Captiva
A household name in the Captiva. Great spot for a lunch or dinner feast. Our go-to order: Yucatan Shrimp - but come hungry!!
Low-key spot in a colorful old house with live music in the Heart of Old Captiva Village. Be sure to snap a picture in front of their directional sign out front :) Our go-to order: Fish Ruben + Fish Tacos + anything w/ Mahi Mahi.
Easy stop if you're in the market for a sandwich or salad made-to-order. Many to-go options as well. Our go-to order: Chicken Pesto Sandwich with a Mexican Coke.
Higher end, but you get what you pay for. The Mad Hatter is in a cabin on the beach, with beautiful sunset views. Our go-to order: The Watermelon Salad.... + basically everything on the menu.
*Note: Reservations are a necessity: (239) 472-0033
Hands down favorite place for some excellent seafood and Tiki vibe - but a little farther commute for those staying on the Captiva Island. Our go-to order: Poke! However, menu is seasonal so may not be available.
A Captiva classic! You can't leave without grabbing a drink on the beach here. Low-key vibe with a large patio right on the beach. Great spot to catch a sunset with a Corona in hand.
Here, you feel like you're walking into a ship - "g'day mate." Old-school spot that is great for a beer on tap and fried seafood - the best fried oysters in the area live here.
Convenient for many as this one is located in the 'Tween Waters resort. Casual sit-down bar, and maybe the only bar open past 10 PM on the island. P.A.R.T.Y. Time.
Kayaking in the Pine Island Sound
One of the coolest experiences is kayaking through the mangroves and spotting manatees in the Pine Island Sound.
Yolo (linked here) is the place to go for anything water sport rentals and excursions. Have you seen those jet pack hover boards? Stephen has done it here, because #yolo.
Island Hop Cruises // Sunset Sails
Captiva is surrounded by many islands, all in close perimeter. Captiva Cruises (linked here) is our go to for anything boating - rentals and excursions. Cheese Burger in Paradise? Done it on Cabbage key, supposedly where Jimmy Buffet was inspired for the song. No matter the ride, you'll be sure to see dolphins in tail.
'Tween Waters Tree Lighting Ceremony
For more than 20 years, ‘Tween Waters has chosen to commemorate the start of the holiday season with its spectacular Tree Lighting Celebration. This year it also falls on the Friday of our wedding weekend! We've never been but it's supposed to be spectacular if you are able to make it.
Tarpen are hot here, along with many other sea creatures (and shells!). Fishing excursions range from shallow waters to deep sea. Stephen's cousin has even had success taking out his own kayak for an early morning fish in the channel.
A classic yoga studio, they offer a variety of classes some on the beach!
Plan some R&R here if you get a chance. In addition to traditional spa services, they also offer salon services like nails and hair.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
The National Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world devoted to shells. They also offer guided beach walks throughout the entire year.
The Rauschenberg Artist Residency
Who is Rauschenberg? Here's his history. The artist left NYC in the late 1960's and retreated to Captiva, which he described as "[t]he foundation of my life and my work; it is the source and reserve of my energies.” His home and foundation serve as a fellowship for emerging artists. Cool spot to check out.