Matlacha, Florida: The Cutest Artsiest Fishingest Town in Florida

One of the most quaint and colorful towns in southwest Florida has a very cool vibe and there’s a whole lotta fishin’ goin' on.

Welcome to Matlacha, Florida, one of our favorite places in SWFL! 

With just one road that splits the small town in two, the village of Matlacha (pronounced mat-la-SHAY) is surrounded by water and has so much riotous color going on it’s almost overwhelming.

One thing is for sure — you’ll certainly know you’ve arrived.

Grab the first parking space you can and take your time and stroll awhile.

You won’t have to walk far before it all starts making perfect sense.

If you’re looking for bucket list must sees in southwest Florida, a visit to Matlacha should be on your list!

It’s one of the best day trips from Naples, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda, or Marco Island.

There’s enough to see and do for a day, and more if you can stay overnight.

Then you can get out on the water, or cross the bridge and explore Pine Island.

The main road on Pine Island runs north to south so you can check out St. James City at the south end of the island and Bokeelia at the north end. 

This post contains affiliate links: if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

About Matlacha, FL

When commercial fishing took a turn for the worse in the 1990s, the residents of Matlacha Island decided on their own unique destiny.

With brushes and buckets of paint in hand they literally painted the town with bright topical colors.

It could have been a disaster, but the residents’ initiative to reinvent their town has led to Matlacha’s reputation as a funky arts community that still does a whole lot of fishing.

You won’t find upscale accommodations, high-rise condos, or fast food restaurants.

Even laid-back Sanibel and Captiva aren’t nearly as funky. In Matlacha it’s bright colors rather than soft pastel shades, and it’s where someone else’s junk becomes sculpture and art.

It seems like each time we visit, there’s a new gallery and the place is cooler than before.

Where else do telephone poles become works of art!

 

 

Where Is Matlacha, Florida?

Just off the coast of Cape Coral, Matlacha Island is a small spit of land located offshore between north Cape Coral and just about the center of Pine Island.

It’s a perfect small town in Florida where you can chill for the day in a truly unique atmosphere. 

Think 'Florida Fish Camp meets Andy Warhol in Key West' and you’ll get the idea.

Getting to Matlacha

As the crow flies Matlacha is a stone’s throw from the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva.

If you have a boat getting to Matlacha from Sanibel is easy.

However, if you’re driving there are several ways to get there, some of which will bog you down in residential areas.

We recommend using I-75 or Rt.41. Both roads intersect with Rt. 78 which will take you directly to Matlacha. 

If you’re staying in Naples, plan on a little over an hour’s drive. Further south on Marco Island, it will take you about an hour and a half.

It’s an easy day trip from both, and if you time it right, you’ll make it for lunch.

Things To Do In Matlacha, FL

Matlacha Fishing

Like most of the waters around the islands of southwest Florida, Matlacha Pass is a saltwater angler’s dream come true.

Redfish, cobia, mangrove snapper, trout, sheepshead, cobia, sharks, and one of southwest Florida’s most prized fish, snook. 

Fishing in Matlacha isn’t just an activity. It’s a way of life.

Find a spot on or under the Matlacha Bridge, aka “The Fishingest Bridge in the World”.

You don’t need much just a rod, bait, and a small cooler for cold drinks, and the bait.

You can also rent a fishing kayak on the island to get farther out on the water and try your luck in the inlets and bays. 

Ask your fellow anglers or a local tackle shop what baits are working and what’s being caught.

Pick a spot, get baited up and start wetting your line, but be advised, cobia, sharks, and big snook are really strong fighters and will tear-up light tackle.

Another great way to get on the water is to book with a local charter or go fishing with a guide.

They’ll maximize your time and put you on fish.

Get tackle and bait, or book an inshore or offshore charter:

• D&D Matlacha Bait & Tackle   3922 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha

• Matlacha Fishing Charters   2528 Bayshore Dr, Matlacha

Kayak Matlacha

Explore the waters around Matlacha in a kayak or on a stand-up paddle board.

Wading and shore birds along with ospreys dot the tree line of the mangrove’s while pelicans glide overhead.

Dolphins regularly appear to greet you while feeding. Watch schools of baitfish churn the surface as big fish zero in on them.

In these calm backwaters it doesn’t get any better. It’s like being in a nature preserve.

You could spend days just relaxing and paddling to your own tempo.

Being on the water is slow travel at its best!

To rent a kayak, paddle board, or take a guided kayak tour (recommended):

• Gulf Coast Kayak Rentals & Tours   5971 Silver King Blvd., Cape Coral

• Kayak Charters   4630 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha

Shop The Matlacha Art Galleries & Shops

Matlacha will lure you in with its laid-back vibe. It’s easy to relax here while strolling from shop to shop.

But there are more than just artisan galleries and quaint shops.

There are antique and clothing shops as well as funky craft shops that will keep you interested for hours.

The colorful storefronts add that funky vibe that goes hand-in-glove with the quaintness of the small town.

Maybe the funkiest of the funky is the gallery of Leoma Lovegrove. Painted in a pink and lime combo, the outside of her gallery contrasts with the bright colors of everything that she creates.

Be sure to step out back into the garden. You’ll be surprised at some of the art especially the tribute to the Beatles painted on a small camper.

(Update Feb 2023: Leoma’s gallery and garden were damaged during Hurricane Ian and are closed for renovation).

She also holds classes in the garden if you’d like to try your hand at painting.

If you see posing quirky mannequins on the roof and her signature white-glove sunglasses, you’re there.

Next door to the Lovegrove gallery is another one of our favorites, Wild Child Art Gallery.

Featuring jewelry, paintings, sculpture, wood carvings, and textiles created by over 120 artists from all over Florida.

In addition, the gallery features the beautiful work of Peggy McTeague.

Viewing the brightly lit displays is alone worth a visit and a little time browsing.

In either of these two fabulous galleries you just might find something that’s perfect to take home.

Matlacha Restaurants

You can’t be on “island time” with out a cold beer or tropical cocktail in your hand. 

We love local joints with a happy crowd and live music, and killer rum drinks — and there are several Matlacha restaurants that have that and more!

As with all of southwest Florida, the seafood in Matlacha is always fresh, sometimes right off the boat.

If you just want great fresh seafood without the music and games, the popular Blue Dog Bar & Grill is where to go.

It’s a favorite with locals and visitors alike. We’ve never been disappointed here.

The popular Blue Dog is first come, first served, and depending on the size of your party, you’ll no doubt have to take a place in line (it’s inside).

It moves pretty quickly, and you can enjoy something from the bar while you wait.

We think the best casual shorefront restaurant in the area for a bit more upscale experience is the Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island.

From the center of Matlacha it’s only about a 15 minute drive and so worth it.

Arrive at the right time and you can watch the sunset that southwest Florida is famous for.

You’ll need a reservation so be sure to call.

• Tarpon Lodge   13771 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia, FL

• Blue Dog Bar & Grill   4597 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL

Explore Pine Island

There’s no dilemma on how to get to Pine Island.

Turn back onto the main road where you’ve been browsing and having lunch, cross the bridge, and you’re on Pine Island.

The road comes to a T where you can turn left, south, to go to St.James City or right to go north to Bokeelia.

There are a lot of canals in St. James City along with a few waterfront restaurants.

This is a boating community that loves to head to Sanibel’s beaches, and fish the inshore waters around Sanibel and Pine Island. 

Go north and you’ll end up in Bokeelia. You can’t go any farther.

This is a small residential community with a crusty beach bar, a few restaurants, and some nice art galleries. Have lunch and browse around a bit.

But if you’re in the mood for a delicious lunch, dinner, or just a few cold ones, stop at the Tarpon Lodge!

Where To Stay In Matlacha

Matlacha offers limited Old Florida style accommodations.

You won’t find any chain hotels or much luxury, but what you will find is incredible views over the water.

Matlacha Tiny Village

4661 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha

If your tropical dreams include an adorable tiny house of your own in the cutest tiny town in Florida, these gumdrop-colored tiny houses have your name on them.

As you might imagine they fill up quickly, so make reservations now!

Check availability and more details

Matlacha Cottages

4760 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha

These casual waterfront cottages are very popular and great for families.

The cottages also fill up quickly during season and for good reason, so make your reservations well in advance.

Check rates and availability

Tarpon Lodge

13771 Waterfront Dr, Bokeelia

To experience that Old Florida style, in style, a stay at the peaceful Tarpon Lodge is perfect and has some of the best dining in the area and southwest Florida.

Right on the water with wide manicured grounds and an amazing view of sunset, this is no doubt the nicest place to stay on Pine Island or Matlacha.

It’s easy to get to - only a 15 minute drive from Matlacha.

If you’re visiting Naples and want to check out one of the neighboring coastal towns, relax and slow life down a little by exploring Matlacha FL for a day, or two.

You won’t find a more unique place anywhere in southwest Florida!