Sanibel Island and Fort Myers: What to Do in January

Posted by Brand Ambassador

It’s a new year and there is not a better place in the country to relax and get ready to tackle the new year than on the beaches of Sanibel Island and Fort Myers, Florida. With average highs in the 70s and cool evening breezes, January through April is the sweet spot for Southwest Florida visitors. Enjoy all the area has to offer by following these January date book suggestions.

Sanibel Beach and Trail Walks

Start the new year right off mentally and physically by taking a free guided beach walk from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. every Friday through April 21. The group meets at Sanibel Island’s Gulfside City Park for a guided exploration of the Perry Tract. You will learn about the ecosystem and don’t forget to bring a bag to hold all of the shells you collect in the Shell Capital of the World! Bring cash to pay for parking in the Gulfside City Park parking lot.

You can also take a free Indigo Trail Walk 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. every Friday through April 21. Naturalists will lead a tour while discussing and identifying the area’s ecosystem and animal species. Meet at the flagpole in front of the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education Center and bring sunscreen, bug spray and water for both walks. For more information on either walk, call (239) 472-1100.

Gators Versus Crocodiles

If you are coming to Southwest Florida, you are likely to see Florida’s most famous species: The Florida Gator. But how can you tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile? The free Gators & Crocs Program will be held from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 and every Saturday through April 22 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education Center. The class will teach you everything you need to know about a fascinating species. For more information, call (239) 472-1100.

Learn About Your Feathered Friends

Sanibel Island and Fort Myers is a wildlife refuge area full of many species of birds. If you want to learn more about the feathered friends you are seeing through your binoculars, attend a Free Birds of the Refuge session 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 and every Saturday through April 22 at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Education Center. For more information, call (239) 472-1100.

Enjoy a Free Jazz Concert

The weather is beautiful this time of year on Sanibel Island. Spend a Sunday afternoon in the BIG ARTS Boler Garden enjoying a free Island Jazz Concert 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 8. For more information, call (239) 395-0900.
Celebrate Those Sunsets

Sunsets are a big deal on the beaches of Southwest Florida and they never get old. Enjoy a Sunset Celebration at Time Square on Fort Myers Beach from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 and every Saturday and Sunday in January. Enjoy a night of live music and food while you watch the sun drop into the Gulf of Mexico.

Enjoy an Art Show on the Beach

The Fort Myers Beach Art Association is holding its free Winter Juried Art Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 16 and it runs through Feb. 9 at the Fort Myers Beach Art Association’s Gallery. For more information, call (239) 463-3909.

Attend a Tennis Tournament

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s 25^th annual Tennis Tournament is being held Jan. 28-29 at the Blackwood Tennis Academy at The Dunes on Sand Castle Road. You can still register for the tournament if you wish to play or come and watch for free.

Book Your Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Visit

Enjoy all that Sanibel Island and Fort Myers have to offer during the most beautiful time of year. To truly enjoy your visit, rent a fully furnished condominium at Royal Shell Vacation Rentals or Sundial Beach Resort & Spa.

Rent a Boat

You have to rent a boat and schedule a fishing charter to enjoy Southwest Florida’s water paradise. Enjoy the best weather of the season and let Port Sanibel Marina handle all of your boating accommodations. Give us a call at (239) 437-1660 to plan your boat rental needs today.