Relax and Recharge on Florida's Sanibel Island

In recent polls of timeshare owners, half planned to vacation in Florida and nearly 60% favored a beach vacation over other environments. In the winter (especially if you live in cold, snowy states), the lure of sun, sand and water is particularly enticing. Florida has much to offer the timeshare vacationer, but its wide, sandy beaches are the prime draw.

If you long for leisurely walks along beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets and the opportunity to commune with nature and recharge your batteries, you want to head over the causeway to Sanibel Island on Florida's Golf Coast. Sanibel has one of the best seashell beaches in the world -- 12 miles stretching along the island's south shore -- so be prepared to spend some time doing the "Sanibel stoop" as you search the beach for treasures washed up by the surf. Make time to visit the fascinating Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. The museum not only houses fabulous informational displays on hundreds of different types of shells and mollusks, but shows the many ways in which humans have used shells over the century: money, jewelry, tools, architecture, art, etc. Children will enjoy the hands-on learning lab.

Another must-see is the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge which covers nearly a third of the island. The refuge covers 6,000 acres and provides shelter from more than 300 species of birds. A lovely 4-mile drive winds through the park with plenty of pull-outs for observing and photographing wildlife. Ranger-guided tram tours, biking and hiking trails are also available. For those who prefer to explore the park from the water, canoes and kayaks can be rented at the park.

You'll find plenty of fine restaurants and interesting boutiques on Sanibel, but it's the extraordinary natural beauty of the island that draws vacationers. Enjoy everything Sanibel Island has to offer from your spacious condominium at Sanibel Beach Club II. Two-bedroom, two-bath units include a living room with cable TV and DVD player, a separate dining area, eat-in kitchen and full-sized washer and dryer. A gorgeous palm-fringed pool, wide, shallow beach (perfect for shell collecting), bike trails, tennis courts and more provide plenty of activities for the whole family. You'll find excellent golfing, deep sea fishing and boat rentals located nearby. Click here for complete information on Sanibel Beach Club II timeshare condominiums (photos above, left and right) To preview additional Sanibel Island timeshare properties, click to post title.