THINGS TO DO

Dining

There are hundreds of dining options within a 30 minute drive. Too many to list of
course, so here are the options that are within walking distance, in no particular
order. All are located on Pine Island Rd. Most have outdoor seating areas
available (O), many are on the water (W).

1. Bert’s Bar and Grill : The fun frolic ambiance and the scenic calls for a second visit ! The cold and serene view along with fresh home made  chips and creamy “cole slaw” makes you finger licking.To top it all the Caribbean music its delight to watch and to groove along its bits.

2. Blue Dog Grill: If you have carvings for crab and shrimp do visit the closest bar of the town “Blue Dog Grill”. For pocket friendly meals and chilled beer blue dog is an ideal place to visit.The Tempting bar and the warm gesture of locals are the prime features which make blue dog – a star of amusement and relaxation.

3. Miceli’s Restaurant: Hello all music lovers, Miceli welcomes you. For scrumptious Italian delicacy it is a must place to go.Fishing very after the lunch is a brownie point to the visitors of the place.

4. Great Lick Ice Cream Shop  : (Located right across the street)
5. Pizza Bella :(Pizza)
6.  Perfect Cup  (Breakfast, Lunch) – Owner’s favorite breakfast spot
7.  Island Pho and Grill :(Vietnamese)
8. Yucatan Restaurant : (Lunch, Dinner, Bar) – Owner’s favorite
dinner spot
9. Hooked Island Grill : (Lunch, Dinner)
10. Island Seafood Market : (Lunch, Dinner)

Beaches

One of the best things about Matlacha is the lack of beach crowds. Of course, that
means there are no beaches in Matlacha. But they are close! The best beachesare available only to boaters (no driving, parking, or dragging stuff across the
sand). If you’re renting a boat or bringing your own, there are many amazing
beaches to visit. There are also some water taxis that specialize in beach day trips.
If you’re driving, the closest beach is 25 minutes away (Cape Coral Beach on the
river). Popular beaches are listed below. Island Girl Charters in Pine Island is a 20
minute drive and provides water taxi service to many of these beaches.

 

1. Picnic Island: (30 minutes by boat only);
2. Ft. Myers Beach : (45 minutes by car, 60 minutes by boat);
3. Yacht Club Beach, Cape Coral: (25 minutes by car, 60 minutes by boat);
4. Cayo Costa State Park: (45 minutes by boat only. Also available by water
shuttle);
5. Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island State Park :(90 minutes by car, 45 minutes by boat);
6. Causeway Islands Park, Sanibel :(50 minutes by car; 45 minutes by boat);
7.  Captiva : (75 minutes by car, 60 minutes by boat);
8. North Captiva :(60 minutes by boat only).

Fishing & Boating

Matlacha is known to produce some of the best fishing areas in the United States. You can grab some bait at a local bait store and try your luck by walking over to the “World’s Fishingiest Bridge” in the center of town. Or fish right from the back yard off the dock. Or boat to one of the many world-famous fishing areas within a 30-minute boat ride (Boca Grande, the Tarpon Capital of the World, is a short boat ride north). Or charter one of the many local captains for a guided inland or off-shore trip.

The intercoastal waters and Gulf of Mexico yield everything from lady fish and amberjacks to redfish, grouper, Spanish mackerel and kings. All of them can be accessed from Matlacha, where you can rent or launch a boat and several bait and tackle shops can outfit both the amateur or serious fisherman with everything they need for a fun-filled day on the water. No matter your preference, you’re sure to catch the limit. You will require a salt water fishing license which can be bought online at http://www.myfwc.com. Download “FishRules” app for regulations

Boating

You’re welcome to use our dock for your own boat or rent one from a local marina. Or, have a local captain pick you up right at the dock. Spend the day casting lines in the best fishing waters in Florida. Or beach the boat on a barrier island beach for a day of swimming, beach combing, and sun bathing. Or dock at one of dozens of local eateries and bars. Or take a little longer boat ride to Fort Myers Beach (about 60 minutes) to take in the sights and sounds of the busy beach area.

  • Island Girl Charters :(239) 633-8142 http://www.islandgirlcharters.com/
    • Offers water services from Pineland Marina with trips for dolphin watching, shelling, eco, manatee, and birding.
    • This is large outfit with multiple boats running daily.
  • Captain Jack Boat Tours (239)222-9886 www.captainjackboattours.com
  • Matlacha Boat Rides and Rentals (239)898-2044 Boatrentalspineisland.com
  • Tropic Star Adventures (239)283-0015 http://tropicstaradventures.com
  • Picnic Island Boat Excursion
  • Narrated 2 Hour aquatic nature cruise: These tours explore the the waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor, looking for dolphins, manatee and aquatic birds. The Captain will explain the history and ecology of the area during the tour. Be prepared to see Florida’s natural beauty.
  • Sunset Cruises: End your day with a beautiful Florida sunset over the waters of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound. Then finish off the evening with dinner at one of Pine Island’s many unique restaurants.
  • Dinner Cruise: This three hour cruise will take you to the famous Cabbage Key Inn for dinner. Enjoy a sunset cruise and great meal (cost not included) Experience cruising the Intercoastal Waterway and Charlotte Harbor at sunset.
  • Lunch and Beach: Lunch at famous Cabbage Key and then on to the island to explore nine miles of white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Swimming, fishing, kayak and bike rentals, nature trails, and excellent shelling. Restrooms and showers are available.

Boat rentals

Tropic Star Adventures (239)283-0015 http://tropicstaradventures.com

  • Small boats:
    • Matlacha Boat Rides and Rentals (239)898-2044 Boatrentalspineisland.com
  • Powerboats (pick up or delivery):

Nearby Hiking Trails

1. Pinewood Trails Park, 10400-10478 Frankie Ln Dr, Bokeelia, FL 33922 (15 minutes);              2. Galt Preserve, Pine Island 3661 Stringfellow Rd, St James City, FL 33956 (15 minutes)

Golf

Lee County has a total of 55 courses, many of which are within a short drive.The closest public courses are (please google them for directions):

1. Royal Tee Golf Course is 5 minutes away.        2. Alden Pines Country Club is 15 minutes away.      3. Coral Oaks Golf Course is 15 minutes away.

Shopping

Matlacha is known for its eclectic array of quaint shops and galleries. While too many to list, you can spend a day browsing and still not have time to see every one. And all the modern stores are just a few minutes away in Cape Coral.

Other things to do nearby

  • Dinner cruises
  • Eco tours
  • Lunch and beach packages
  • Casinos
  • Aquatic nature tours
  • Sunset cruises
  • ATV riding/rentals
  • Air boats
  • Water park
  • Fishing charters
  • Dolphin cruises
  • Manatee park
  • Farmers markets
  • Flea market
  • Edison and Ford Estate tours
  • Downtown Ft. Myers
  • Military Museum
  • IMAG History and Science Museum for kids
  • Movie theatres
  • Helicopter tours
  • Parasailing
  • Paragliding
  • Butterfly house
  • Minigolf
  • Arcade
  • Concert halls
  • Dinner theatre
  • Scuba and snorkeling
  • Sailboat rides or lessons
  • Bowling
  • Outlet shopping

and much more