If you are looking for the perfect place to take the family for a fun-filled beach vacation, then you should look no further than Sanibel Island and Captiva. Both of these islands, which are just a two and a half hour drive from Miami, offer all kinds of fun activities for people of all ages. If you are lucky enough to choose a resort that offers children’s activities, then you might even get some romantic alone time in the evenings to enjoy some of the fine dining that is available on the islands before taking a moonlit stroll on the beach.

Sanibel Island is famous for the many seashells that line the coast. Kids of all ages will enjoy the many different types of shells. In fact, though most of the beaches are sandy, there are some beaches that are covered in the seashells. Make sure that you wear shoes when you go shell hunting, because broken shells can leave some nasty cuts.

For another fun family adventure on Sanibel Island, you can rent bicycles for the whole family and make use of the miles of bike paths that cross the island. These bicycle paths will get you up close and personal with some of the island’s most amazing wildlife and plants. Since the island is only twelve miles long, a bicycle also presents a cheaper alternative to driving.

Finally, if you’re on Captiva Island, you are in the best spot to enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. The beaches are usually quieter on Captiva than on Sanibel, so it’s a great place to visit for romance. The sunsets on Captiva are famous. Legend has it that there is a brief green flash the moment the sun dips below the horizon. I have never seen it, but I don’t doubt that it happens!