I just returned from a week on Captiva Island on the south-west coast of Florida with my family! When I was younger, we vacationed a few times on Sanibel Island, which is right next door. Over time, we transitioned up the coast to Naples, Florida, which is still a favorite. We spent many years vacationing there, enjoying the beautiful main street of 5th Avenue, the Tommy Bahama restaurant (almond crusted Mahi Mahi and a pina colada?), and the quiet beaches. It's a bigger town with a lot of shopping and nightlife. This year, my parents decided to move our yearly August trip to Captiva. I have to say it might be my new favorite! It's a much quieter, more secluded island...very tropical and you feel like you are in the islands rather than the states! We stayed in a nice big home with a pool and a golf cart to get around! There were only a few restaurants within the very small "downtown", and our favorite was the Captiva Cantina- the best fish tacos I have ever had! The beach was quiet and easily accessible from our house on Dickey Lane. Our second full day, we enjoyed a two-hour wave runner excursion, which was a great way to see the island by water. Another day, we spent half the day on a pontoon boat, venturing to a secluded island a few miles away for shelling. We saw so many dolphins that day and my sister and her boyfriend jumped off the boat to try to swim with them! Overall, a great trip with lasting memories! I highly recommend spending time on Captiva if you ever have the chance and look forward to returning myself in the future!
