Ultimate 14-Day Sanibel Island Road Trip with Dogs: Beach Bliss & Nature Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Beach Time

Sanibel Island, Florida on October 25, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at The Island Cow

Start your day with hearty breakfast options at this dog-friendly cafe that opens at 8am, featuring a spacious outdoor patio perfect for your small pups.
USD25, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Sanibel Lighthouse Beach Park

Explore this scenic dog-friendly beach with ample space for your dogs to roam, perfect for shelling and relaxing by the Gulf side.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Lazy Flamingo

Enjoy fresh seafood with your dogs on the outdoor deck of this casual eatery, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Drive through this remarkable refuge with designated dog-friendly trails. Enjoy bird watching and nature walks, with the refuge open until dusk.
USD10, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Blue Giraffe

Dine at this eclectic restaurant with outdoor seating that welcomes dogs, offering a creative menu perfect for a relaxed evening.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Captiva Island Excursion

Captiva Island, Florida on October 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bubble Room

Famous for its colorful decor and breakfast menu, the Bubble Room welcomes dogs on the outside patio and opens at 8am.
USD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Beach Walk at Captiva Beach Park

Spend your morning at this dog-friendly beach where your small dogs can safely enjoy the sand and water.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Marina Cafe

Enjoy waterside dining with your dogs on the patio at this popular spot, serving fresh seafood and local dishes. Open from 11am to 10pm.
USD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Kayak Rental and Exploration

Rent a kayak that accommodates dogs and explore Captiva’s mangroves and waterways, an unforgettable pet-friendly adventure.
USD50, 2h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at RC Otter’s

Conclude your day with casual dining featuring oysters and burgers at this dog friendly outdoor eatery, serving until 9pm.
USD30, 1h0m
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Day 3: Fort Myers Culture

Fort Myers, Florida on October 27, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bennett’s Fresh Roast

Start your day with fresh coffee and pastries at this dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating, opening at 7am.
USD20, 45m

9:30am

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Tour these historic estates with your dogs on leashes allowed in the outdoor gardens; open 9am-5:30pm.
USD30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ford’s Garage

Dine at this automotive-themed gastropub that offers dog-friendly patio seating, open from 11am to 9pm.
USD25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Downtown Fort Myers Walk

Stroll historic downtown with your dogs, visiting pet-friendly shops and relaxing in the waterfront parks.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at The Standard

This casual spot with dog-friendly outdoor seating serves fresh seafood and craft cocktails, open until 9pm.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 4: Nature & Parks

Sanibel Island, Florida on October 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sanibel Bread

Enjoy freshly-baked pastries and coffee at this dog-friendly bakery with outdoor seating, open from 7am.
USD15, 45m

9:00am

Bowman's Beach Dog Walk

Take your dogs for a beachside walk at Bowman's Beach, which is dog friendly during early morning hours, to enjoy the peaceful shoreline.
USD6 per vehicle, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Turtle’s Pool & Poolside Bar

Relax poolside dining with your dogs at this casual hotel restaurant offering fresh local cuisine, open 11:30am onwards.
USD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Lakes Park

Drive to nearby Lakes Park in Fort Myers, a beautiful spot with dog-friendly walking trails and a dog park for off-leash fun.
USD5 per vehicle, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Clam Shack

Enjoy a casual dinner of seafood and sandwiches in their open-air spot that allows dogs on the patio, open till 8pm.
USD25, 1h0m
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Day 5: Relax & Local

Sanibel Island, Florida on October 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Sundial Beach Resort

Breakfast at the resort’s dog-friendly outdoor dining spaces, enjoying classic American breakfast options from 7am.
USD25, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Sanibel Historical Museum & Village

Explore Sanibel’s past through outdoor exhibits and pet-friendly grounds; open 10am to 4pm.
USD8, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Greenhouse Bistro

Have lunch outdoors with your dogs at this cozy spot famous for fresh salads and sandwiches, open from 11am.
USD28, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping & Dog Friendly Stores

Spend the afternoon visiting pet-friendly shops around Periwinkle Way, a local favorite shopping street.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sweet Melissa’s Cafe

Dine at this charming, dog-friendly spot with a fresh menu of organic, local ingredients, open until 8:30pm.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 6: Outdoor Adventure

Sanibel Island & nearby on October 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jerry’s Foods Market

Grab quick healthy options and picnic supplies at this dog-friendly market with outdoor seating available, open from 7am.
USD15, 45m

9:00am

Biking & Trail Ride

Bring your dogs along (on leash) for a bike ride around Sanibel’s scenic bike paths, taking breaks at dog-friendly parks.
Bike rental approx. USD30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille

Enjoy waterfront views and a vibrant menu at this dog-friendly restaurant open from 11am, known for its Caribbean-inspired dishes.
USD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Tarpon Bay Beach

Spend afternoon relaxing at this tranquil dog-friendly beach area perfect for swimming and sunbathing with your pets.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Il Cielo

End your day dining alfresco with your dogs at this lovely Italian restaurant featuring outdoor seating with ambiance.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 7: Departure Day

Sanibel Island, Florida on October 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Over Easy Cafe

Enjoy a fresh and locally sourced breakfast with your dogs on the terrace, open from 7am.
USD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Final Beach Stroll & Shelling

Take one last walk on the dog-friendly Sanibel Beaches focusing on shelling and capturing memories before departure.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Check out & Departure

Prepare for your drive back home, ensuring your pets are comfortable and everything is packed for safe travel.
Free, N/A
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