You can watch the sun rise and set over water every day on Sanibel Island. You just need to know where to go. Gulfside City Park Beach, just to the east of the southernmost tip of the island, is a great place to watch the sunrise.
At the end of the day, come back and tilt your chair in the opposite direction to catch the sunset.
Gulfside City Park Beach Path
Park in the sunshine if you can to let the solar panel on top of the Cart to help top up the battery. Four trails lead through a nature preserve and out to a seashell-laden beach and the Gulf of Mexico. Keep an eye out for pelicans and dolphins diving for their breakfast off-shore, and for one of Sanibel’s rare shells at your feet.
Once your feet hit the sand, if you take a left (heading east) along the shore, you’ll walk past the only part of the J. N. “Ding” Darling’s National Wildlife Refuge that’s located on the Gulf side of the island. Dr. Louise Merrimom Perry, an eye doctor and seashell scholar, donated her four-acre seaside home to protect the wildlife. Today this land serves as a sanctuary for bobcats, tortoises and many other species. Learn more about Dr. Perry and other fun facts at the park.
Perry Tract Kiosk
Shade Pavilion at the Park sits alongside barbeque grills, 46 parking spaces, bike racks, a drinking fountain, outside showers, restrooms & picnic areas
After a long walk, relax at one of the shaded picnic tables that come with grills and a view of some of the island’s beautiful native trees.
Gulfside City Park Beach is just a small part of Sanibel’s fifteen miles of beautiful beaches. Enjoy exploring them all with Sanibel Carts! #DriveHappy
