J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Best known for shorebirds, this Sanibel Island refuge also holds gators in its freshwater impoundments along Wildlife Drive, most visible in the cooler months when the drive is open to vehicles and bikes. Drive slowly and use the pullouts to scan the water rather than stopping in the road. Some gators bask close to the drive's edge, so keep the car or your bike a real distance away if you stop to look. Feeding is illegal here as on any refuge.