The quirky fishing village of Matlacha, Florida, is splashed in color. Resident artists have taken a paintbrush to just about everything, giving it a glow that rivals any sunset. Pronounced “Mat-lu-SHAY,” the itty bitty island is the first stop on the way from the mainland as you drive west across the bridge to Pine Island. Matlacha has been hard-hit by hurricanes, but many businesses and restaurants have reopened in this slice of Old Florida. If you aren’t staying on Pine Island, the commercial fishery-turned-artist-community is worth a day trip from Sanibel Island, Fort Myers, or Naples. From artist galleries to fishing and dining, here are the best things to do in colorful Matlacha, Florida.
Peruse The Galleries
Matlatcha is home to brightly-painted galleries that will have you pulling off the road to check them out. Hunt for treasures made by local artists at Matlacha Menagerie or browse the old Matlacha Post Office for gifts. Island Flair sells work by local artists and provides space for art classes. Though not every gallery has reopened since hurricanes devastated the island, the community brought back the Matlacha Art Walk in 2025. Head to the island on the second Friday of the month to check out artists’ wares, shops, and live music from 5 to 8 p.m.
www.facebook.com/matlachamenagerie; 4625 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.matlachapogg.com; 4547 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.wildorchidgallery.com/island-flair; 4630 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
Hit The Shops
All of Matlacha’s galleries and shops are found along the main drag, Pine Island Road. Pick up pretty jewelry and beachwear at Matlacha Tropical Jewelry & Matlacha Hammock Co. The Traders Hitching Post purveys handcrafted Native American jewelry (call to confirm hours during the off-season).
www.facebook.com/matlachatropicaljewelryandmatlachahammockco; 4547 Pine Island Road Unit B, Matlacha, FL 33993
tradershitchingpost.com; 4547-C Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha FL 33993
Get On The Water
Matlacha is surrounded by mangroves and estuaries full of wildlife like dolphins, rays, and manatees. Stop at Matlacha Outfitters to rent kayaks, canoes, or paddleboards and spend the day on the water. You don’t have to have a reservation—just stop on by between 9 and 3. If you brought your own kayak, Matlacha has a public dock and boat ramp in Matlacha Park.
You and your small crew can spend the day fishing for tarpon, trout, cobia, sheepshead, snapper, and more with Capt. Tim Jones of Matlacha Fishing Charters. The captain also offers sunset, dolphin, and bird-watching trips upon request.
matlachaoutfitters.company.site; 4882 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.leegov.com/parks/centers/matlacha; 4577 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
matlachafishingcharters.com; 2528 Bayshore Drive, Matlacha, Florida 33993, United States; 239-462-7024
Start The Day With Something Sweet
CW Fudge Factory makes all its fudge in-house, offering around 35 fun flavors to choose from each day, along with a selection of truffles and chocolates. If you’d rather save dessert for later, stop next door at The Perfect Cup for fresh-roasted coffee and pancakes or a breakfast sandwich.
cwfudge.info; 4548 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.facebook.com/ThePerfectCupRoastery; 4548 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha, FL 33993
Eat The Daily Catch
Relax on the tiki bar swings, sip a fruity cocktail, and listen to live music at Yucatan Waterfront. The bar and grill serves Gulf Coast cuisine with Caribbean flavor. The menu at Miceli’s Restaurant includes everything from seafood to burgers, pastas, and pizzas. Miceli’s also has a waterfront location and live music in its tiki bar. Blue Dog Bar & Grill boasts the freshest seafood on the island, sourcing its ingredients from local fishermen, brewers, farmers, and ranchers on Pine Island and southwest Florida.
yucatanwaterfront.com; 4875 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.micelis.com; 3930 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
www.bluedogmatlacha.com; 4597 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
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