If you enjoy strip malls, high rises, billboards, and mile after mile of miniature golf - DON'T go to Sanibel!!!<BR><BR>If you love &quot;old Florida,&quot; very laid back days, and natural beauty (including sea shells), then DO go to Sanibel!!!<BR><BR>If you go there looking for excitement, you haven't done your homework.

In general, I loathe Florida, but I am rather fond of Sanibel. Even though I very much enjoy a great beach, there is something charming about Sanibel that I find attractive.

Beach which is famous for it's sugar sand is Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL. For some info check out<BR>http://groups.msn.com/OrangeBeachGulfShoresAlabamaCondo

Tom, I agree, beautiful beaches in that locale. But isn't that still referred to as &quot;The Redneck Riviera?&quot;<BR>Happy Trails,<BR>Paul

Sannibel bannanabel---has this place returned from the hurricane yet? Have they cleaned the annoying shells so you can walk on the beach???

Sanibel/Captiva is my favorite spot in Florida (and I am a Floridian, so I've seen it all). The beaches are wide, beautiful, and sandy, and the water is clear. Yes, the beaches are liberally sprinkled with seashells...only adding to their charm. I just got back from a long weekend there on Sunday, and strolled the beaches barefoot for miles during my stay. No lacerations, no stitches, no ER trips...not even a blister. I must've been incredibly fortunate.