The Storm
On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa as a Category 4 hurricane. Sanibel took a direct hit. The causeway was destroyed in multiple sections. Homes were leveled. Businesses were gutted. The island that millions knew and loved was, overnight, unrecognizable.
Where Things Stand in 2026
Three and a half years later, Sanibel is back — but it's a different kind of back. Not everything has returned, and some things never will. But what's here now is real, resilient, and worth your visit.
What's Open
- 40+ restaurants are serving again — from Doc Ford's and The Timbers to newer spots like MudBugs Cajun Kitchen and Tutti Pazzi
- All public beaches are accessible
- Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is fully operational, including Wildlife Drive
- The Sanibel Lighthouse stands as it has since 1884
- Bike paths have been repaired across the island
- Shopping — Bailey's General Store, She Sells Sea Shells, Sanibel Outlets, and dozens more
- The causeway was rebuilt and reopened in 2023
What's Still Recovering
- Some hotels and vacation rentals are still under renovation
- Construction is visible — cranes, trucks, and rebuilding are part of the landscape
- A few beloved businesses didn't make it back
- Housing for workers remains a challenge, which affects staffing at restaurants and shops
What's Different
- The tree canopy is thinner — Ian stripped decades of growth. It's coming back, but slowly
- Some beaches have different sand profiles than before
- The community is tighter than ever — there's a shared resilience you can feel
Should You Visit?
Absolutely. Here's why:
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The island needs visitors. Tourism is Sanibel's economy. Every restaurant meal, every beach rental, every shop purchase helps a small business owner who bet everything on rebuilding.
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It's still beautiful. The sunsets haven't changed. The shells are still world-class. The dolphins still play in the pass. The birds still fill the refuge.
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You'll see something real. This isn't a polished resort experience. It's a community in the middle of coming back. That's something worth witnessing.
What to Expect
- Traffic: Lighter than pre-Ian. Fewer tourists overall means less congestion.
- Prices: Comparable to pre-Ian for restaurants and activities.
- Availability: More vacation rental options opening every month.
- Vibe: Quieter, more authentic, less crowded. Many repeat visitors say they prefer it.
Sanibel isn't "back to normal." It's becoming something new. And it's worth being part of that story.
