J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Internationally distributed American newspaper, USA Today, has asked readers to vote for their favorite Florida attraction! With several state attractions from Tampa Bay to Cape Canaveral and south to Miami and the Florida Keys, Sanibel Island’s very own J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge has made the list!

Click here to vote now!

Help make J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge the #1 attraction in by casting your vote on their website located here. Please note you can vote once per day until the contest is closed on Monday, January 15 at noon ET. Winners will be announced on Friday, January 19.

USAToday asks:

What do you imagine when you think of Florida? Is it the 825 miles of sun-kissed beaches or family-filled amusement parks? How about the art deco architecture or contemporary art scene? Or maybe it’s the sprawling Everglades teeming with life or stone crab claws enjoyed al fresco by the shore. There’s something for just about every visitor to love in the Sunshine State.”

Click here to vote now!

Why choose J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge?

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is your best chance to experience Florida in its most native state. The refuge is composed of many different water refuges that comprise a total of over8000 acres. 245 types of birds such as the beautiful roseate spoonbill, mammals such as manatees, raccoons, otter and other small critters, reptiles such as snakes, turtles and of course alligators, call the refuge home. Explore the various habitats where you may encounter many types of wildlife, birds, and beautiful tropical flora and fauna on a 5-mile trail accessible by foot, bike or car.

The refuge is also located within an estuary, the tidal mouth of a body of water where the tide meets the stream, which provides a rich environment for all kinds of life. All areas both wet and dry can be investigated and toured leisurely or with guides.  

Additionally, The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge Nature Center located at the front of the park is an educational and fun experience for visitors of all ages.

The J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957 and can be reached by telephone at (239) 472-1100

Vote today and every day until January 15, 2018!

Click here to vote now!

Gulf Breeze Cottaged will be Closed Indefinitely.

Please be patient with us while we contact our guests as soon as we possibly can.

All Winter Deposits will be refunded as soon as we are able to process them. Your patience is appreciated at this time. Thank You!