There are many reasons to get out and about on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, especially since there are so many fun things to do, right here in your own backyard. You could be looking to change up the routine with your spouse or longtime partner, or you could be involved in a newly budding relationship and want to truly impress. Creating a new, exciting, perfect date night experience on Valentine's Day can be a little bit tricky, especially if you want it to be one of a kind.

Say no more! We've compiled a few Valentine's Day experiences to consider for you, regardless of your situation. Check these out, and make sure you tell us how it went in the comments below!

Date 1: Beach Picnic

Who doesn't love getting outdoors on the islands? Even better, have a picnic! 

Head to Bailey's General Store and select your favorite local items to fill up your picnic basket. Once you've gotten all the local goodies you need, hop in the car and drive to Causeway Beaches where there is plenty of beauty to appreciate. 

Once you've finished picnicking, pack up and take a stroll through the sandy terrain. One fun idea could be to go shelling on Captiva Island! "All of the Gulf-side shelling beaches from the Lighthouse to North Captiva are excellent places to shell," says sanibel-captiva.org. "With hundreds of thousands of shells, the beaches are nearly inexhaustible sources of every type of shell; and are constantly being fed from the Gulf & Caribbean."

 

 

Date 2: Unique Dinner and a Movie Outing

If dinner and a movie is more your speed, luckily Sanibel Island has some extremely unique experiences to spice things up a bit. The Island Cow is a long-standing, local restaurant that dons decor just as unique as its name and top-rated food in Southwest Florida.

Once you're finished dining, be sure to check out The Island Cinema. Available shows, currently, are The Shape of Water and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Movies coming soon include: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Molly's Game.

 

 

Date 3: Valentine's Day Lunch and a Treat for Your Sweet Tooth

If you'd rather get an early start to your day, saving the romance for the evening, why not grab a local lunch? Sweet Melissa's Cafe has been on Sanibel Island for seven years and serves up gourmet lunch options, from soups to salads to sandwiches. This is truly a local experience, as Sweet Melissa's sources ingredients from suppliers close to the islands. From handmade mill goods to fresh seafood and farm-raised meats, there's something for everyone!

Afterward, if you're looking to satisfy that sweet tooth of yours, then stop by South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island and take a step back in time to its 1950's-style ice cream shop diner. You can find milkshakes, s’mores sundaes, a wide selection of Edy’s ice cream and eight yogurt machines with flavors you can swirl. There are also gluten-free options.