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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Sanibel

3 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Sanibel, Florida

Updated May 31, 2019

Unusual Attractions in Sanibel

Sanibel, Florida

Pistol Shrimp of Ding Darling

Just below the surface, shrimp are producing temperatures hotter than the sun.

Sanibel, Florida

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

In a city crazy for seashells this museum educates and amazes visitors using the wonder of cast-off exoskeletons.

Sanibel, Florida

Grave of Captain Oliver Bowen

The bizarre story of the mysterious death and hidden treasure of one of Sanibel Island's early homesteaders.

Are we missing something unusual?

Captiva, Florida

The Bubble Room

This kitsch eatery is chock-a-block with bric-a-brac.

11 miles from Sanibel

Estero, Florida

Koreshan State Historic Site

Former utopian colony based on the belief that the universe exists in a hollow sphere.

12 miles from Sanibel

Fort Myers, Florida

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

One-time winter retreats of prolific inventor Thomas Edison and his friend Henry Ford.

15 miles from Sanibel

North Fort Myers, Florida

The Shell Factory

The largest retailer of seashells in the world.

19 miles from Sanibel

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Haunted 1 Gravestones 1 Mystery 1 Tombs 1 History 1 Burial Places 1 Treasure 1 Local History 1

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Recent Sanibel Activity

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wants to go to Grave of Captain Oliver Bowen
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wants to go to Pistol Shrimp of Ding Darling
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wants to go to Grave of Captain Oliver Bowen
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wants to go to The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

Stories About Sanibel

The Secret Life of 'Sea Pork,' The Organ-Like Blobs on Your Beach

Contains no actual pork.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

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