Pine Island Florida – Everything You Should Know

When it comes to Florida, the first thought that comes to mind is the beach. But beaches of Miami, Palm Beach, the keys, and Fort Lauderdale can be too crowded to have a good time. But don’t worry! Good news is that the state also boasts a charming island called Pine Island. Being the largest island, Pine Island Florida is beyond the bustles of other tourist destinations of the state. Instead, it provides a nostalgic slice of old Florida.

Pine Island is among those underrated places, ideal for a relaxing vacation, providing high-quality meals, a warm climate, great fishing spots, and more. Whether you are seeking a day trip, or planning a complete getaway, it is one of the best places to get an unforgettable experience. Excited enough? Then you can book your journey from Lowest flight fares quickly and get a chance to explore this remarkable place in the best way possible.

Here are some quick details about this place which are sure to make your visit here soon!

Brief About Pine Island

Pine Island is located off the Western coast of Florida in Lee County. In other words, it is nestled south of the panhandle and in the Gulf of Mexico as opposed to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a 30 minute drive away from Fort Myers and 90 minutes from Naples, which makes it easily accessible, if you’re wondering.

Pine Island in Florida is known as the creative coast for its art galleries, restaurants that serve delicious seafood, and lively locals. It has a quirky, laidback small-town aura set in a lush, natural environment.

Moreover, the island also features three natural preserves with mangrove-covered freshwater lagoons, and areas brimful with palm trees, tropical plants, and fruit groves. Here you will also find waterways offering excellent fishing, boating, birdwatching, and hiking spots, alongside ancient shell mounds and a treasure trove of specialty shops and exotic art galleries.

How To Reach Pine Island Florida

To reach Pine Island FL, you’ll drive over the Matlacha Bridge. This is the only way to get onto the island by conventional transportation. The bridge was built in 1926, making it almost a century old. Fortunately, the construction of this bridge has allowed accessibility for tourists who wish to explore this place. The bridge is also a popular fishing spot and welcomes tourists from around the world to come and admire the beauty of this island. If you’re traveling from another state or country, then you can take cheap flights to Florida and use one of Florida’s airports for commuting.

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Best Time To Visit

Visiting Pine Island Florida means it’s a must to take part in those summer activities (swimming, beach games, etc.). Hence, the best time to visit here would be from early February to early May and from late October to late December. These months offer pleasant weather, which is most important for a beach vacation. Also note, that the months from May to early October are comparatively hotter, and would make you vacation from yay to nay.

Places To Visit In Pine Island, Florida

If you have decided to visit Pine Island on your upcoming vacation, check out the following list of places to visit nearby and plan your trip accordingly.

Pine Island Sound Aquatic Reserve

The Florida Everglades, the Caloosahatchee River, San Carlos Bay, and Charlotte Harbor all present a beautiful mix of blue-colored waters of the Pine Island Sound area preserve. This refuge offers visitors a chance to explore the mollusk reefs, salt marshes, mangrove swamps, sponge beds, and seagrass beds. After you’ve had a chance to enjoy the natural sights, you can make plans to fish, kayak, beach comb, or bird watch while visiting.

Calusa Heritage Trail

At the western end of Pine Island FL, you’ll find the Calusa Heritage Trail. Once home to a tribe of Native Americans, this 0.1-mile historical trail loops through passageways, remains, and an ancient settlement that depicts the remarkable history of the Calusa Indians. The educational signs will lead your way and will allow you to get close to nature.

Museum of the Islands

After you’ve explored the trails, make your next stop at the Museum of the Islands, located in Pine Island Center. The museum highlights Pine Island’s past so that visitors may appreciate its impressive credentials and significant legacy. Visitors can spend time admiring the collections and even spend hours doing so. Here, you can also explore Pine Island’s mound excavations to find old pottery, antique artifacts, and natural relics.

Bokeelia Fishing Pier

When you decide to visit here, spare at least a whole day to get that actual feel of fishing in Pine Island. This spot for fishing is a favorite destination in the Sunshine State and is a popular destination for fishermen for over a century now. If you’re visiting in warmer months, then you will have an extra advantage as it attracts more fishes including snapper, redfish, and snook. The good news is, the pier has fishing tools available for purchase and you require no prior fishing license to enjoy fishing here.

Gulf Coast Kayak

Located near Pine Island in Matlacha, Gulf Coast Kayak is the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts interested in Matlacha Aquatic Preserve’s serene waters. With a wide variety of kayaks available, you can choose the most comfortable method to explore the aquatic preserve. Kayaking in Pine Island, means experiencing the unadulterated beauty and a perfect chance to capture some good moments.

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Other Things To Know about Pine Island Florida

When you are tripping to a new place and looking to enjoy hassle-free holidays, you are likely to collect as much information as possible, especially about fooding and lodging facilities.

So let’s explore below.

Dining Opportunities

Heading to Pine Island in Florida means passing through the town of Matlacha. The town usually remains crowded, considering it is lined with retail shops, food outlets, art galleries, and fishing stores. Besides, many of the food joints of the island are lined in Matlacha only. So, make sure to check out these outlets and try all those “never heard of” dishes.

There is the Yucatan waterfront restaurant which serves seafood and delicious burgers. For Italian, you can head to Miceli’s. They have a bunch of Italian dishes served with homemade sauce.

Bert’s Bar and Grill offers a little of everything. Pizza, steak, seafood, you name it and they’ll prepare it for you.

Not just food, but the island also has coffee shops tucked in a cozy corner, ideal for those looking to escape the crowd.

Lodging facilities at Pine Island

Lodging in Pine Island has a wide gamut. Booking.com, Airbnb, and Vrbo offer lots of homes and condos on the island for seasonal rentals. There are plenty of B&Bs in Matlacha including Angler’s Inn and Matlacha Cottages, that are best suited for short-term stays.

A stay at the Beach House Inn is all about fishing. The lodge is adjacent to fishing piers that go out to Charlotte Harbor.

If you’re looking for luxurious accommodations, then the charming Tarpon Lodge has upscale rooms and cottages, and comes with a lot of rich heritage.

Artworks!

Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a gallery or two in Pine Island Florida. The island is brimful of galleries, showcasing artworks of the state’s excellent artists. They range from the quirky Matlacha Menagerie on Pine Island Road to Bokeelia Art Gallery on Stringfellow Road on the north end of the island. Besides, if you wish to get your hands on painting too, then the Pine Island Art Association offers art classes for the same.

Final Takeaway

Pine Island Florida is a great place for vacationing if you’re looking for a destination with amazing beachfront views and interesting history. Be it fishing, kayaking, or visiting one of the art galleries, there is so much to explore on this island. With its long coastline and stunningly clear waters, it is a perfect place to spend a good time with friends and family.