MATLACHA FLORIDA!A STEP BACK IN TIME!Colorful Matlacha FloridaCome to Matlacha Florida and, at first glance, you'll think you've stepped way back in time. All of the buildings in this quaint, funky fishing village are wonderfully colorful.
You won't find any high rises or traffic lights here. Only friendly down-home people who are happy to have you visit their special place. There are public boat ramps in Matlacha Florida, great seafood restaurants, and a wealth of art galleries, island wear shops, a fish market and a great bar with lots of local color and music on the waterfront deck.
You can arrange a great Florida fishing vacation from Matlacha, stay in a quaint waterfront motel and eat at great seafood restaurants. As you drive into the village, you will pass Moretti's Seafood Restaurant. It's an extremely popular spot for both lunch and dinner. Their menu has a definite German-Italian influence and is a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Matlacha Island Decor is the largest gift shop in Matlacha, and on all of Pine Island Florida. It's a great spot for finding unusual gift items and souvenirs. Attached to it is Tropical Island wear, a purveyor of beautiful island clothing, including sandals and accessories. Also in the parking lot overlooking Matlacha Pass, are two hanging artificial sharks, which makes a great vacation photo. Make sure you stop to shop and take a photo of you standing in front of the sharks.
On the other side of Pine Island Road is Le's Oriental Restaurant. They've been an outrageously good restaurant for over 20 years. Definitely worth a stop, especially if you've had your fill of seafood. Don't miss their crab rangoons. They're huge and fabulous!
It's located right on Matlacha Pass at the foot of the bridge that's called the "fishingest bridge in the country". Andy's Island Seafood Market and Bert's Gallery on the other side of the street are also at the foot of the bridge. As you can see, most everything is on the water. Here's a view from the Matlacha Pass Bridge.
After crossing over the bridge you'll find my favorite breakfast spot on the island, the Mulletville Restaurant. They have the best Eggs Benedict and Corned Beef Hash and Eggs around. Down and across the street is a wonderful fish market, the Matlacha Seafood Market.
Continuing down Pine Island Road, you'll pass more quaint shops and boutiques, as well as a great ice cream shop. Park your car and explore the shops. Make sure to get some ice cream also.
Finally, as you're about to leave this wonderful, fun village you'll come to Sandy Hook Restaurant. It is my absolute favorite in Matlacha for dinner. They are closed on Monday and open at 4:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday. The water view is beautiful and the food is great. You'll love the casual, family atmosphere with nautical decorations. It's a sure winner!
I hope you've enjoyed your tour of Matlacha Florida. Hopefully, you'll be able to visit in person. Now that we've toured Matlacha, you can turn at the stop light. Go right to get to
Bokeelia
and
Pineland,
and left to go to St. James City. |
