Worth a brief stop after you've done everything else here, the Sanibel Historical Village & Museum, 950 Dunlop Rd. (tel. 239/472-4648), includes the 1913-vintage Rutland home and the 1926 versions of Bailey's General Store (complete with Red Crown gasoline pumps), the post office, and Miss Charlotta's Tea Room. Displays highlight the islands' prehistoric Calusa peoples, as well as old photos from pioneer days, turn-of-the-20th-century clothing, and a variety of memorabilia. It's open from November to May, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm; from June to mid-August, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 1pm. Admission is by $3 donation.
At the east end of Periwinkle Way, the Sanibel Lighthouse has marked the entrance to San Carlos Bay since 1884. The lighthouse keepers used to live in the cottages at the base of the 94-foot tower. The now-automatic lighthouse makes for a lovely Kodak moment, but it isn't open to visitors, though the grounds and beach are.
The best way to get the lay of the land and learn all about the islands' history is on a 2-hour Sanibel Island Eco-History Trolley Tour, staged by Adventures in Paradise (tel. 239/472-8443; www.adventureinparadiseinc.com). Tours depart the chamber of commerce Monday through Saturday at 10:30am and 1pm. They're $20 for adults, $15 for children, and free for kids 3 and under. Call for reservations.
In addition to its other trips, Captiva Cruises (tel. 239/472-5300; www.captivacruises.com) goes on daily sunset cruises from South Seas Resort, on Captiva. The cruise costs $20 adults, $10 children 6 to 12. Call for times and reservations.
