Seashells on beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery make Sanibel Island a popular getaway for couples, families, and wilderness lovers. Located in southwest Florida, Sanibel Island is famed for its scenic bicycle trails, cultural attractions, and wildlife sanctuaries. One of the top attractions here is Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, which displays collections of local seashells. While you’re here, bring the kids to J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a wildlife park with various bird species, nature trails, and family activities. Other must-see sights include Sanibel Lighthouse and Lighthouse Beach Park, which feature stunning views. Are you planning a fuss-free vacation far from busy crowds? Read on for the best cottages for rent in Sanibel Island, Florida.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 12, 2024.
1. Chic abode surrounded by stunning wildlife (from USD 170)
Enjoy the sights and sounds of wildlife from this newly renovated one-bedroom cottage at the heart of Sanibel Island. Fit to accommodate four guests, the property has one elegantly styled bedroom with two queen-sized beds, one bathroom with essentials, and a private lanai with comfortable furnishings where you can lounge next to nature.
Head outside to explore the abundant wildlife roaming the premises and find beautiful seashells on the beach. Beach chairs, parasols, and bicycles are available for guests’ convenience.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cottage was immaculately clean when i arrivedHost:
kim was very helpful and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location and private beach was greatgreat place to stay loved the little cottage feel has everything you need inside great location
2. Bright cottage with deck (from USD 189)
Start your adventure by booking this gorgeous two-bedroom cottage near a beautiful beach. The property comfortably sleeps four guests and has brightly-lit interiors, cheery decorations, and an outdoor deck with outdoor furniture. Other conveniences include a granite kitchen with a dishwasher and laundry facilities.
Stroll along the beach to discover abundant wildlife and native birds flying across the skies. If you need anything, the hosts will address any queries.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
the cottage was impeccably cleanHost:
leslie and jim showed us so much kind hospitalityRead more reviewsLocation:
we loved our stay it was just a short walk to the beach-- the perfect locationthis is a perfect location for any family seeking a quiet and fun time in sanibelimagine pelicans flying overhead ospreys hunting dolphins swimming close by sunshine and cooling windsa very short walking distance to an awesome shelling beach host was extremely responsive and helpful
3. Warm hideaway close to the beach
Happiness comes in waves at this private cottage in Driftwood Inn, a boutique property in central Sanibel Island. The stylish cottage sleeps six guests and has two tropical-themed bedrooms and two bathrooms with essentials. Stellar features include a private lanai for relaxing with friends, a well-equipped kitchen for whipping up meals, and a spacious living and dining room.
The cottage is a short six-minute stroll from the beach, where guests can have a glorious time swimming and picking sparkling seashells on the seashore.
Sanibel, Florida, United States
3.36 km (2.1 mi) from Doc Ford's Rum Bar & GrilleAccommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
clean and bikes in great shapea very clean apartment with everything you need to have a few days of rest and relaxationthe place was great clean quiet private with private parking and easy access to the beach and everything elseHost:
it is such a cozy friendly and quiet placeRead more reviewsLocation:
super cute place great location
4. Serene getaway surrounded by trees (from USD 130)
Are you looking for some privacy during your vacation in Sanibel Island? Find it here in this rustic yet charming cottage with a garden of mango trees. Lush greenery, a spacious backyard, and tastefully decorated interiors make this cottage a perfect home away from home. The unique property has origins dating back to the 1900s and boasts classic wooden plank flooring, huge windows that welcome natural light, and a sunroom for basking in the Florida sun.
Guests are welcome to pluck the seasonal fruits from the trees and check out the local eateries and shops in the vicinity.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
so nice to have in-home washer/dryer and ac in every main roomthe window a/c units do a good job of cooling the housethe roll away bed was used and the couches are super comfortableCleanliness:
the beds were clean and comfortablethe place looks exactly like it does on the pictures (cozy and very clean)we loved it the floors are “barefoot clean ”having a full kitchen is nicethe place was nice and spacious and clean located on a large lotHost:
the owners were easy to communicate withashley the host was very responsive and helpful whenever neededashley was easy to communicate with and friendlyashley was available to talk things through and was an excellent hostalso the owners were very helpful and very responsive would stay again for sureRead more reviewsLocation:
super cute placesuch a cute place :)great location as wellgreat location right in the center of townuncle john's place was very cute quaint and great location to walk or bike to nearby shops and restaurants
5. Stylish cottage with convenient location (from USD 375)
Perfect for couples or small families, this beach cottage in central Sanibel Island promises a wonderful getaway. The property is the lower level unit of a triplex and has one plush bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a bathroom with a shower, and stylish furnishings in all living spaces. It’s only a two-minute walk from the beach, where guests can go for swimming, shelling, sunbathing, and fishing adventures.
Keen to check out local attractions? The cottage is close to Gulfside City Park Beach, Sanibel Historical Village and Museum, and Sanibel Lighthouse.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
small efficiency that was clean and best of all steps from the beachHost:
property owner was very helpfulnancy was so helpful when we needed her for questionsthis unit was clean with a comfortable bed and owner did communicate wellthis was a great location host was incredible and we’d happily stay here againRead more reviewsLocation:
property well groomed so close to the beautiful beachvery close to beach which was nicethis property was so close to the beach and perfect for us and our little dog
6. Contemporary cottage with screened-in back deck
The location of this cottage is unbeatable, as it’s in a quiet neighbourhood and close to a beach in central Sanibel Island. Slap on the sunscreen and spend the day swimming, finding shells, fishing, and relaxing by the beautiful beach. After a fun day, retreat to a modern haven with classy interiors, a well-equipped kitchen with cooking basics, and two comfortable bedrooms where you can rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Find your peace of mind and watch the wildlife pass by from the screened-in back deck, which offers views of a lovely lake.
Sanibel, Florida, United States
3.71 km (2.4 mi) from Doc Ford's Rum Bar & GrilleAccommodates: 5
7. Classic vacation rental with a spacious patio
Make all your vacation dreams come true in this classic cottage, which comes with a spacious patio. Fit to accommodate four guests, the property has two well-appointed bedrooms, one bathroom with essentials, and beach-themed interiors to indulge you in comfort. It’s a short walk past a seashell path that leads to the gorgeous beach.
Best of all, the cottage allows small dogs with the host’s prior approval, so your fur friends can enjoy the holidays with you. While you’re here, check out the pet-friendly beach and restaurants in the vicinity.
Sanibel, FL, US
8. Lovely two-bedroom cottage with a heated pool
Unplug and unwind in this lovely two-bedroom cottage, which comes with a private heated pool. Little luxuries make all the difference, and this cottage oozes classic Florida charm with its old wooden floors, walls, and blinds. Able to accommodate up to six guests, this brightly-lit haven has two bedrooms with plush beds, two bathrooms with essentials, and a beautifully furnished living room for gathering with friends.
You’ll love the luxury of having access to a private heated pool for refreshing swims at any time of the day. For more adventures, head to the nearby beach to enjoy sunbathing, surfing, or simply relaxing on sandy shores.
Sanibel, FL, US
9. Charming cottage with fully equipped kitchen
Stay in this charming cottage in Duggers Tropical Village, which is located near a lovely beach on Sanibel Island. The property is ideal for couples and has a comfortable bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests enjoy the convenience of laundry facilities, wireless internet access, and a dining nook for romantic meals.
Best of all, there are plenty of exciting activities, such as swimming, fishing, wilderness watching, windsurfing, and paddle boating, by the beach. Keen to explore the vicinity? Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, about 1.4 km (0.9 mi) away, and Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, which is about 2.7 km (1.7 mi) away.
2.01 km (1.3 mi) from Doc Ford's Rum Bar & GrilleAccommodates: 2
Minimum Nights: 0
Refund Policy :
10. Idyllic retreat with a tropical backyard (from USD 160)
Capture beautiful views of sunsets on the beach, which is located close to this idyllic cottage in central Sanibel Island. The beautifully furnished property sleeps four guests and has two well-appointed bedrooms, an open-plan living area that maximises space, and a well-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Outstanding features include hardwood floors that add a warm ambience to the home. It also has a tropical backyard, which is a great spot for firing up a barbecue with buddies.
Close to home is a wide array of casual dining restaurants, drug stores, and local shops, making it convenient if you need anything.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the cottage was very comfortable too and a short walk to the beachgreat place with great amenities the house was comfortable clean and close to the beachHost:
the host was very responsiveguido and monica were very responsive when we had any questionsmonica was very helpful and quick to respond to our inquiriesthe host was great and really fast to respond whenever we had a problemRead more reviewsLocation:
guido’s place is within walking distance to a beautiful beach accesswe especially loved the quiet street with just a 5 minute walk to the beach
Live like the locals on Sanibel Island
Friendly people, fresh seafood, and beachside cottages make Sanibel Island an enticing holiday destination. After an exhausting day spent exploring the sights, you’ll want somewhere special to return to. Find your ideal vacation rental from this list of the best cottages for rent in Sanibel Island, Florida.
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