Matlacha, FL

Travel Guide

Matlacha
Matlacha featuring a small town or village and outdoor art
Matlacha
Matlacha featuring signage
Matlacha
Some describe the island as unique, funky, quirky or perhaps even outlandish. Discover how it’s quite different from nearby mainland neighbors.

When you visit Matlacha, notice how the small town is distinct from the southwest Florida mainland. Arrivals by boat or bridge are the only access options. The island stands between Cape Coral and Pine Island. Be sure to pronounce the name correctly as Mat-luh-SHAY.

Upon reaching the island, stop at Bat House Park, a small space for resting, daydreaming and fishing. Continuing on just off the main road, visit Matlacha Community Park, a great spot for a quiet picnic or book reading in the shade. Use the playground, fishing pier, boat launch, barbecue pits and restrooms.

Off the main road, walk down the short streets and notice that many residents have watery backyards. Travel along the 1-mile (1.6-kilometer) main road past shops, restaurants and galleries, each more colorful than the last. Stop at Leoma Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens to see art and brilliantly decorated tropical clothing that is popular nationwide.

Relax the way locals do and cast a line from what residents call the “fishingest bridge in the world.” Choose from numerous restaurants and cafés where, as you might expect, seafood is featured. Charter a boat for fishing in deeper waters. Stay overnight at one of the community’s inns. By morning you’ll feel indoctrinated to island life.

Matlacha’s existence came about because of the creation of the bridge connecting to the mainland. When the area was being dredged for construction of the span in the 1920s, recovered oyster shells were deposited to form the island. Fishing was the principal employer until the 1990s when fish harvesting rules changed. Residents chose not to go elsewhere and instead transformed the island to a tourist destination. Travel all the way around the island by renting a paddleboard or kayak, with manatees and dolphins keeping you company.

From Cape Coral on the mainland, drive for 20 minutes to Pine Island Road, which becomes the bridge connecting Matlacha and Pine Island. Leave your worries behind and enjoy a simple existence on the island.

Matlacha Tiny Village

Matlacha Tiny Village

3 out of 5
4661 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL
$184 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
$197 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star villa in Matlacha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (263 reviews)
"Very nice place with all necesary accommodations for a Pleasant stay."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Matlacha Tiny Village
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers

4 out of 5
251 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL
$210 nightly
The price is $235 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$235 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Fort Myers Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,396 reviews)
"Is beatifull and big hotel,I liked the pool is very big,and this hotel stay near to the beach."

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers

Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers

3 out of 5
12600 University Dr, Fort Myers, FL
$107 nightly
The price is $119 total per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
$119 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fort Myers. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Safe and quiet place. Easy parking. Strongly recommend."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Hilton Garden Inn Ft Myers
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Matlacha Tiny Village

Matlacha Tiny Village

3 out of 5
4661 Pine Island Rd, Matlacha, FL
Stay at this 3-star villa in Matlacha. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (263 reviews)
"Very nice place with all necesary accommodations for a Pleasant stay."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Matlacha Tiny Village
Edison Beach House

Edison Beach House

3.5 out of 5
830 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Fort Myers Beach. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,470 reviews)
"All the staff friendly and wonderful. Makes you feel like home away from home. The property and beach area in front of the pyramid very clean and excellent. Have amenities like chairs, umbrellas and floaties for the beach. Highly recommend. We're planning to go back and stay more days."

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Edison Beach House
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL
Stay at this 5-star luxury condo in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,572 reviews)
"The pool/beach area was amazing! The poolside service was awesome. My only concern was me a senior and friend staying with me a senior were assigned a 4 th floor room with no elevator. It took almost an hour to find a space that had an elevator. Jared the security guy was so helpful. Then for check ..."

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2025

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Matlacha