Captiva is a quirky-cool island escape unlike any other

The Bubble Room is one of Captiva's most iconic attractions. Its over-the-top aesthetic and old-school decor make for a unique place to enjoy a meal. Each room is kitschier than the last, starting with the Christmasy front room. You'll also notice photos of stars who have visited, a perfectly-vintage soundtrack playing in the restaurant, and old toys lining the walls. Even the menu items boast quirky names (like "Bubble Bread") and retro touches (like the flaming socra cheese which is lit tableside). Save a lot of room for dessert; the massive and colorful cakes and pies are must-tries.

Captiva Island and nearby Sanibel Island each have an interesting past, and the Captiva Island Historical Society's History Gallery has a unique way of presenting that history. Before the Sanibel Causeway was built in the 1960s, mail boats that ferried supplies, passengers, and letters from the mainland to the islands could be found all around the Pine Island Sound. The Gallery contains a replica of one such mail ship, the Santiva, and the windows on the re-creation contain photos and interactive touch screens loaded with information on Captiva's storied past. Learn about the Calusa tribe, along with early homesteaders and fishermen who settled the island before it became a popular vacation destination.

Turner Beach is different, in that it encompasses both Sanibel and Captiva Islands on either side of the Blind Pass Bridge. The Captiva side has restrooms and an outdoor shower for rinsing sand off your feet and any seashells you might want to bring home. While the currents near the bridge are too strong for swimming, the water is more calm further down the shore. This beach is popular for fishing and beachcombing as well. And since it faces due west, it's known for sunsets as well. Just make sure to get here early if you're hoping to catch the dusk colors, since parking is limited.