The City of Sanibel invites you to Eat, Shop, Stay, and Play on Sanibel during our year-long 50th anniversary celebration!

About the Event

November 5, 2024, marks the 50th Anniversary of a momentous island occasion – the incorporation of the City of Sanibel. The result of a grassroots movement to save Sanibel Island from overdevelopment back in 1974, the incorporation was highly celebrated following a favorable citizens’ vote. The celebration continues as Sanibel adheres to its original purpose to create a city where Nature comes first. Its groundbreaking Sanibel Plan became a model for cities of the future.

Starting November 2024 and running through Luminary Holiday Stroll in December 2025, Sanibel and the SanCap Chamber are planning a 13-month celebration in partnership with island businesses, non-profit and faith-based organizations, and resident groups. Partners will be adding events to the 50th Anniversary Calendar, below.

Also on this page, you can sign up for a special 50th Anniversary email subscription and shop for exclusive, limited-time-only 50th Anniversary merchandise. As we celebrate 50 years, we also applaud the island’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Ian in 2022. Find the link, below, to explore businesses and places that have reopened and heartily welcome you.

Calendar of Events

See What’s Open On Sanibel

Eat

The Sanibel restaurant scene, one of the island’s greatest attractions, continues to strengthen every month. From seafood to pizza and fine dining to ice cream shops, Sanibel Island boasts delightful ways to satisfy your appetite for good eats.

Where To Eat

A little adventure

Shop

A favorite destination for dedicated shoppers, Sanibel Island is known for its art galleries, resort clothing boutiques, blingy jewelry stores, and beach-themed gift and shell shops. Shopping centers in park-like settings invite leisurely browsing and deliver the thrill of the unique find.

Where To Shop

Stay

The best way to experience Sanibel during the 50th Anniversary celebration is to stay on the island! We have several beautiful resorts for you to choose from so you can enjoy every moment of your stay.

Where To Stay

Play

On land and in the water, endless recreational and sightseeing activities fill island days with memories of a lifetime. Wake up with breakfasting birds at a nature preserve, collect shells on the beach, visit a museum or art center, and sail into the sunset. Who could ask for a more perfect play day?

Where To Play

Shop 50th Anniversary Merch

Donate to the 50th Anniversary Celebration

Note: All tax-deductible donations will be earmarked for the Economic Revitalization Fund at the Charitable Foundation of the Islands
to support small business recovery on the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. Visit MyCFI.org for more information.

Learn More

Quick links here.

Learn more about Sanibel’s History