Why it made this week's list
The most interesting booking window right now is late October through early December. Fort Myers moves out of its wettest stretch during fall: normal rainfall falls from about 9 inches in September to 3.08 inches in October and only 1.78 inches in November. November's average high is around 81°F. Florida Climate Center
That creates an appealing middle ground before winter-season crowds and holiday travel intensify. Families can combine pool time with Sanibel beaches, wildlife viewing and outdoor exploring without midsummer heat being quite as dominant. The area also continues to reopen and refresh experiences following past hurricane recovery. Visit Fort Myers
For families not tied to Thanksgiving or Christmas school breaks, early November through early December is especially worth checking for a five-night stay.
Why families may like it
This trip works especially well for families who want beach time without spending five straight days sitting at a resort.
The Marriott gives you pools, waterfront views, several dining choices and enough space for slower afternoons. Then Sanibel is right across the causeway for shell hunting, wildlife, beaches, biking and the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium. Visit Fort Myers
Elementary-age children probably get the broadest mix of experiences, but teens can enjoy kayaking, biking, pickleball, beaches and wildlife outings too. Rooms and suites have private balconies, while suites give families additional space. Marriott
The main drawback: this is not a walk-out-the-door Gulf beach vacation. A car is extremely useful if Sanibel and Fort Myers are major parts of your plans.
Hotel overview
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa sits on San Carlos Bay near the entrance to the Sanibel Causeway, making its location the real advantage. You get a waterfront resort atmosphere while staying close to Sanibel without needing to base the entire trip on the island.
The resort lists 278 rooms and 69 suites, with private balconies and water-view options. Families have multiple outdoor pools plus a whirlpool; bicycles, kayaking and boating are also listed among resort activities. Marriott
Dining is unusually convenient for a resort stay: Tarpon House serves casual American meals, The Cove handles poolside food, Palm Court Bakery works for quick mornings, and Courtside Steakhouse offers a nicer dinner. Marriott
Adults also get a substantial 40,000-square-foot spa. Note that spa and fitness facilities carry a 16+ age restriction. Marriott
The important distinction: come here for the bayfront setting, pools and Sanibel access, not because you expect a traditional Gulf-front swimming beach directly outside your room.
Best for
Families who like exploring: Sanibel, wildlife, shelling and museums give you reasons to leave the resort. Less ideal if you want everything contained on-property.
Families with elementary-age children: Pools, shells, wildlife and hands-on museums create an easy mix without depending on thrill rides.
Families with teenagers: Kayaking, bicycles, pickleball and nature outings provide more active options. The resort does not advertise a large dedicated teen complex. Marriott
Multigenerational families: Resort downtime can be mixed with low-key sightseeing, while adults can use the spa. Families needing multiple rooms should compare suites carefully.
Couples adding family-friendly flexibility: Waterfront dining and the spa make this work even when every day does not revolve around children.
Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers and Sanibel offer a different version of Florida from Orlando or Miami. The pace is slower and the trip revolves more around water, wildlife, beaches and nature.
Sanibel is the standout. Its orientation in the Gulf helps make its beaches famous for shelling, and the island pairs beach time with bike paths, low-rise development and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Wildlife Drive runs four miles through mangrove habitat and can be explored by car, bike or on foot. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bowman’s Beach is a good choice when you want a longer beach outing. Lighthouse Beach gives you the recognizable Sanibel Lighthouse area. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium turns the island's shell obsession into a worthwhile indoor stop. Visit Fort Myers
Back in Fort Myers, families can add the IMAG History & Science Center or explore the historic Edison and Ford side of town.
Because the Marriott sits immediately before the Sanibel Causeway, it makes sense to explore rather than stay entirely at the resort. Traffic onto and off Sanibel can vary considerably, especially in busier winter periods, so avoid building an itinerary around exact drive times.
Things to do with children
J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Drive — Drive, bike or stop at overlooks along four miles of refuge habitat. Great for roughly ages 5+. Allow 2–3 hours. Wildlife Drive is closed Fridays and currently costs $10 per vehicle. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum & Aquarium — Live animals plus shells and marine science make this especially good for ages 4–12. Allow about 2 hours. Visit Fort Myers
Sanibel shelling — Free apart from beach parking. Go near low tide and turn the search itself into the activity.
Lighthouse Beach — Combine beach time, shells and lighthouse views.
Bowman’s Beach — Better for a longer, quieter beach morning.
IMAG History & Science Center — More than 60 interactive exhibits, aquarium displays, stingray experiences and science demonstrations; excellent rainy-day backup. IMAG History & Science Center
Lovers Key State Park — Beach and paddling day south of the hotel. Current admission is $8 per vehicle; tram service has been discontinued.
Sample family itinerary
Day 1: Arrive & Settle In
Morning: Travel day.
Afternoon: Check in, unpack and explore the pools.
Evening: Casual waterfront dinner at Tarpon House or Charley’s.
Family note: Keep arrival day deliberately easy.
Day 2: Sanibel Beach Day
Morning: Early shelling at Lighthouse or Gulfside beach.
Afternoon: Pool and room downtime.
Evening: Sunset around the resort.
Day 3: Wild Sanibel
Morning: “Ding” Darling Wildlife Drive.
Afternoon: Shell Museum & Aquarium.
Evening: Relaxed dinner.
Family note: Do not schedule this on Friday; Wildlife Drive closes Fridays. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Day 4: Slow Resort Day
Morning: Pool, bikes or pickleball.
Afternoon: Nap, spa for adults or more pool time.
Evening: Nice dinner.
Day 5: Choose Your Adventure
Morning: Bowman’s Beach or Lovers Key.
Afternoon: IMAG if weather turns wet.
Evening: Final waterfront sunset.
Day 6: Departure
Morning: Breakfast and one last walk before 11 a.m. checkout. Marriott
Best time to visit
Fort Myers has a pronounced dry and wet season. November through April generally gives families the easiest outdoor weather. Normal highs range from about 75°F in January to 85°F in April, with substantially less rain than summer. November averages only 1.78 inches of rain compared with 9–10+ inches during June through September. Florida Climate Center
December through March brings pleasant weather but also stronger winter travel demand. Spring break can increase crowds. Summer is hotter, humid and stormier, although families may encounter more appealing hotel prices.
Late October and November are an interesting compromise: declining rainfall, warm weather and fewer holiday-week pressures. Hurricane season officially continues into November, however, so flexible cancellation terms and travel insurance deserve consideration.
Best overall: November–April
Best value: Late October–early December outside Thanksgiving
Best weather: January–March
Best for fewer crowds: Parts of October and November
Period to approach carefully: August–September, when heat, rainfall and tropical-weather risk are highest
Family travel tips
Renting a car makes this trip much easier. RSW is about 21.5 miles from the Marriott, and the hotel does not provide its own airport shuttle. Rideshare, taxis and rental cars are available at RSW. Marriott
Plan Sanibel mornings early. You'll get cooler temperatures, better shelling around favorable tides and potentially easier traffic.
Bring water shoes or shell-friendly footwear. Sanibel's shoreline can contain far more shells than children accustomed to soft, bare sand expect.
Keep one indoor option ready. IMAG and the Shell Museum are valuable when afternoon rain changes the plan.
Request your preferred room location rather than assuming it. The resort has multiple buildings and room categories; balcony or water-view expectations should be confirmed with the booked room type.
Important things to know before booking
Parking costs extra. Marriott currently lists self-parking at $25/day and valet parking at $35/day. Marriott
A daily resort amenity fee applies. Marriott confirms a daily resort package but does not display the amount in the public overview we reviewed, so verify the current fee and inclusions for your dates before paying. Marriott
This is waterfront, not a classic Gulf-beach resort. Plan to drive to Sanibel when you want a full beach day.
The spa has age restrictions. Guests must be at least 16 to use resort spa and fitness facilities. Marriott
No hotel airport shuttle. RSW is approximately 21.5 miles away. Minimum check-in age is 21, and pets are not permitted.
Final thoughts
Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa works best for families who want a relaxed resort stay without giving up the chance to explore. You can spend one day by the pool, another searching for shells on Sanibel, and another spotting wildlife at “Ding” Darling without the trip feeling rushed.
The biggest thing to understand before booking is that this is a bayfront resort, not a traditional Gulf-front beach resort. If your ideal vacation means stepping directly from the hotel onto a wide sandy beach every morning, another property may fit better. But if you like the idea of comfortable resort downtime paired with easy access to Sanibel, wildlife, beaches, and family-friendly attractions, this can be a very appealing five-night escape.
For families who enjoy a mix of relaxing and exploring, Fort Myers and Sanibel offer plenty to fill a trip without making it feel overplanned.
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