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PINE ISLAND (Including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City)
Across the bay from Cape Coral is sleepy little Pine IslandIts shoreline being mainly mangrove forests, there are few beach opportunities, which suits the locals just fine as it has kept development from spoiling the island. Island residents work with local groups such as the Calusa Land Trust to keep it that way. But don’t let that stop you from including it in your vacation plans if you want a glimpse of the real Florida.
Fishing and agriculture are the main industries – in fact, the hibiscus was first developed here. Many citrus groves provide their fruit at roadside stands and the Mango Mania Tropical Fruit Fairl every summer is THE major event in the region.
Pineland Marina is where the boat ferries to Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key and North Captiva depart. At this marina, along with many others on the island, you can rent a boat to take part in this island’s favorite pastime – fishing. The absence of a sandy shoreline makes this one of the best angling spots in the area. Fly fishing is productive among the mangrove rooted shores but it doesn’t take long to get out where the big ones can be found.
Pine Island should be your destination for eco-tourism. It is home to the Randall Research Center - one of the main historical sites of Calusa Indian mounds. Kayaking and canoeing are enjoyed on the bays and estuaries of the Great Calusa Blueway Paddle Trail.
Getting to the beach means either driving to Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island or hopping into your boat, and the latter gets you onto the sugar sand beach much more quickly. Just off the southern tip of Pine Island is Picnic Island and a little further is Sanibel’s Lighthouse Beach. Or you can head up the Intracoastal Waterway to North Captiva or Cayo Costa State Park to find more secluded beaches.
Somewhere along the way, artists, authors, and musicians found Pine Island and especially Matlacha, which is an artsy colony that makes you smile with its quaint, tropically decorated cottages and shops. Many of the local restaurants serve up music along with local fare and Sunday afternoon jam sessions are legend. Pine Island has recently been dubbed “The Creative Coast.” If you just have to visit a mall or factory outlet center, there are many in Cape Coral and Fort Myers from which to choose.
Pine Island may be a little “rough around the edges” compared to much of Florida, but you are guaranteed a vacation in a casual, low-key, genuine island atmosphere.
Round out your vacation with an easy day trip to nearby Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel and Captiva Islands or the Naples area to the south.
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