Sanibel Lighthouse & Fishing Pier

Budget-conscious travelers don't have to sacrifice anything but a few dollars at the parking meter when visiting the Sanibel Lighthouse; the stroll around the historic landmark is 100% free. Since 1884, this stunning structure has been guiding ships into port along Florida's west coast and it's still fully functional today. You can see the beaming beacon from the shores of Fort Myers Beach. While the lighthouse itself is not open to the public, visitors are permitted to tour the grounds and read about its history. There is a pier for fishing and lots of white sand for walking and shelling. The nearly 100-foot tall lighthouse is the most photographed site on Sanibel Island.