If you are looking for a warm beach getaway that also is beautiful, pristine and peaceful, then look no further than southwest Florida's Sanibel Island. While many tourists and snowbirds will head straight to ritzy, elegant Naples, you can experience quaint, inviting island charm and a slower-paced vacation on Sanibel Island. Known for its clean, sandy beaches and its artisan restaurants and shops, Sanibel Island is best for visitors who like to take in the scenery slowly. Sanibel Island is car-friendly, but the best way to see this beautiful Florida gem is to bike or to walk it. …Just a short, 45-minute drive from the Naples International Airport, Sanibel Island boasts charming, rustic beach houses, luxurious resorts, lightly-manicured landscapes, white-sand beaches and the seclusion and peace that is difficult to find at many modern and popular beach destinations. Stake your beach umbrella on one of the island's many sandy spots and soak in the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Southwest Florida waters are warmer than the Atlantic coastal waters, and you rarely will find yourself dipping in your toes with hesitation for long.

Sanibel Island welcomes you with dazzling palm tree landscapes, whitewashed wood beach cottages, delicious local seafood and even an historic church where you may catch a bride and groom exchanging vows -- the Chapel by the Sea. Spend your days collecting seashells, building sand castles, reading on the shore or relaxing in your own spot of sand. Year-round you will find island charm, peaceful sea breezes and welcoming locals and resort staff to guide you around this quaint, Florida enclave. Stay in family cottages on the beach and fall asleep to the crashing Gulf waves. Wake up early with the kids to see the sunrise just steps from the surf. Explore the long stretches of beach with a sunset stroll.

Expedia will get you to Sanibel Island this weekend! Plan your Sanibel Island weekend getaway through Expedia, and get a great deal that will give you as much peace of mind as sitting on your island cottage porch and letting the warm, Gulf-coast winds toss over you.