Summer unofficially gets underway on Memorial Day, and Sanibel Island is truly an amazing place to celebrate. A Memorial Day weekend in Florida comes with days lounging on the beach, Gulf breezes, and peaceful experiences in nature to add to an itinerary. When you’re looking for fun things to do in Florida on Memorial Day weekend this year, the following lineup is a great starting point.
Start Your Long Weekend at Lighthouse Beach Park
Once you’ve dropped your bags, checked out your rental, and taken a moment to breathe, it’s time to get your Memorial Day adventure going at Lighthouse Beach Park. This is a gorgeous destination to explore where you can make the most of time on soft sands, swimming in gentle waves, and savoring truly iconic local views. Spanning 32 acres, this park is named for the lighthouse at the island’s end, which is always a treat to see for yourself. Whether you cast a line from the park’s pier or enjoy the picnic areas with family and friends, it’s a place where you can linger as long as you’d like. If you arrive at low tide, make sure to take advantage of great shelling conditions!
- Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957
- Hours: Open 24/7
- Phone: 239-47-0345
Once you’ve had time to unwind at the park, gather your fellow travelers and enjoy a meal at Gramma Dot’s. Located right at the marina, this eatery is a wonderful place to treat yourself to local seafood matched with beautiful waterfront views. Whether you go for the tuna salad, mahi-mahi, or grouper sandwich, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Address: 634 N. Yachtsman Drive, Sanibel, Florida, 33957
- Hours: 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM daily
Extra Long Weekend Activities You Won’t Want to Miss
When you’re looking to add even more fun to your itinerary this Memorial Day weekend in Florida, there are plenty of options to pick from. Consider spending a scenic morning shelling at Blind Pass Beach when the calm early summer tides are on your side. This is a popular place for Memorial Day revelers to search for tulip shells, conchs, whelks, and beyond.
- Address: 3497 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida, 33957
- Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
- Amenities: On-site parking, beach access
Memorial Day weekend is also a great time to bike the island’s many scenic trails. In fact, there are more than 25 miles of paved pathways to explore on two wheels when you’re here over Memorial Day weekend. Whether you hit the East Gulf Drive Trail or the Rabbit Road Trail, make sure to follow your journey up with a meal at The Island Cow. This vibrant eatery is as delicious as it is colorful, and a great place to enjoy shrimp dinner platters and seared salmon paired with a side of mouthwatering sweet potato fries. From the outdoor seating to the kid-friendly menu, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Address: 2163 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, 33957
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily
Exciting Extras to Add to Your Experience
When there’s room for more on your Memorial Day itinerary, you’ll want to consider:
Adventures in Paradise – For booking dolphin watching, shelling, or sunset cruises suitable for the entire family.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum – For learning more about the island’s rich shelling history through interactive exhibits.
Book a Memorial Day to Remember in Luxury and Style
There’s a lot to enjoy and discover on Sanibel Island over Memorial Day weekend. When you’re looking for a place to relax and unwind afterward, Dream Vacation Rentals has you covered. Reach out today to learn more about our customized property options suitable for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for a retreat with a private boat dock, or you need pet-friendly accommodations this Memorial Day, we’ll help make it happen.