The once sleepy barrier island labeled Estero Island on navigational charts was dubbed Fort Myers Beach in the early part of the 20th century by city folks who spent their weekends on its wide, sandy beaches. Centuries earlier, an abundance of fish and other seafood made the 6.5-mile-long island attractive to its earliest inhabitants, the Calusa, as well as explorers, fisherfolk, and a pirate or two. In the late 19th century, early homesteaders were lured by stories of free tillable soil in a balmy climate surrounded by warm waters and ankle-deep shells. When pink shrimp, labeled "Pink Gold," were found in nearby waters, another influx of residents arrived. Today, the island is best known as an energetic resort community, but it retains the influence and charm of its remarkable past.

Living Sanibel is the only book you will need while on the islands! With more than 650 full-color photographs, illustrations and trail maps, Living Sanibel is the most complete identification guide to the native plants, animals and eco-attractions of Sanibel and Captiva ever compiled.

A complete guide for everything you need to experience a great Long Weekend in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, etc. Updated throughout the year, you'll save a lot of time using this concise guide. “Even though the area is easy to get around, on our second trip we brought this book and found things we hadn’t known about previously.” –Horace G., Wichita “The Delaplaine guide books ‘cut to the chase.’ You get what you need and don’t get what you don’t.” –Wilma K., Seattle =LODGINGS, from budget to deluxe = RESTAURANTS, from the finest the area has to offer ranging down to the cheapest (with the highest quality). More than sufficient listings to make your Long Weekend memorable. =PRINCIPAL ATTRACTIONS -- don't waste your precious time on the lesser ones. We've done all the work for you.

Andrew Delaplaine is the ultimate Restaurant Enthusiast. With decades in the food writing business, he has been everywhere and eaten (almost) everything. “Unlike the ‘honest’ reviews on sites like Yelp, this writer knows what he’s talking about. He’s a professional, with decades in the business, not a well-intentioned but clueless amateur.” = Holly Titler, Los Angeles “This concise guidebook was exactly what I needed to make the most of my limited time in town.” = Tanner Davis, Milwaukee This is another of his books with spot-on reviews of the most exciting restaurants in town. Some will merit only a line or two, just to bring them to your attention. Others deserve a half page or more. “The fact that he doesn’t accept free meals in exchange for a good review makes all the difference in his sometimes brutally accurate reviews.” = Jerry Adams, El Paso “Exciting” does not necessarily mean expensive. The area’s top spots get the recognition they so richly deserve (and that they so loudly demand), but there are plenty of “sensible alternatives” for those looking for good food handsomely prepared by cooks and chefs who really care what they “plate up” in the kitchen. For those with a touch of Guy Fieri, Delaplaine ferrets out the best food for those on a budget. That dingy looking dive bar around the corner may serve up one of the juiciest burgers in town, perfect to wash down with a locally brewed craft beer. Whatever your predilection or taste, cuisine of choice or your budget, you may rely on Andrew Delaplaine not to disappoint. Delaplaine dines anonymously at the Publisher’s expense. No restaurant listed in this series has paid a penny or given so much as a free meal to be included. Bon Appétit!

Visitors come to the Fort Myers/Sanibel coast of Southwest Florida for its pristine white sand beaches, warm blue-green waters, and fabulous year-round weather, but much more awaits discovery. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die proposes opportunities to explore not only the renowned beaches, waterways, and recreational activities, but also the historic and offbeat locales. Paddle the calm waters to follow in the wake of the people of the Calusa tribes. Get inspired at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. Take time to go fishing, shelling, birding, or island hopping and fully appreciate this natural haven. Marvel at dolphins jumping in the rolling waves and pelicans diving in the surf for breakfast. Spot endangered West Indian manatees meandering through the mangrove-lined back bays and estuaries. 100 Things to Do in Fort Myers & Sanibel Before You Die will help point your life list in the right direction.

In this updated guide you’ll find the definitive word on this Gulf Coast area, its recreation, restaurants, hotels, and more, from deluxe to offbeat. Enjoy an insider’s vantage point on Charlotte Harbor’s wild shores, the coast’s sandy barrier islands, Naples’s polished allure, and Sarasota-Bradenton’s “sweet” history.

Gain an insider's vantage point on this exceptional part of the Florida coast.