There are many things to do at Old Captiva Village. From picking up everything you need for a day at the beach at The Island Store to sampling desserts named after the stars at the eclectic Bubble Room to perusing fine art at the Jungle Drums Gallery, you’ll likely find yourself here frequently when you’re on Captiva Island.
Looking for great eats, casual nightlife, and island provisions? Look to Old Captiva Village. This small block of restaurants and businesses might be the heart of Captiva Island. Surrounded by lush palms and close to pristine beaches, Old Captiva Village is the perfect place to spend the evenings when you’re visiting Captiva Island. With so many things to do at Old Captiva Village, you might find yourself there each evening you’re on the island.
There are many things to do at Old Captiva Village. From picking up everything you need for a day at the beach at The Island Store to sampling desserts named after the stars at the eclectic Bubble Room to perusing fine art at the Jungle Drums Gallery, you’ll likely find yourself here frequently when you’re on Captiva Island.
And best of all, you’ll find Old Captiva Village within walking distance of Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages®. All you’ll have to do is stroll down Captiva Drive to find all the amenities you need to make the most of your time on Captiva Island.
Captiva Island is well known for its pristine beaches, unique shells, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s among the best beaches in Southwest Florida, and visitors return time and time to explore the island and create new memories. Often referred to as Sanibel Island's little sister, Captiva Island is connected to Sanibel via Blind Pass. Although both islands have many similarities, Captiva offers a more intimate atmosphere. Along with the white sand beaches, there are several unique shops and restaurants to enjoy. In addition, many travelers consider the island’s sunset one of the most romantic in the world.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice that time moves slower on the island, making it ideal for those seeking a getaway from their everyday lives. At Captiva Island, you can sit on the beach all day and watch the waves, take in the beautiful scenery, and not worry about waking up early in the morning. A stunning collection of seashells will captivate you and keep you searching for unique pieces. Because of the fantastic climate in Captiva Island, you can enjoy the gorgeous weather all year long, and yes, that means you can fish, golf, kayak, swim, and bike ride even in the winter months. You can even book a dolphin cruise, which will take you to the best locations to see the beautiful creatures. Captiva Island has it all, whether you’re coming to relax on the beach, collect unique sea shells, chase the gorgeous sunsets, or if you’ve come to catch a glimpse of the manatees at Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages®. You will find something to suit everyone's taste.
After spending all day on the beach, you may wonder where to explore next. Consider taking a stroll through Andy Rosse Lane, the island's most famous street that attracts tourists and locals. You’ll find unique boutiques, fascinating galleries, and vibrant restaurants like The World Famous Bubble Room, The Mucky Duck, and Keylime Bistro. Andy Rosse Lane is in the heart of the island, where you can quickly feel the lively atmosphere. The restaurants are buzzing with live entertainment, and the historic buildings are full of character.
When you’re in the area, visit the Captiva Chapel by the Sea, formerly known as the island's first schoolhouse. This historic landmark is open to people of all faiths and is a beautiful place to visit, reflect, and relax. A little cemetery that has been around for more than two centuries is located right next to the chapel. If it starts to get too warm outside, a refreshing treat may be in order, and luckily, just down the street is where you’ll find Latté Da Coffee Shop & Deli. They’re known for their heavenly homemade ice cream, milkshakes, and smoothies. As you go further down the lane, you will eventually come to a spot that leads to the beach, where you can sink your toes into the sand and enjoy the gorgeous sunset.
There are many things to enjoy at Old Captiva Village! From shopping to galleries, let’s look at a few favorites of locals and visitors alike.
The Historical Island Store is on the corner of Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane. With a history of 105 years, the building has served as a beauty salon, a dormitory for students of Snyder School, a restaurant, a temporary shelter, and a voting station on Election Day. Nowadays, you can find all your daily needs at the Island store. You can also grab a fresh coffee or quick bite from their deli counter. Recently, it was renovated with brand new windows, lighting, and more vibrant colors, bringing history and modernity together. The Historic Island Store is the perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts for everyone back home.
There are several fantastic dining options to choose from during your stay. Many have become well known for their relaxed atmosphere and intimate feel. One of the most popular spots on Captiva is The Bubble Room, which has been around since 1979. This restaurant has a festive holiday and movie-themed decor and serves the best French onion soup. Another excellent dining option for drinks and sunset views is the Mucky Duck. You can dine on the beach there as you watch the waves crash. And if you love desserts, don’t forget to try Keylime Bistro; their specialty is, yes, you guessed it, a mouthwatering key lime pie.
The Jungle Drums Gallery offers an impressive collection of sculptures, wall art, statues, and a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs. The gallery owners, Kathleen and Jim Mazotta, represent artists from all over the country. Islands Magazine named Jungle Drums Gallery “One of the Top 10 Things to Do on Sanibel and Captiva.”
The 2 Islands Gallery is also a fantastic place to find unique, handmade gifts made by local artists. The gallery’s location is in Chadwicks Square South, on the other side of South Seas Resort. In addition, you’ll find apparel, beach accessories, gift shops, and more.
When vacationing on Captiva Island, you're within walking distance of the beach no matter where you stay, but there’s plenty more to do than just lay out in the sun. Check out the weekly farmers' market while you're in town; you can find unique gifts and support small businesses or try out delicious food from the local area. In the mood for a walk? Stroll through Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages® where you can go fishing, and rent a boat or a kayak. However you choose to spend your day, don’t forget the sunscreen.
When you are booking your Captiva Island vacation, make sure you have directions to where you will stay. If you’re coming from out of state, most likely you’ll fly into Southwest Florida International Airport and then you’ll either have to rent a car or call an Uber. It will take you just over an hour to get to Old Captiva Village, which is 38 miles away. Please be aware that if you arrive during rush hour, it may take a bit longer.
To get to Old Captiva Village, you must go through Sanibel Island by driving over the Sanibel Causeway, passing the big sister island, and then continuing on Blind Pass Bridge. This takes you along on Captiva Drive, where within a few minutes, you’ll see the historic Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages® on your right. As you’re leaving the marina parking lot, you will only need to walk 3 minutes to get to Andy Rosse Lane and Captiva Drive and be in the heart of Old Captiva Village. You will see the Island Store, Keylime Bistro, and the Bubble Room there. What more can you ask for when everything is so close?
Captiva Island is all about relaxing, and you can do that in many places throughout the island. Grab a towel and some sandwiches and head to Captiva Beach or Captiva Pass to watch the sunset. You can also admire the beautiful seashells found on the ocean's shores or perhaps take in the scenery and wildlife. If you prefer something more active, go to Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages® and rent a kayak for a day out on the water. In addition, if you are interested in fishing, you may want to try your luck and see if you can catch a tarpon.
Walking around the island gives you a great idea of where you might like to book your next vacation. You'll have a wide range of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for resorts or laidback cottages such as Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages®. In addition, when exploring the island, you'll find a variety of places where you can soak up live music while drinking a cold beverage and enjoying the moment. No matter which route you choose to explore, your trip to Captiva Island is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Ready to make memories to last a lifetime? With so many things to do at Old Captiva Village and the rest of the island, make Captiva the destination for your next Southwest Florida retreat.
Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages® is the perfect place to call home when you’re living on Island time. With historic beach cottage rentals and endless opportunities for recreation right on the Gulf, you are sure to love every moment spent on Captiva Island. Go island hopping in a water taxi, see manatees splash in the marina, cast off with a Captiva fishing guide, and enjoy much more all from Jensen’s Marina®.
Ready to reach out? Call Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages® at (833) 668-7768 or contact us online now.