We are a family of 5 (3 20-30 somethings) going to Sanibel for Thanksgiving. Is there any nightlife, and if so on what part of the island should we stay to be closer to that area? We are looking for a condo or villa of some type w/3 bedrooms or 2 bedrooms & sofa bed. How about the weather in Nov? Thanks!

Check vrbo.com or royal shell.com for condo rentals. Thanksgiving week is usually a little higher priced but still off-season. Weather tends to be in the 70's during the day. If you are looking for exciting nightlife, I'm afraid you may be disappointed. There are a few restaurants that have live music in the evening but no real nightclubs.

PS If you enjoy arts & crafts, BIG ARTS sponsors a show the Friday & Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend that is worth checking out.

correction - there is no space between royal and shell

The website is royalshell.com

I think you might enjoy the Crow's Nest Lounge on Captiva (at 'Tween Waters Inn). They have live entertainment, small dance floor, Nascrab races, and have always had a relatively younger crowd when I've been there. There's really not much in the way of nightlife on either Sanibel or Captiva...it's just not the islands' style. There are plenty of good restaurants, but partying is generally pretty low-key.

The weather in November will be gorgeous! Have fun...I live in Florida, and Sanibel/Captiva is the most beautiful (and my favorite) place in the state, IMO.

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I had heard of the Tween Waters - would it be too far to go to Naples from there? Also, where is the craft fair - sounds like fun! Thanks again!

I wouldn't drive Naples from Sanibel to party. First of all, depending upon where on the islands you stay, it can take as long as an hour to get back to the interstate. Then you have to go 30 miles south just to get to a Naples exit. I have not been to Naples, so I have no idea how far it would be from that point to any nightlife that might exist. Maybe you guys could find someplace on Ft. Myers beach if you start to go stir crazy...it would be a lot closer.

Are you sure you want Sanibel? You sound more like a South Beach crowd.

Nightlife + Sanibel = oxymoron!!!!

You can't get any more laid back than Sanibel. But that's the best thing about it.

Fort Meyers Beach may be a better fit for you, nightlife wise. Have fun!

I'll have to agree that with the previous post who stated nightlife on Sanibel is an oxymoron for the 20 - 30 year old crowd.

I can only think of two spots on the island which are more subdude: Ellington's Jazz Bar and Restaurant(very expensive, but worth every penny IMO) and happy hour at Sundial.

Best bet, head to Ft. Myers Beach.

Forgot to mention about the Condos... Our family stays at Sea Shells of Sanibel. I reviewed it on Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com

You can take a look at their website and their rates are SUPERB! www.seashellsofsanibel.com

They only have 2 bedroom units, but their "A" units are 1300 square feet and many of them with sofa beds.

Have a wonderful time!
;-)