A Summer Day in Matlacha: The Perfect Itinerary

Planning to visit Southwest Florida some time soon? If you are not already planning to stay on wonderful Matlacha, you should consider making a day trip to explore what this vivacious little island has to offer. 

Matlacha has worked hard to rebuild after the devastating losses of Hurricane Ian and many other subsequent hurricanes and tornadoes. The charm of this island lies not only in its natural beauty and fun, artistic feel, but in the residents themselves. You will hardly find a more friendly town in Southwest Florida. 

As a local to the area, here is what I would consider a perfect day spent in Matlacha.

If you are an early bird like me, or just trying to make the most out of your visit to the Sunshine State, you should start your day by catching a gorgeous sunrise from Bat House Park. The tiny park sits at the base of the Matlacha Pass bridge, which was recently rebuilt after large parts were completely washed away in Hurricane Ian. You are likely to see fishermen along the bridge and at the park, enjoying the cool of the morning. Make sure to bring your camera, and be on the lookout for bottlenose dolphins and manatees! 

By now you have likely worked up an appetite, so head on over to The Perfect Cup for a delicious breakfast and a nice cup of coffee. They source their beans from all over the world and roast them in house for the best flavors. Try one of their custom blends for the full experience, like Bokeelia Heat Lightning, Matlacha Morning, or Pine Island Strong. They also offer several gluten free options on their menu.

Now that you are fueled up for the day, you are ready for some outdoor adventure! Mornings are the perfect time to explore Florida nature. One of my favorite activities is to kayak around the mangroves. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from Matlacha Outfitters or Gulf Coast Kayak, with the latter offering guided tours. If you prefer to stay off the water, take the opportunity to bike around the island. You can check out the neighborhoods to see unique homes and gardens. For families with children, Matlacha Park has a playground and large green space that is perfect for burning some energy. 

When you are ready for a great lunch, pop into Blue Dog Bar & Grill. My go to is the mullet or mahi tacos, I love how fresh all the food is here! They take great pride in sourcing their food from local fishermen and farmers. Make sure to look for the painted line of waves inside, which indicates how high the water got during Hurricane Ian.

Hopefully, by now you are fully convinced you need your own personal slice of paradise. So, when you are done with lunch, cross the street to RE/MAX Sunshine and ask about homes for sale! The agents in the office will be more than happy to chat with you about what is going on around the island and how the housing market is doing. You can also see lots of art from a local artist, Leoma Lovegrove, on display inside the office.

Summer in Florida means hot and humid afternoons, so make sure you drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. I recommend wearing a hat and a lightweight long sleeve fishing shirt (you will blend right in with the locals) to protect yourself from the intense sun. If you need help beating the heat, pop into CW Fudge Factory for a little sweet treat! You can find all sorts of goodies in there, from ice cream and fudge to popcorn and chocolates. 

Of course, the summer can also bring big rainstorms – and lightning. Always seek safe shelter as quickly as possible if you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching. Due to these weather conditions, I recommend trying to stay indoors in the afternoon. Thankfully, Matlacha has lots of art galleries and boutiques for you to explore! Some notable places to check out include the Matlacha Menagerie, Island Visions, Trader’s Hitching Post, and Island Flair.

Yucatan Waterfront Grill is the best place, in my opinion, to grab dinner. You will not be able to catch the direct sunset, as the restaurant faces south/southeast. However, you will still be able to see the sky light up in pinks, oranges, purples, and reds while looking out at the beautiful water of Matlacha Pass. Try to grab a seat on the waterfront or at the swing bar for the best experience. Now, sit back and enjoy a nice little fruity drink while you listen to some live music and soak up an authentic Florida evening.