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 4 to Aug 5
$197 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes 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! (260 reviews)
"Always love our time in Matlacha!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Matlacha Tiny Village
Sanibel Island Beach Resort

Sanibel Island Beach Resort

3 out of 5
1231 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL
$252 nightly
The price is $279 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$279 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,247 reviews)
Great place to sleep, she’ll, and eat!
"This has been our go to spot when we visit my wife’s favorite place on earth. The staff is great. Burger the on property restaurant serves great food, including truffle fries. Walking out the door of our room right to the beach can’t be beat."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers

4 out of 5
251 Crescent Street, Fort Myers Beach, FL
$230 nightly
The price is $257 total per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
$257 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Total includes 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! (1,321 reviews)
"Property was very clean and well maintained. Pool gets very crowded due to them selling day passes to non hotel guests. Some bars/restaurants are difficult to get service due to under staffing."

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort 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! (260 reviews)
"Always love our time in Matlacha!"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Matlacha Tiny Village
Pet-Friendly / Family-Friendly Waterfront Vacation Rental + Free Boat Dockage!

Pet-Friendly / Family-Friendly Waterfront Vacation Rental + Free Boat Dockage!

Matlacha
Stay at this vacation home in Matlacha. Enjoy a water park, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens and Matlacha Bridge ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"Great place to stay, only downsides are the air unit isn’t big enough to cool down the space quickly and the bed is very stiff. We will book again because the porch is awesome and check in check out is a breeze. We will bring an extra fan and maybe a mattress topper."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Pet-Friendly / Family-Friendly Waterfront Vacation Rental + Free Boat Dockage!
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! (1,440 reviews)
"amazing for price . only downside was the elevator not working due to hurricane Ian."

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Edison Beach House
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.

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