After a long week undertaking numerous family and work obligations, you’re excited to spend some time by the water to just be. You know you want to step away from the crowds for a bit and visit somewhere you haven’t been before, so why not head to the beautiful coastal village of Matlacha, Florida?
Matlacha Island is located just north of Cape Coral and sits between the Florida mainland and Pine Island. Due to its location and rich history, this village has a small-town, unique feel that provides a beautiful setting for relaxation.
Of course, before you plan your visit, you’ll want to know about some things to do in the area, including where you might stay. Fortunately, we have all those details right here. Keep reading to learn all you need to know before packing up the car and heading to this beachside oasis.
Let’s dive in!
Things to Do in Matlacha, Florida
You’ve chosen just the right place to spend the weekend (or week!) as there are plenty of things to do in Matlacha Florida. Below are just a few ideas to get you started.
Enjoy the Matlacha Community Park
If you want to be out in the sunshine as much as possible, you might consider heading over to the Matlacha Community Park. You can feel like a true local by visiting the fishing pier and seeing what you might catch for dinner that day. This park also has a boat launch if you want to get out on the water, as well as a playground and pickleball courts so you and your family can stay fit during your vacation.
Excited to head to the park? You can find it at the address listed below.
4577 Pine Island Road
Matlacha, Fl 33993
Browse Matlacha Shops
You might also consider visiting some Matlacha shops during your stay to commemorate your visit to this unique fishing village — or simply to support the local economy and see what treasures you might be lucky enough to find.
Matlacha has several art galleries that feature work from local artists. This includes the Matlacha Menagerie and Gallery of Matlacha. Some shops also sell more typical souvenirs, such as Island Treasures (aptly named, we think!).
Visit Restaurants in Matlacha
You’ll no doubt work up an appetite during all your exploration. Fortunately, there are many restaurants in Matlacha that provide both great atmosphere and delicious food. This includes Berts Bar and Grill, the Blue Dog Bar & Grill, and the Yucatan Waterfront Bar and Grill, just to name a few.
Each of these restaurants has received amazing reviews on Google and offers the perfect place to grab a hamburger or fried fish and some cold drinks. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to catch some live music while you eat and drink!
Take a Step Back in Time at the Museum of the Islands
While this last attraction is technically located on Pine Island, it’s well worth a visit. The Museum of the Islands provides a great way to learn more about the history of Pine Island and the surrounding islands. It includes exhibits like a household artifact room, which shows what life used to be like on the island, and a shell collection that has more than 1,700 shells.
This museum is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. You can also make a group tour by appointment. The best part about this museum is its affordable tickets, at $3 for adults and $1 for children.
Places to Stay in Matlacha, Florida
Of course, you’re going to need a place to stay during your time in Matlacha! There are plenty of cute and unique places (in addition to places you might find on Airbnb and VRBO) to rest your head for the night. The Matlacha Tiny Village is a community of tiny homes that offers an incredibly fun place to stay. Community amenities provide access to a dock and kayak launch, as well as kitchenettes so you can make coffee in the morning before you start your day.
The Bridgewater Inn is a pet-friendly inn located right on the water, making it a great place to spend time if you want to enjoy a view during your vacation. Some of these rooms have fully equipped kitchens while others offer kitchenettes with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee maker.
Lastly, the Angler’s Inn is a particularly small hotel (with only four rooms!) so you’ll want to be sure to book your stay here far in advance. This hotel is also right on the water and provides free kayaks for your use, so you can enjoy your boating recreation whenever you please.
Wrap-Up
Now that you have some ideas for things to do and places to stay in Matlacha, Florida, what’re you waiting for? It’s time to pack the car and head straight to this wonderfully unique Florida village.
