The Legend of Sanibel, Florida The first European landed on our shores about 500 years ago. Columbus whet Spain’s appetite for exploration. He dreamed of reaching Asia by sailing west, but he needed funding. Queen Isabella denied him three times; finally she declared “I will assume the undertaking for my own crown of Castile, and am ready to pawn my jewels to defray the expenses of it, if the funds in the treasury should be found inadequate.” In 1492 Columbus’ ships landed in the Bahamas and he claimed them for Spain. His expedition continued on to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Columbus returned to the Spanish court with natives and gold, exaggerating the significance of all he had found. Historians believe he was accompanied by Juan Ponce de León on his second expedition. When rumors of gold surfaced, Juan was given permission to find it. When he heard tales of a fountain of youth, he looked for that too. Around the time of Easter celebrations, he landed in a beautiful place he named Pascua Florida – Spanish for feast or festival of flowers. He continued exploring Florida’s coast and named Sanibel “SanYbel” after Saint Isabella of Portugal – the patron saint of brides.”
Discoveries. We invite you to experience ... only Certified Botanical Gardens, featuring six acres of mature and unusual tropical flora and fauna. Explore freely – or take a two hour walking tour with Head Gardener Anita Force Gulf, Dock or Garden view. by blue sea and spectacular skies; or amidst the lush tropical splendor of our Botanical screened lanais and all the comforts of home. Stroll the beach at sunrise and sunset. Swim, play tennis, and tour our gardens.
Create golden memories, or just kick back and relax in paradise!
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