Day Trip🚗 1 hour from Naples

Pine Island & Matlacha Day Trip: Old Florida Art Village

Discover Pine Island and Matlacha—quirky art village, fresh seafood, and authentic Old Florida vibes just an hour from Naples.

Tours and activities

Book this tour

Search Pine Island & Matlacha Day Trip: Old Florida Art Village on Viator or GetYourGuide. Pick the operator and date on their site.

Opens a search on the booking site. You complete the reservation there.

Last updated: 1/5/2026·2 min read
Sanibel, United States

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Drive Time

1 hour

☀️

Best Season

Year-round

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Difficulty

easy

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Why Visit Pine Island & Matlacha?

Matlacha (pronounced "Mat-la-SHAY") is Florida's quirkiest fishing village—colorful buildings, local art galleries, fresh seafood, and zero chain stores. It's the gateway to laid-back Pine Island.


Quick Facts

DetailInformation
Distance~45 miles
Drive Time1 hour
CostFree (just food/shopping)
VibeArtsy, quirky, Old Florida

Matlacha Highlights

Art Galleries

  • Dozens of small galleries
  • Local artists
  • Blown glass, paintings, crafts

Colorful Architecture

  • Every building is painted bright
  • Instagram heaven
  • Quintessential Old Florida

Fresh Seafood

  • Perfect Union – Great cafe
  • Bert's Bar & Grill – Waterfront
  • Fresh local catch

Pine Island

Beyond Matlacha, Pine Island offers:

  • St. James City – Quiet fishing village
  • Bokeelia – Art galleries, tarpon lodge
  • No beaches – This is an agricultural/fishing island

Tips

  • Explore on foot in Matlacha
  • Cash useful – some small shops cash-only
  • Have lunch here – great seafood
  • Combine with Sanibel or Fort Myers

Frequently Asked Questions

No! Pine Island is a fishing and agricultural island with no beaches. Visit for the quirky art village vibe and seafood, not for beach time.

Tours and activities

Book this tour

Search Pine Island & Matlacha Day Trip: Old Florida Art Village on Viator or GetYourGuide. Pick the operator and date on their site.

Opens a search on the booking site. You complete the reservation there.

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