Weekend in Pine Island Sound, Florida, one of three ways: 0n a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Pine Island is part Mayberry, part working fishing village with five communities: Matlacha (Mat-luh-SHAY), Pine Island Center, St. James City (south end of the island), Bokeelia (north end), and Pineland (Randell Research Center and marinas). Find peace, quiet and nature at its best in this secret spot of Florida. Catch MangoMania, July 19-20, an informal summer festival and celebration of Pine Island's mangoes and other tropical fruits (the island commercially grows guavas, longans, litchis, sapodillas, jackfruit and a variety of other rare fruits you can pick up at local fruit stands). Go for the family-friendly activities such as carnival rides, games, and for unique arts and crafts, music, tastings and more; $6 adults; free under age 10. 2101 Pine Island Road, www.floridascreativecoast.com.
Getting there: The largest island (17 miles long, 2 miles wide) on the west coast of Florida is 30 minutes from Fort Myers, 25 miles from Sanibel and Captiva beaches, and one hour from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). One-way rates from $100 on Southwest; $122 on Delta (based on 21-day advance purchase).
BUDGET
Stay: Matlacha has a community park that fronts Matlacha Pass, part of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail. Stay close to the scene at Two Fish Inn with rates from $99. The inn offers one- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, separate bedroom/bath, private patios and a heated pool. Guests have options to rent kayaks, boats and bikes. 2960 Oleander St., St. James City. 239-283-4519, www.twofishinn.com.
Eat: Tell fishing lies at Bert's Bar & Grill. This funky establishment welcomes diners along the bay docks and indoors. Expect wings, burgers, fresh seafood platters, grouper sandwiches, fish tacos, pizza, Key lime pie (most menu items under $10), live entertainment, and great water views. 4271 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239-282-3232, www.bertsbar.com.
Experience: Take a self-guided tour of the Calusa Heritage Trail and learn about Calusa Indian culture and the archaeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida. Situated on the western shore of Pine Island, the Randell Research Center encompasses more than 60 acres at the heart of the Pineland archaeological site, a massive shell mound site extending across more than 100 acres from the mangrove coastline; donations accepted. 13810 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia. 239-283-2062, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc.
MODERATE
Stay: Enjoy your morning coffee from the dock of Matlacha-Cottages as you gaze out at Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, designated as a sanctuary in 1972. Rates from $99 (one-bedroom with kitchenette) to $129 per night for a two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen. Shops, galleries, restaurants and live entertainment are within walking distance. 4760 Pine Island Road N.W., Matlacha. 845-652-3181, www.matlacha-cottages.com.
Eat: Boats often unload their catch right at the docks of the Olde Fish House Marina Restaurant. The restaurant also has a fresh seafood market on site. Order your fish blackened, broiled, grilled or fried at the outside window counter. The back patio dining area sits adjacent to a boat dock. Starters and sandwiches $5-$13; fish baskets $12-$18. 4530 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239-282-9588, www.oldfishhousemarina.com.
Experience: Take a pontoon boat ride to explore Matlacha Pass or Jug Creek to see manatees and dolphins on a Back Bay Eco Tour; $35 per person. The mangrove coastline provides sustenance and shelter for 150 species of shore and wading birds, and marine life. A two-hour Dolphin Experience tours Pine Island South; $250 for up to six passengers. 8421 Main St., Bokeelia. 239-222-9886, www.captainjackboattours.com. Self-guided kayak adventures await on the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail — a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Lee County. Rental equipment locations along the trail are plentiful. http://calusablueway.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: The Famous Corner Suite 2 (with full kitchen, dining area and living room) at the Bridgewater Inn faces southeast with great sunrise views. Two sliding glass doors lead to your back fishing deck, $189 (other room rates $89-$169). The inn, a Matlacha landmark, was patterned after the stilt fish houses that peppered the waters of Pine Island Sound from the early-mid 1900s. 4331 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239-283-2423, www.bridgewaterinn.com.
Eat: Enjoy a slice of old Florida at the Waterfront, a hot spot located on the southern end of Pine Island. Arrive early for a table on the deck to enjoy a sunset (by car or boat). Starters $6-$14; entrees $10-$24. 2131 Oleander St., St. James City. 239-283-0592, www.waterfrontrestaurant.com.
Experience: Howl at the full moon as it rises over the waters of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve on a three-hour kayak paddle. Follow a moonlit trail into undiscovered lakes and listen for the sounds of nocturnal creatures as they settle into their natural habitat; $65 per person. Tours are guided by naturalists and kayak instructors. 4120 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. 239-283-1125, http://gulfcoastkayak.com.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
