike the lighthouses in the Keys, where there
are many more dangerous shoals and reefs.
The grounds and beaches around the lighthouse are very lovely with white
sand, sea grapes, and sea oats. The beaches are accessible. The lighthouse
is not open to the public and the keepers’ houses are fenced in
and are used by National Wildlife Refuge employees. You can walk all around
the site, however, and it is a popular place for shelling and swimming.
Back in 1949, the lighthouse was automated, long before many other
lighthouses were mechanized. The ninety-eight-foot-tall lighthouse has a
modern light beacon. One of the original lenses is now displayed at the
Sanibel Historical Museum, where you can also see the Sanibel Post Office,
built in 1927, and an old store, house, and tea room, all built around
that time as well.
If you like bird watching, the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife
Refuge is towards the northern end of Sanibel extending into Captiva
Island. Its 6,500 acres are one of the best places in the South to view
shorebirds such as ibis, herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, white
pelicans, and dozens of songbirds. Many other native wildlife species,
including alligators, also call this refuge home. Photographers and
naturalists come from all over the world to visit this haven for wildlife.
It is worth visiting if you can tear yourself away from the shops on the
island. A trip to the Edison home in Fort Myers is also a wonderful place
you will not want to miss.
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